Sex after menopause can be an uncomfortable activity for women. Here are 8 guides.
Even though menopause feels like a long time, make no mistake, perimenopause can start years earlier, you know. So, I don't think there's anything wrong with being aware of what's going on and what are the side effects of menopause. One of them is sexual activity. After menopause, sex can be a thing that makes women less comfortable. Due to hormonal changes, the vaginal area experiences vaginal dryness. While the skin on the inside and around the vagina feels itchy or burning. To keep this activity fun, here are 8 sex guidelines after menopause.
Using lubricant
Several medical conditions during menopause can affect blood flow coupled with stress and anxiety, so that most postmenopausal women will feel pain during sexual activity. This is when a lubricant or lubricant can help. Lubricants will generally reduce vaginal dryness that can cause friction sores during sexual intercourse.
Lubricants you can use include:
Water base: This water based lubricant contains more water and can be categorized as safe. Even so, you may have to add it a few times
Silicon base: Compared to waterbase lubricants, this lubricant lasts longer, but this silicone content is more prone to causing allergies.
Avoid using petroleum jelly as a lubricant
Apart from petroleum jelly, olive oil or baby oil should also not be used, right? Because it will only increase the risk of irritation and possibly infection. Lubricants that have an oil base will also make the condom work less than optimally.
Increase foreplay
When doing sexual activity, ask your partner to increase the duration of foreplay, so that the vagina is not dry and gives the opportunity for natural lubricants to be produced optimally. This of course requires a good level of communication with your partner.
Clean and care for the vaginal area properly
Clean the vaginal area using clean, cold or lukewarm water. Avoid using hot water to avoid irritation. In the use of feminine hygiene, make sure that the pH and content do not affect the normal flora of the vagina as the natural resistance of the female area. Avoid using cleaners made of detergents, soaps, oils, or washers that can cause dryness.
Manage stress
Stress and anxiety are definitely experienced by menopausal women along with hormonal changes. For that, you might be able to try to manage it. If you need help, mommies can contact a therapist, counselor, or psychologist. Whoever mommies believe.
Use the right underwear
Avoid undergarments that can irritate the skin. You should also not use underwear that is too tight to minimize vaginal dryness.
Stay active and exercise
There is an exercise that can help you retrain your pelvic floor, namely Kegel exercises. Mommies can also try pilates or yoga. Apart from wasting calories, yoga and Pilates can be relaxing.
Make sure your body is hydrated
Don't forget to keep drinking water at least 2.7 liters per day for women so that the body and skin avoid dehydration, in this case the skin around the vaginal area.