The sexual changes of aging for women are less noticeable and disruptive but more variable and complex than for men. Small reductions in the responsiveness of the breasts, the sexual flush, and the engorgement or the expansiveness of the vagina can be measured by the researcher, but are not likely to be experienced by women. However, there are changes that affect womens sexual experiences. Changes of aging that noticeably affect some women are:

Decrease in vaginal lubrication.

Thinning and tightening of the vaginal wall.

Painful intercourse.

Decrease in frequency of sexual desire.

Slowing of arousal and response.

Decrease in vaginal lubrication. Vaginal dryness is often an early and disruptive symptom of falling estrogen levels. Vaginal muscle exercises (Kegels) are most effective for maintaining good vaginal blood circulation and enhancing natural lubrication. During sexual intercourse, Astroglide, Probe, AquaLub, and other lubricants can be used to reduce irritation and friction. Replens is a moisturizer that actually plumps up the tissue. Daily intake of 15 mg. of zinc, 400

I.U.s of natural Vitamin E, some form of essential fatty acid (salmon, tuna, Evening Primrose Oil, Black Currant Seed Oil), and other herbal extracts can help. Thinning and tightening of the vaginal wall. Vaginal atrophy, the thinning and loss of elasticity of the vaginal walls, is the consequence of diminishing estrogen production and lack of use. Estrogen replacement therapy and/or estrogen creams help restore the vaginal wall even as they help with lubrication. In addition, increased sexual activity and exercising the vaginal muscles (200 per day is ideal) will help to preserve the vaginal epithelium by increasing blood flow. Painful intercourse. Women suffer pain during intercourse because of the thinning of the vaginal walls, decreased lubrication, or painful contractions of the uterus. The uterus, just like the vagina, can shrink some because of estrogen loss.

The uterine muscle contractions of orgasm that used to be smooth and pleasurable become spastic and painful. Tissue atrophy can also affect the bladder and structures leading to the bladder causing pain with urination and upon penile thrusting in the vagina. A few women report the onset of intense migraine headaches with orgasms that seem to be set up by triggered hormonal changes. Estrogen replacement restores full sexual functioning without pain for most of these issues. The estrogen patch is probably the best method of delivery for women with migraines because the body absorbs the hormone more continuously and stabilizes estrogen levels. When estrogen replacement is not possible or recommended, other natural remedies should be pursued. The Menopause Manager by the Mayos is an excellent resource.3 Decrease in frequency of sexual desire. Changes in desire and frequency vary greatly among women. Some women report no change; others report increased desire and frequency, while still others note a significant drop in both their interest and their activity. Why the differences? Testosterone, which we have traditionally identified as the male hormone, is significantly related to sexual desire for women just as it is for men.

We would recommend that a woman of any age who experiences low levels of sexual desire ask her physician to have her free testosterone level checked. If it is in the low range or below normal, many women benefit from applying a 1% to 2% testosterone cream to the vulvar area once or twice daily. We have found the best effects from cream ordered from The Womens International Pharmacy in Madison,

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Wisconsin (1.800.279.5708). Other issues affect desire as well. Women who suffer pain will find that their enthusiasm for sex will wane. No one looks forward to enduring pain. Other changes of aging and menopause can decrease womens sexual drive. Sleep disturbance, depression, concern about loss of attractiveness, low energy, physical ailments, and sexual or health changes in the husband can all affect
sexual desire.

Women who associate sexual desirability and desire with ability to reproduce may shut down once they reach menopause. Others use the changes of aging as an excuse to finally be free of sexual activity that they never did enjoy. Those who desired and enjoyed sex before the changes of aging are likely to continue to do so throughout old age even though they may experience some dips along the way. Slowing of arousal and response. What once took 10 to 20 seconds of sexual stimulation to lubricate may now take a relaxed 5 to 10 minutes of love play to become moist. The need for more time and more pleasure is a great reason for a woman to get to know her body and teach her husband what she enjoys. He needs more time too, so this is your opportunity to take time, experiment, and add some newness and creativity.Take help from telephone therapist.

The degree to which women experience symptoms depends on how much and how fast their estrogen levels drop, their testosterone levels, their genetic disposition to aging (how Mother aged), their overall health, their continued sexual activity and enjoyment, the diligence with which they exercise their vaginal muscles, and their attitudes about aging, sex, and this stage of life.

Getting Ready for the Best in the New Millennium

As seniors move into the last third of their lives, it is crucial that they prepare for the changes that are likely to affect their sex lives. Information and preparation are empowering. Those who become informed, prepare for, and embrace this exciting time in their lives will:  Continue or begin an active sex life that is mutually enjoyable.  Plan and prepare for their times together.