As if we didn't already have enough reasons, now that we're in midlife, more factors come into play when it comes to our sexual desire, interest, and overall wellness. Perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms are significant changes in a woman's life that often affect how we feel about intimacy, self-pleasure, and our sex drive. Besides nearing or reaching the end of menstruation, hormonal shifts are happening inside our bodies and minds that impact how we feel both physically and emotionally.
But hey, let's tackle these challenges head-on! This phase of life is the perfect time to question our long-held beliefs, explore new possibilities, and discover ways to enhance our journey towards sexual fulfillment.
Now is our time for a sexual wellness movement where we prioritize our sexual health and well-being. This period of life offers an opportunity to reconnect with our bodies and explore our desires. Embracing this journey can lead to heightened sexual wellness and a deeper understanding of what truly brings us joy.
Adapting to a Changing Body and Evolving Needs
As we enter our middle years, our bodies and minds may go through significant changes that affect our sexual experiences. It's normal to face new sexual challenges due to these changes. By understanding them, we can find new ways to experience pleasure and for many, it's better than ever!
Some physical and emotional aspects that can occur during perimenopause and menopause include:
- Hormonal Fluctuations: Estrogen and testosterone levels drop during this time, directly impacting libido and arousal.
- Physical Discomforts: Vaginal dryness, thinning of the vaginal walls, or decreased blood flow can lead to painful intercourse, deterring sexual activity.
- Emotional Changes: Mood swings, depression, and anxiety may arise, influencing one's sexual desire and contributing to feelings of frustration and disconnect in relationships.
- Energy Levels: Stress and fatigue can lessen the interest in sexual engagement.
- Self-image Issues: Changes in weight, skin elasticity, and hair texture can affect self-esteem and desire.
- Hot Flashes: These sudden waves of heat can disrupt intimacy and sleep, impacting mood and sexual interest.
Yes, I see you nodding your head to many (most) of this list! I am here to say, "Don't quit!" There are solutions and strategies that can help navigate these challenges and enhance sexual pleasure.
Rediscovering What Feels Good
Our changing bodies may require some creativity and openness in finding what feels good sexually. Here are a few things to try:
- Prioritize Foreplay: Take time for extended foreplay to enhance arousal and make intercourse more pleasurable.
- Schedule Intimacy: Consider planning intimate moments when energy levels are higher and you feel most relaxed.
- Rediscover what you like: Spending time experimenting with different types of touch, pressure, and temperature may help you discover new ways to climax. Self-exploration is key to understanding what excites you, allowing you to communicate your desires clearly with a partner (if desired). Also, climaxing alone takes away those pesky self-image issues.
- Explore New Sexual Positions: Some positions that used to be comfortable may not feel as good anymore. Don't be afraid to explore different angles and use pillows or other supports to make sex more enjoyable.
- Communicate Openly: Intimacy issues often arise as communication barriers between partners. It's crucial to have open conversations about desires, expectations, and experiences. Couples may need to redefine what intimacy means for them during this stage of life, which could involve trying out new forms of touch or exploring different types of sexual wellness tools.
- Seek Medical Advice: A healthcare professional who specializes in menopausal health can provide guidance on hormone therapy or other treatments that may help.
Integrating sexual wellness tools into your routine can also play a pivotal role in enhancing pleasure:
- Vibrators & Massagers: These devices stimulate blood flow to the genital area, increasing arousal and moisture, which can lead to more satisfying orgasms.
- Lubricants: Organic, Ph-balanced, water-based lubricants and moisturizers help alleviate vaginal dryness, making sexual activity smoother and more comfortable. Use them liberally! Even if you think you're wet enough.
- Arousal Stimulants: In the Mood Libido Drops are a gentle and natural libido booster to help get you, ahem, in the mood. Arousal lubricants and balms provide an extra tingle to help boost desire.
Prioritizing Self-Care and Vaginal Health
Taking care of yourself is crucial for maintaining vaginal health during perimenopause, menopause and beyond. Here are some key practices:
- Hydration: Staying hydrated is important for vaginal health, as it helps maintain moisture and elasticity. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Lubricants & Moisturizers: These products offer long-term relief from dryness, even outside of intimate moments. Who knew daily skincare should include vaginal moisturizers too?
