Is there still a need for sexual activity after menopause?

Mar 17, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Lu

Introduction

Sexual intercourse refers to sexual activity. Women may still have sexual needs after menopause. Menopause mainly results from the decline of ovarian function and decreased estrogen levels in women, leading to the cessation of menstruation. Although reduced estrogen may cause some changes in the reproductive organs, such as thinning and dryness of the vaginal mucosa and reduced elasticity, these changes may cause discomfort during sexual activity, such as pain or a burning sensation.

Generally speaking, "having sex" refers to sexual activity. Women may still have sexual needs after menopause, although the specific situation varies from person to person. The detailed explanation is as follows:

Meno-pause primarily results from the decline of ovarian function and decreased estrogen levels, leading to the cessation of menstruation. Although reduced estrogen levels may cause certain changes in the reproductive organs, such as thinning and dryness of the vaginal mucosa and decreased elasticity, which might cause discomfort during sexual intercourse, such as pain or a burning sensation, this does not mean that women no longer have sexual needs.

Women's sexual organs, such as the clitoris, still contain sensory nerve endings that can generate sexual excitement with appropriate stimulation. Moreover, appropriate sexual activity can promote blood circulation in the genital organs and, to some extent, slow down the atrophy of genital organs caused by menopause. At the same time, sexual activity is also a manifestation of self-identity and self-satisfaction. Women after menopause also have the right to enjoy the pleasure and sense of fulfillment brought by sexual activity.

Due to the physical changes that occur after menopause, women may need to take certain auxiliary measures to improve the quality of their sexual life. For example, using lubricants can alleviate discomfort caused by vaginal dryness and make sexual intercourse more comfortable.

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