Whether you’re postmenopausal, in menopause or simply curious about what may be down the road, most likely you have questions regarding menopause and sex.
When that happens, it’s time to start a conversation with your doctor. It’s also a good test to learn if your doctor is comfortable addressing this subject. If not, look for another doctor who is.
Every woman has her own experience with menopause and her questions may differ from those of others. Here are six questions plus typical answers to help start a conversation about menopause and sex with your doctor.
1) When can I stop worrying about getting pregnant?
Despite the decline in fertility that occurs during perimenopause, getting pregnant is still possible until menopause is reached. This can be true even if several months have passed without a period.
Statistically, however, the chance of pregnancy occurring naturally after the age of 40 is around 5 percent at best, cautioned Healthline.com.
2) What kind of birth control is best for me during perimenopause?
This is definitely a question for your doctor. Birth control options include oral contraceptive, progestin-only hormonal contraception, non-hormonal IUDs or condoms.
3) Do I still have to worry about sexually transmitted diseases?
Yes. Many postmenopausal women don't realize they are still at risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. Therefore they neglect using condoms since they no longer worry about pregnancy. Sadly, incidents of HIV in the over-50 age group are rising.
4) How might my sex drive change as I approach menopause?
A dip in one’s sex drive is often experienced with menopause. This may be attributed to a decrease in hormones that are being produced at this time.
However while some women experience a decrease in sex drive, others find their sex drive may actually increase.
5) I'm not in the mood for sex as much as I used to be. Is it because I’m going through menopause, or could it be something else?
Yes, it could be due to something else. When talking with your doctor, be ready with a diary of symptoms such as their character, frequency, duration, intensity and triggers.
Not being in the mood for sex can also stem from emotional changes. These often accompany menopause and can add to a woman’s loss of interest in sex.
6) What can I do to get my sex drive back?
Reviving your sex drive may be achievable with a healthy diet, regular exercise, good sleep and good mental health. Don’t smoke, and avoid drugs and alcohol as they can slow down how your body responds.
Regardless of your choice of questions, your doctor should listen carefully and provide answers that make sense to you.
Sources:
"A New Edition for a New Era - Our Bodies Ourselves." A New Edition for a New Era - Our Bodies Ourselves. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Feb. 2014.
http://www.ourbodiesourselves.org/book/companion.asp?id=26&compID=47
"Birth Control during perimenopause." The Austin Diagnostic Clinic. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Feb. 2014.
http://www.adclinic.com/2012/04/birth-control-perimenopause/#.UvF7az-YbVI
"Can I Get Pregnant During Perimenopause?" Healthlines RSS News. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Feb. 2014.
http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/hold-that-pause/can-i-get-pregnant-during-perimenopause
"Diseases & Conditions." Cleveland Clinic. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Jan. 2014.
http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/menopause/hic_sex_and_menopause.aspx
"How to Talk to Your Doctor About Your Menopause Symptoms." About.com Menopause. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Jan. 2014.
http://menopause.about.com/od/menopausemedicaltreatment/a/AskMenoDoctor.htm
"Menopause and sexuality."womenshealth.gov. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Feb. 2014.
http://womenshealth.gov/menopause/menopause-sexuality
"Menopause: 10 Questions To Ask Your Doctor on MedicineNet.com." MedicineNet. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Jan. 2014.
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=39395
"Sexual Health & Menopause Online." Sex and Menopause, Sexual Side Effects of Menopause. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Feb. 2014.
http://www.menopause.org/for-women/sexual-health-menopause-online
"The Truth about Sex after Menopause." Woman's Day. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Jan. 2014.
http://www.womansday.com/sex-relationships/sex-tips/the-truth-about-sex-after-menopause-99603
Reviewed February 5, 2014
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith