Vaginal dryness: a normal phenomenon during menopause
Geraldine, 53, married suffers from vaginal dryness while she still says have desire for her husband: “I do not understand why my vagina is less and less lubricated while my desire for my husband has not decreased. Menopausal, I also take an antidepressant. Is there a link? Lubricants can they help me and is it safe for me to use them? ”
Several possible causes
At the time of menopause, the ovaries make less estrogen. These hormones previously had the role (among others) of activating the lubrication of the vagina. When they are deprived of it, the mucous membranes are progressively less hydrated, therefore less humid. >> More info on menopause here.
– After menopause, a woman may have vaginal discomfort, the cause of which is not necessarily sexual. This phenomenon is comparable to that oferection in humans which becomes slower to establish over time.
– The treatment antidepressant that you are taking can also be involved, and contribute to this vaginal dryness. Do not hesitate to discuss this with your doctor. Perhaps it is possible to reduce the doses? Because having desire for your husband is one of the healing signs of depression.
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Vaginal dryness: practice long foreplay
Among the possible solutions to remedy this lack of lubrication, the preliminaries. Have your husband practice long foreplay and sexual fondling that lasts. After menopause, lubrication remains the same as you had before, but it must be more to produce the same effect, since the vaginal mucosa is less moist at the start.
>> To read also: Preliminaries: how to ask him
Vaginal dryness: use a suitable lubricant
You can use lubricants without limit since they present no risk. Prefer a long-lasting lubricant that contains hyaluronic acid such as Monasens® or Oxens®. In addition to the classic lubricating effect, this substance significantly improves comfort, as it draws water into the vagina. The lubricating effect is thus prolonged and eliminates the need to use it during intercourse. Used three times a week, these latest generation lubricants guarantee continuous hydration.
Your gynecologist may also prescribe a topical estrogen-based cream that will increase vaginal and sexual comfort.
>> To read also: Sexo: your 8 most frequent questions
Vaginal dryness: muscle your perineum
Very effective also, the “sexual gymnastics”, that is to say the musculation of the perineum. Exercising the muscles that surround the vagina helps increase blood flow to this area and maintain better lubrication. This bodybuilding can be done alone or with a physiotherapist trained in these exercises. Practicing them regularly will allow you to maintain functional and fulfilling sexuality for a very long time.
>> To read also: how to tone your perineum for more pleasure
Thanks to Dr Catherine Solano, doctor-sexologist at Cochin hospital.