- Pelvic Floor Exercises: Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles can improve vaginal tone and increase sexual pleasure. Kegel exercises are a simple and effective way to target these muscles. Do you know what else tones the pelvic floor? Orgasms!
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Including foods rich in phytoestrogens (like soy products) in your diet might help with hormonal balance. Additionally, consuming a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins can support overall hormone health.
- Hormones: While not for everyone, hormones are a simple solution in alleviating A LOT of peri-menopause and menopause symptoms. In terms of sexual health, look to hormones to alleviate the dryness, fatigue and low libido. Plus, they help with so much more! (Goodbye brain fog, and bloat, and lack of energy, and anxiety, and...)
- Check-ups: Make sure to schedule appointments with your healthcare provider to discuss any concerns or questions you have about your vaginal health. Finding a menopause specialist can offer guidance and suggest appropriate treatments or therapies to alleviate discomfort and enhance sexual satisfaction.
The Role of Intimacy in Overall Well-being
Sexual health and well-being are closely tied to our overall quality of life, especially as we enter our prime years. Having an active sex life can bring about a range of positive effects for our mind, body, and relationships:
- Improved Mood: Engaging in sexual activity triggers the release of endorphins, also known as "feel-good" hormones. This can instantly lift your spirits and bring about a sense of happiness.
- Stress Reduction: Being intimate with your partner acts as a natural stress reliever. During sexual activities, the body's cortisol levels (the stress hormone) decrease, leading to a greater sense of relaxation and calmness.
- Enhanced Quality of Relationships: Sharing intimate moments with your partner can strengthen the emotional bond between you two. It creates an opportunity for open communication, deepening your connection and building trust.
- Better Sleep: After an orgasm, the body releases hormones like oxytocin and prolactin, which can make people feel relaxed and satisfied. At the same time, the body reduces cortisol, a hormone that can make people feel alert and excited. This combination of hormonal changes can help you sleep! This study found that 65 percent of participants who experienced an orgasm before bed reported better sleep.
These aspects of sexual health play a vital role in our personal fulfillment and emotional well-being. By recognizing the significance of intimacy for both our mental and physical health, women in their middle years can enrich their lives with fulfilling experiences that extend beyond just the physical act of sex.
Sexual wellness products from brands like Oboo are designed to complement these benefits by enhancing comfort and pleasure, allowing midlife women to fully embrace their intimacy without compromise. Whether through solo exploration or intimate moments with a partner, these tools serve as valuable aids in maintaining a healthy and gratifying sexual journey.
Final Thoughts
Embracing sexuality in midlife is not just about taking care of yourself; it's a powerful way to find happiness and satisfaction. You have the ability to shape your own experiences and continue living a life that celebrates who you are and what you desire. Oboo is here to support you on this journey, offering a range of sexual wellness products designed specifically for your needs.
How Oboo Can Help You Rediscover YOU:
- Discover Vibrators: Designed for pleasure and ease, these tools can rejuvenate your sense of excitement and exploration. And the idea that our husbands may be offended is an old one. Many would much rather you enjoying intimacy with them, than feeling like you just want to get it over with.
- Explore Organic Lubricants & Moisturizers: Natural formulations provide gentle care, ensuring comfort and enhancing intimate moments. Oboo's Lubricants contain organic and natural ingredients known to help balance hormones and boost arousal.
- Try Vulva Balms: Address dryness with products that help maintain balance and well-being, making discomfort way more comfortable.
By embracing these tools, you can approach this new phase of your life with confidence, knowing that your safety, satisfaction, and self-discovery are being prioritized. Visit Oboo to explore a thoughtfully curated selection of sexual wellness items tailored to midlife individuals like you.
Oboo is your go-to spot for premium self-care and sexual wellness solutions. Created by and for all who are perimenopausal and menopausal, we understand the unique challenges and desires (or lack thereof) related to sexual health and pleasure during this stage of life. We firmly believe that there's still a lot of living and loving to do and plenty of Os to enjoy.