Did you know that vaginal estrogen is the primary way we treat vaginal health as we age through and beyond menopause.
As women enter menopause, generally sexual frequency becomes less common, and intercourse as the sexual activity becomes less frequent. This may be due to a woman’s vaginal dryness, or her male partner’s difficulty with ED.
And the type of sex will definitely determine how healthy the vulvar, vaginal, urethral (and even the rectal/anal) tissues are in need of vaginal estrogen. Those trying to maintain intercourse and sexual penetration may need more therapy than women who have stopped having sexual intimacy.
If you are having difficulty with arousal or orgasm, it may be linked to the levels of testosterone.
For some women it will mean they need systemic estrogen or testosterone as part of their therapy, for others vaginal estrogen therapy alone will work. Hormone levels, tissue health, and bladder symptoms will guide therapy the most.
The frequency of sex decreases in menopausal women for many reasons. And not everyone needs to continue sexual function to be healthy. But for those who want to maintain a healthy sex life, we suggest a regimen of hormonal and therapeutic treatments.
Sometimes getting the right therapy, and then tailoring that therapy to how often and what type of sex you have can be difficult.
A study published in in Menopause: August 2019 – Volume 26 – Issue 8 – p 816–822 , called Sexual frequency and pain, they looked a in a randomized group of sexually active women in menopause using a variety of therapies including vaginal estradiol tablets, moisturizer, and placebo in postmenopausal women, to see which might be ‘best’ as a rule.
We use this information and our unique perspective of vaginal floor health and therapies to answer your questions, based on your personal needs.
Call for appointment, 217-356-3736.
