“Many things can influence a woman’s sexuality“, begins Dr. Catherine Solano, sexologist and andrologist doctor at the Cochin hospital in Paris.
First, contraception can have an impact on a woman’s sexuality throughout her life. “Hormonal birth control can cause low libido in 40 to 60% of women“, explains Dr. Solano. Also, when we reach our forties, we often evolve towards non-hormonal contraception such as a copper IUD, tubal ligation or ligation of the vas in the partner. “I see women for whom it is a revelation: their libido is reborn and is then much higher than under hormonal contraception“.
How menopause changes sex life
The arrival of the menopause, around the age of 50, can be a good time for sexuality, because from this moment on, there is no longer any contraceptive mental burden, often resting entirely on the woman. As a result, many women feel liberated, are no longer afraid of a surprise pregnancy and their sexuality can flourish more easily. For others, menopause is not easy and their libido may be affected. Of course, hormonal treatments exist…
Within five years of the onset of menopause, a vaginal and vulvar dryness may appear. It is likely to cause pain, irritation, small urinary disorders and can reach the desire: necessarily, if the sexual relationship hurts, we do not want to start again. It is therefore important to talk to a doctor about it, because suitable and effective treatments exist.
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“The departure of children who become students or start working can lead to a revival of the couple’s sexual life“, indicates the specialist. Indeed, I see in consultation couples who say to me: “Phew, we can walk around naked at home if we want, we can make love at any time of the day. day, weekend or evening, and it’s great, we end up sexually a bit like students.” Of course, for other couples, the departure of children can be sad, even depressing when the couple does not not cultivate enough joys for two!
Less desire with age
As age advances, retirement arrives, one may be affected by more health concerns: diabetes, high blood pressure, excess cholesterol, sedentary lifestyle, weight gain; all this can affect sexuality. And taking medication sometimes leads to sexual side effects. You have to dare to ask your doctor about it. And take the time to take care of yourself to try to remedy it.
And then, with advancing age, certain natural changes appear. Desire becomes less compelling, sexual lubrication is a bit slower in coming, and orgasm may also take longer to come. It is therefore recommended to practice longer foreplay and to invest sensuality. Note that the pleasure remains intact and still as pleasant.
