Painful Intercourse Post Menopause

Many side effects can accompany menopause, but some of the most annoying are those which affect a woman's sex life. Among these is the pain and discomfort that can accompany intercourse during and after menopause.

Significance

• The ovaries are producing less estrogen during the years surrounding menopause, and this causes the vagina to produce less secretions, causing the atmosphere there to be dry.

Identification

• The vaginal walls can also become very thin, inelastic and fragile because of this decrease in estrogen production. Sexual intercourse can be so uncomfortable that it may cause bleeding and spotting.

Prevention/Solution

• The use of a water-based lubricant can make intercourse much more enjoyable for both partners. These are available over the counter at most drug stores and can even be found on the shelves of some grocery stores.

Other Alternatives

• Sometimes your doctor will prescribe estrogen cream to help increase the blood flow and aid in restoring some of the elasticity of the vaginal wall.

Warning

• Pain experienced with intercourse may be due to a problem other than vaginal dryness because of menopause. If symptoms cannot be relieved with hormone cream or lubricant, consult your physician for possible other causes.