MENU

Related Topic

Arginine for sex
DHEA
Enhancer
Hormonal
Menopause
Orgasm
Sex Connnection
Horny Goat
Women's Chart
Sex
hj.jpg (2381 bytes)
Pain with Sexual Relations
in Older Women
colorline.gif (1017 bytes)

Related Products

Anti-Aging
Beauty Aids
DHEA
Female Enhance
Hormone Health
Longevity
Women's Vitamins
Multi-Vitamins
Sexually Health
Testosterone

Pain with intercourse (dyspareunia) is not uncommon in older women. About 10% of all women want to discuss pain during sex at their annual gynecological examinations. Two-thirds of this group are women in their menopausal years.

On This Page
Causes of Pain with Sex
Options for Treatment

The decline in hormone levels at menopause brings changes in vaginal tissues. The reduced circulation that occurs with aging affects the entire body. The vaginal tissues become thin and less moist. There is less vaginal wetness even when the woman is sexually aroused. What may be an occasional problem for the menopausal woman and her partner could become a more frequent and serious problem in later years if it is not addressed early and treated.

bullet
Causes of Pain with Sex
Menopause:
At menopause the levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone drop, ovaries stop releasing eggs, and menstrual periods stop. As a result, a woman may notice changes, especially dryness, in her vaginal tissues. The lining of the vagina becomes thinner and less responsive to stretching, which can cause pain during sex.

Other diseases and conditions:

endometriosis (growth of fragments of endometrium, the tissue that normally lines the uterus, in other places, such as the vagina or intestines)
tipped uterus, often due to relaxed ligament support
infections of the bladder or urethra (the tube from the bladder to the outside)
scarring from childbirth, episiotomy repair, or vaginal support surgery to correct urinary incontinence
pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infection in the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries and surrounding tissues
sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as genital herpes or genital warts that can appear on or around the vagina
intercourse following prolonged periods of not having sex
spermicides or irritating douche solutions
adhesions or tumors of the uterus (fibroids), tubes, or ovaries (cysts).
 
bullet
Lack of Sexual Response:
When a woman does not produce enough moisture or lubrication in her vagina as a response to sexual arousal or stimulation, the cause is due either to physical factors such as menopause, to psychological factors, or to a combination of both.
Many older couples and singles are faced with difficult circumstances that can contribute to lack of sexual response:
illness or frailty, either of self or of partner, such that either sex is not considered a priority or is avoided out of a fear of hurting or being hurt
loss of partner due to death or divorce
lack of privacy and sexual freedom as a result of sharing a home with relatives or living in a retirement home that does not offer privacy
psychological discomfort with sex outside of marriage
dilemmas of widows and widowers, such as having to face financial hardships should they remarry because Social Security benefits would be reduced.
bullet
Options for Treatment
Hormone replacement therapy:
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) refers to taking hormones to replace the natural hormones that dwindle as the ovaries stop functioning after menopause. HRT will reduce or get rid of many of the symptoms of menopause that cause painful sex, such as vaginal dryness.

In addition, HRT helps to prevent osteoporosis (thinning and weakening of the bones due to lack of estrogen after menopause) as well as heart disease among women who are at risk for coronary disease. There are some risks associated with HRT, however, including some forms of cancer for a limited number of women. You will want to discuss the benefits and risks of HRT with your doctor.

Vaginal lubricants:
While in the past, any woman who had a problem with sex would automatically be thought of as frigid, we now know there is usually a medical or health-related reason. A woman might like and want to have sex, but avoid it because it hurts. Sex may be uncomfortable or painful because there is not enough moisture in the vagina.

Therapists and doctors recommend use of a vaginal lubricant to women who cannot take HRT to prevent the discomfort caused by lack of moisture in the vagina during sex. Use of a vaginal lubricant should not suggest that either partner has a sexual problem. Benefits of vaginal lubricants include:

bulletless irritation and fewer tears of vaginal tissue
bulletless irritation and pain of the penis
bulletgreater ease of penetration
bulletbetter climate for an exchange of affection without fear of pain or discomfort.

Product Recommendations

Damginseng.jpg (2711 bytes)

460  mg. of Damiana, Siberian Ginseng, Foti, Gotu kola, Sarsaparilla, Saw palmetto, Licorice, Wild yam. Used for Infertility, impotence, and sexual related problems. Improves sex drive. For men and women.  Buy Damiana & Ginseng More infor on Damiana

wpe3.jpg (2457 bytes)
Intimate Moisture
Relieves vaginal dryness instantly, protects tissue, enhances intimacy. FDA tested for safety. Gynecologist/dermatologist tested and recommended. Non-sticky, leaves no residue. Approx. 64 applications.
 Buy Intimate Moisture
wpe5.jpg (3191 bytes)
Because of the changes in hormone levels throughout a women's lifetime, women may experience a variety of symptoms such as: P.M.S, menstrual irregularities, weight gain or loss, anxiety, menopause, and/or the lack of desire or energy for sex. Herbal remedies for treating various problems associated with the female reproductive organs have been used for centuries. Yohimbe bark, Licorice root, Damiana,  Saw palmetto, Siberian ginseng, Histidine, Vitamin B-6, and Niacin have worked for years in treating female hormonal needs. Buy Enhance More infor on Enhance
A couple will want to use the lubricant in a fashion that will make it a routine part of foreplay or lovemaking.

There are lubricants available that have no petroleum ingredients, chemicals or fragrances; are water soluble; and do not dry out quickly. Suppositories and some jellies need time to liquify after insertion. Suppositories are normally inserted well above the vaginal opening. They need time to melt at body temperature, which may require five minutes or longer. They can be inserted during the beginning of foreplay. Ask your physician what product would be best to use.

Women's Health Products
Ask the Expert about Women's Health Supplements (click)
Psychological counseling:
If the reason for painful sex is psychological or social, you will want to ask your physician to arrange a referral to a psychologist, sex therapist, or psychiatrist for help.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This web site is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. 

Visit Our Store
Christina's Body & Fitness
4748 Pacific Coast Hwy.
Long Beach Ca 90804
Next Page - Women's Sexual  Desire
Back UP
Home
Women's Health Contents
Research Center