Aside from a bottle of fine wine, there aren’t many things in life that get better with age — though for some women sex is one of them. You don’t need us to tell you that sex can have myriad benefits throughout your life, and menopausal women can reap even more health benefits, from the obvious (stress relief) to the surprising (migraine prevention). Read on to learn more about the benefits of sex after menopause.
1. Sex is better than it was in your 20s
In your 20s, you were likely still figuring who you wanted to be: your likes, dislikes, and your goals. The same is true for your sex life, and it’s possible that you had some not-so-great sex in order to determine what you really wanted. During that time, you were only beginning to build your confidence. By the time you reach your 40s and 50s, you’re much more likely to know for sure what you want from your partner and how to ask for it.
2. Sex equals stress relief
Menopause mood swings are brutal. One minute you’re fine and the next you’re ready to burst into tears. It’s no wonder why so many menopausal women experience increased stress. Well, the good news is that sex is a natural stress reliever, soothing anxiety like few things can. Touching and hugging release feel-good hormones, promoting feelings of relaxation and contentment.
3. Sex after menopause is good for your vagina
Vaginal atrophy is a real thing. It’s true that if you don’t use it, you can lose it. Without increased blood flow to the vagina, you have a greater chance of experiencing vaginal atrophy. The solution? Being sexually active during perimenopause and after menopause helps maintain the blood flow needed to keep vaginal tissue healthy.
4. It strengthens the pelvic floor
About 30 percent of women experience incontinence at some point in their lives, with two of the most common times being after childbirth and after menopause. Kegel exercises are one way to beat incontinence. The other way? Regular sex. When you orgasm, you contract the muscles of the pelvic floor, which strengthen them — just in case you needed an excuse to have more orgasms.
5. It gets your heart rate up
Yes, sex does count as exercise. Though not a replacement for hitting the gym or running the trail, sex elevates your heart rate and burns about 5 calories per minute.
6. Sex will help you sleep better
The sleep struggle for menopausal women is very real, with 56 percent of women reporting they get less than seven hours of shut-eye per night, and 31% reporting that they have trouble staying asleep. Between night sweats and other menopause symptoms, getting a good night’s rest can feel impossible. But according to sleep.org, sex boosts oxytocin and lowers cortisol, and orgasms release prolactin. The result is a drowsy state that ultimately leads to a deeper, more restful sleep.
Celebrate sex after menopause
Sex after menopause can improve your mood, help you sleep, relieve stress, and so much more. Best of all, when you’re in the prime of your life, you have the confidence to enjoy sex more than ever before. Use FemmePharma’s personal lubricant and vaginal moisturizer to help with the dryness during sex!
To learn more, read 7 Myths About Menopause and Sex Drive.