Sensuality and Menopause"Before I hit menopause my husband and I had an active and satisfying sex life. Now I don't even want him to touch me. I feel unattractive, feelings of sexuality have changed, I have difficulty having an orgasm and I have problems with vaginal dryness that makes intercourse painful. It's been really hard on our relationship." Sandy is not alone. Many women entering menopause find themselves in a similar situation. But sex after menopause doesn't have to be rife with challenges. It just needs a different approach and a different attitude. As hormone levels fluctuate our desire for sex also changes. One minute we can be 'randy and ready' while the next we're repulsed by the thought of sex. Add in to the mix the changing libido, needs and abilities of partners, and you may find coping with all the changes hard on the relationship. The key is open, honest, and safe communication where each party willingly expresses their feelings and desires and makes compromises for the good of the relationship. But what happens if you aren't in a relationship. It's not as though you give up on your sexuality. You still have needs and desires. Masturbation may not be something you feel comfortable with...yet, and the dating scene has changed a lot since you were younger. There's a lot to think about.
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