by Rachel Burt, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner at Roswell OB/GYN………………………………….
Your friends and co workers going through menopause will have no trouble telling you all about their hot flashes and weight gain. But, they might not be so open talking about sex after menopause. Unfortunately, as our periods vanish, so does the vaginal moisture. When estrogen levels decline, the vaginal mucosa dries and the canal narrows. Sex for some women can become uncomfortable or even painful after menopause. My first recommendation is to start using lubricant. You can try any water based lubricants such as Astroglide, K-Y silk-e or Replens. These lubricants are all sold over the counter. If you are having discomfort, I recommend you avoid any flashy products – warming oils- etc. In some cases, the lubricants may not be enough. Many women are candidates for local estrogen therapy. We can prescribe estrogen in the form of tablets or creams that is inserted in the vagina for a local effect. The estrogen helps to increase elasticity and moisture. The quantity of estrogen absorbed into the bloodstream is very low because of the administration directly to the vagina and twice weekly dosing regimen. Please make an appointment to see if you are a candidate for this therapy.
If you have additional irritation, dryness or change in discharge, please make an appointment to be evaluated. We need to confirm you do not have any vaginal infections.
You can continue to have painless sex after menopause. Please don’t be afraid to talk to us about it.
Please schedule an appointment with us if you have any concerns or questions:
770 751 3600
