Menopause is a stage of life that awaits all women, and yet it can still be difficult for women to ask their doctors about the menopausal symptoms that they experience. We have compiled a list of questions to ask in order to help women start this conversation and to get the information that they need on how menopause can affect their sex lives.
Women of all ages value their sexuality, and view this topic as appropriate for discussion with a physician . Still, doctors tend to avoid this topic unless the patient brings it up. Good communication is key to treating your concerns about sexual function. Two processes that can affect a woman’s sexual function are menopause and perimenopause. These concerns may be very distressing for some women, and less bothersome for others. Luckily, there are safe and effective treatments available to help women maintain sexual function through the menopausal transition.
Here are some questions to ask your doctor about sex and menopause:
- How might perimenopause and menopause affect my sexual function?
- Will menopause affect my interest in sex? What can I do to improve or restore my libido?
- How might my sexual function change during and after menopause?
- Could I try using estrogen to make sex more comfortable? What are the risks and benefits of using menopausal hormone therapy?
- How can I practice safe sex after menopause? Am I still at risk for sexually transmitted infections?
- Is there anything I can do to alleviate pain with intercourse that started since menopause?
- What are vaginal dilators? Would they be helpful for me during menopause?
- Is it okay to masturbate after menopause? Is it safe for me to use a vibrator?
- How can physical therapy or sex therapy help me address menopause-related sexual function concerns?
- What changes in sexual function do men experience with age?
Click here to download these questions about sex and menopause that you can share with your health care professionals to start this conversation.
Edited by Lilly Lerer