 |
 |
 |
|
||
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
Sexual HealthWhat to expect - midlife changesWhile menopause may not reduce a woman’s desire for sexual intimacy, it can cause discomfort due to vaginal dryness. This condition is called atrophic vaginitis or vulvovaginitis. It’s a problem many women experience during or after menopause. Yet most never discuss it, even in the privacy of their doctor’s office. Often women feel that genital discomfort must be endured as part of the aging process. This is not the case!Because vaginal dryness has received so little public attention, women often mistakenly blame it on factors such as stress or poor hygiene. In truth, however, vaginal dryness usually results from the declining estrogen levels associated with menopause. Before menopause, estrogen plays an important role in keeping genital tissues elastic and moist. When a woman is sexually aroused, for example, estrogen enables vaginal tissues to become lubricated. When estrogen levels drop, vaginal tissues produce less lubrication. Without adequate lubrication, sex can become uncomfortable, even painful.
|
|
 Clinicians | Practices | All About Pregnancy | All About MidLife | Health & Wellness | Home ©2001-2002 Women's Health USA, Inc. |