How to Increase Sex Drive During Menopause

Navigating the changes brought on by menopause can be challenging, but being intimate with your partner can be your secret weapon for relieving stress and keeping the two of you connected during this time. If you’re currently facing these hormonal changes, how to increase sex drive during menopause may be a question that's been playing on your mind.

While things like hormonal shifts¹ and vaginal dryness can tinker with your desire, a few tweaks to your usual routine can go a long way toward increasing your libido during this time, making sensual pleasure more likely for both of you. Just keep in mind that if your symptoms are severe or long-lasting, you should consult your doctor.

Talk Things Out

As your hormones fluctuate, your moods can, too. But don’t let negative emotions get the best of you. When you bottle up your feelings inside, it’s difficult to get your sexy on. You need to talk out your frustrations and stressors – whether they're related to physical intimacy or not – with your partner or even a supportive friend.

And if there’s no one to provide the support you need, consider talk therapy. A therapist who specializes in treating sexual concerns can help you understand and manage any emotional factors underlying your libido decline.

Prioritize Physical Intimacy

If you don't prioritize physical intimacy, it can easily fall by the wayside. And when you don’t make love frequently, your vagina can become smaller and painfully tighter, making sex less appealing. To prevent this, consider scheduling lovemaking on a weekly or bi-monthly basis. Make time for foreplay as well, paying mind to what turns you on.

By prioritizing physical intimacy and consciously making time for lovemaking, you can help counteract the potential effects of decreased frequency. Emphasizing foreplay and exploring what arouses you can further enhance your sexual encounters, fostering a deeper connection with your partner and reigniting your desire. Remember, nurturing your sexual well-being can be an important aspect of overall self-care during menopause.

Cleanse and Lubricate

If you're experiencing vaginal dryness, avoid using soap in that area. It can worsen your symptoms, according to the North American Menopause Society². Instead, simply use clean water. And when you do get intimate, don’t forget to apply a quality lube. K-Y^® Warming^® Liquid, which is designed to jump-start intimacy, can help increase comfort while increasing the pleasure for you and your partner.

If a warming lube isn’t your cup of tea, try the K-Y^® Jelly Water Based Personal Lubricant. This body-friendly formula can help prepare you for intimacy with comfortable lubrication that’s not made with hormones, parabens, artificial colors, and fragrances.

Stay Active

Regular exercise and staying active may have a positive impact on your sex drive during menopause. Engaging in physical activity³ increases blood flow, boosts energy levels, and releases endorphins, which can enhance mood and, in turn, may increase sexual desire.

Consider incorporating activities like brisk walking, yoga, or strength training into your routine. Not only can exercise contribute to improved physical health, but it can also increase body confidence and promote a more positive body image, which can positively influence your sexual desire.

Focus on Emotional Intimacy

Intimacy involves more than what happens between the sheets. Feeling close to your partner can boost sexual desire. Seek new experiences to share, such as dining at new restaurants or vacationing in a place you've always wanted to explore, to boost those feel-good hormones.

Sensual play, sans intercourse, can have similar effects. Give each other massages. Slow dance under the stars. Reminisce about what drew you together in the first place.

Engaging in shared hobbies or embarking on adventures together can also reignite the passion in your relationship. Whether it's taking up a new sport or hobby as a couple or attending classes to learn something new together, the excitement and shared experiences can revitalize your connection and enhance your desire for one another.

Furthermore, cultivating an atmosphere of spontaneity and surprise can add an element of excitement to your intimacy. Surprise your partner with small gestures of affection, plan surprise date nights, or create a romantic atmosphere at home with candles and soft music. These little acts of thoughtfulness can go a long way in stoking the flames of desire.

Remember, the journey of increasing your sex drive during menopause is about exploring and adapting together as a couple. Embrace the opportunities to deepen your emotional and physical connection, discovering new avenues of pleasure and closeness that can lead to a fulfilling and vibrant intimate life.

Final Thoughts on Menopause and Sex Drive

In conclusion, navigating the changes and challenges of menopause and sex drive doesn't mean sacrificing intimacy or a satisfying sex life. By understanding the factors that can affect your libido during this phase and implementing simple yet effective strategies, you can enhance your sexual well-being. Remember to prioritize open communication with your partner or seek support from a therapist specialized in addressing menopause and sex drive concerns.

Additionally, making physical intimacy a priority by scheduling regular lovemaking sessions and incorporating foreplay can help counteract the potential effects of decreased frequency. Take care of your body by avoiding harsh chemicals and using appropriate lubrication to ease any discomfort caused by vaginal dryness. Explore the realm of emotional intimacy by seeking new experiences together, engaging in sensual activities, and cherishing the bond that brought you and your partner together in the first place.

Menopause and sex drive may present their own challenges, but with a proactive approach and a willingness to adapt, you can maintain a fulfilling and intimate connection with your partner while embracing the changes that come with this transformative stage of life. Remember to consult with your healthcare provider if you experience severe or persistent symptoms that impact your overall well-being. Embrace this new chapter and embrace the possibilities it holds for growth, connection, and pleasure.

Resources

1. National Institute of Health, 2017, Role of hormones in hypoactive sexual desire disorder and current treatment
2. North American Menopause Society, Undated, Menopause FAQs: Understanding the Symptoms
3. Healthline, 2019, Does Being Fit Improve Your Sex Life?

About the Author

August McLaughlin is a health and sexuality writer and certified nutritionist in Los Angeles. Her work is featured in numerous magazines including "Healthy Aging," "CitySmart," "DAME" and "I Am That Girl". She holds specializations in eating disorders, healthy weight management, and sports nutrition and loves connecting with readers and writers via her blog, Facebook and Twitter.

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