Being intimate with your partner can be your secret weapon for relieving stress and keeping the two of you connected during menopause so how to increase sex drive may be a question that's been playing on your mind. While things like hormonal shifts and vaginal dryness can tinker with your desire, a few tweaks to your usual routine can go a long way toward increasing your libido, 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.
Cleanse and Lubricate
If you're experiencing vaginal dryness, avoid using soap in that area. The harsh chemicals can worsen your symptoms, according to the North American Menopause Society. 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 ease irritation while increasing the pleasure for you and your partner.
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.
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.
