Menopause. A word often whispered and associated with a collection of symptoms and cultural baggage that reduces it to hot flashes, mood swings, and the “end” of a woman’s sexual life. But let’s set the record straight: women don’t hang up their sensual shoes once menopause arrives. Sexuality is an integral part of human nature, regardless of age. And, yes, people do have sex after menopause.
Menopause: A New Phase, Not The End
Menopause signifies the close of a woman’s reproductive phase, but not her sexual journey. Indeed, hormonal shifts can affect libido, arousal, and comfort during intercourse. For instance, declining estrogen can introduce challenges like vaginal dryness. But women’s experiences vary: while some note a dip in desire, others find a surge or no change at all.
Fortunately, today’s treatments, including lubricants, vaginal moisturizers, and hormone therapies, offer relief from these physical discomforts. For many, the post-menopausal years are a time of liberation and exploration, free from concerns of menstruation or unexpected pregnancies. Thus, with the right resources and understanding, any challenges can be navigated and even turned into opportunities for renewed intimacy.
Changes in Sexual Habits
The lack of regular menstrual periods and fear of pregnancy can lead to a more spontaneous and uninhibited sexual experience. For some, it’s a chance to explore new dimensions of intimacy that might have been overlooked in younger years, and potentially shift the emphasis from intercourse to other forms of intimacy such as touching, oral sex, and mutual masturbation. With potential anxieties put to rest, postmenopausal sex can be a time of deepened connection, trust, and pleasure – and the narrative of what “sex” means can be rewritten, providing a broader, richer tapestry of intimate experiences.
Older, Wiser, and Still Getting It On
Growing older often brings about a deeper self-awareness, clearer communication, and a confidence that can significantly enhance intimate encounters. The pleasure derived from emotional connections, mutual respect, and understanding one’s body can lead to a satisfaction that, though different, is profoundly enriching.
Safe Sex Isn’t Just for the Young: The STI Reality Check for Older Adults
The recent surge in common STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis has taken many by surprise, especially given that it’s our grandparents’ generation seeing the starkest increase: even though older adults generally have the lowest STI rates, theirs doubled from 2014 to 2019.
Why’s this happening? Well, there’s a cocktail of reasons.
For starters, many seniors might feel they’re out of the STI woods and skip safety steps like condoms or STI testing when getting intimate with a new partner. It doesn’t help that many grew up in a time when condoms were more about avoiding unplanned babies than dodging infections.
Add to that the magic of modern medicine. With pills for erectile dysfunction and hormone therapies on their side, a lot of older folks are staying sexually active. And let’s not forget about the buzzing social scene at assisted living facilities, which might feel a bit like college dorms but with way more life experience.
Despite all this action, there’s a big gap in sexual health education for this age group. It’s been decages since many of them sat through “the talk,” and a lot of information changes or gets forgotten. This outdated knowledge might make them think they’re not at risk, leading to less testing and later treatments.
With the worry of pregnancy out of the picture post-menopause, some might think, “Why bother with condoms?” But as these rising rates show, practicing safe sex is crucial for maintaining sexual health – regardless of age.
Embracing the New Normal
The cultural buzz – often loud and inescapable – likes to paint older women in a certain light, especially when it comes to their sexuality. The narrative, influenced heavily by media and outdated stereotypes, suggests that once menopause hits, women’s intimate interests fade into obscurity. But in reality? That’s far from the truth. Women post-menopause are still actively participating, enjoying, and desiring intimate moments.
There’s an urgent need to change the conversation surrounding postmenopausal sexuality. Doing so not only challenges societal views but also empowers women to seek guidance, solutions, and embrace a fulfilling intimate life. As in any stage of life, communication remains paramount. The journey is about understanding, adapting, and ensuring that intimacy continues to be a cherished connection.
Menopause is another chapter in a woman’s diverse life story. It brings changes, yes, but they aren’t roadblocks – merely detours.
Final Word: Celebrating Every Shade of Sensuality
Sex doesn’t have an expiration date. It evolves, shifts, and morphs through life’s various phases. Menopause may bring changes, but it doesn’t signal an end. With a comprehension of bodily changes, a continued focus on safety, and an appreciation for deeper emotional ties that mature years can bring, this phase can be one of the most rewarding chapters of one’s intimate journey. And as society, it’s time we shed the taboos and recognize the rich tapestry of human sexuality that extends well beyond the bounds of youth.
Kae Burdo
Kae Burdo is a queer and poly Oklahoma-based freelance writer and digital marketing professional with over a decade of experience in alternative sexuality and relationship education and advocacy. Their passions include travel, sour beers, international politics, the vast range of human sexuality, cross-stitching, intersectional feminism, and technology and startups. Follow them on Twitter @kaeburdo.
