Menopause and Painful Intercourse Treatment

More about menopause:

Not all women will enter menopause the ‘natural‘ way; some may get into menopause

• Surgically,  the result of the removal of both ovaries (Oophorectomy) that is often a component of total hysterectomy, or

• Induced, the results of certain medications that stop ovarian (estrogen) production, such as Lupron that is used for the treatment of Endometriosis, or chemotherapy drugs such as tamoxifen that are used to treat breast cancer, or

• As a result of  pelvic/vaginal radiation for female cancer

The functional outcome of  the menopausal changes include

• Feeling dry, pinchy, chafe

• The genital lips may ‘stick together’

• Insufficient natural lubrication

• Intercourse is progressively uncomfortable/painful (dyspareunia)

• Intercourse is no longer possible (secondary vaginismus)

• Gynecologic exams are progressively difficult or no longer possible (secondary vaginismus)

• Urinary frequency and urgency — the lower 1/3 of the vagina and the urethra share a common wall that is equally affected

• Emotional and relationship distress

• For the single woman – doubts about dating: “who would want me without intercourse?”

• Loss of sexual interest (libido) – who wants pain when sex should be fun and pleasurable?

Other factors may compound the problem:

• Dry indoor heat in cold climates

• Insufficient hydration (drinking)

• The drying effect of certain medications such as anti-anxiety, anti-depression, antibiotics, anti-fungal (for vaginal infections), allergy

• Excessive hygiene, including hot water on the genitals

• Prolonged disuse (no partner for intercourse)

• Sjogren’s Syndrome

The good news is that a sound restorative program should allow most menopausal and postmenopausal women to regain vaginal functions with little or no disruption.  You can liken the aging vagina to an old baseball glove that needs oil rubbed in to restore its shape, softness, elasticity, and function.

Vaginal estrogen replacement is a key player in the restorative process and – unless medically contraindicated – is highly recommended for long lasting best results.  Note: this estrogen replacement is to be continued for life unless otherwise instructed by your clinician.

Sadly, medical and public awareness about the menopausal & postmenopausal vagina is still poor, forcing women to accept the limitations as inevitable, to suffer in silence, and to experience relationship tensions or breakdowns.

Learn about our proprietary treatment for menopausal sexual pain, the DiRoss Methodology^sm

We hope that you will not only take care of your vagina during these life phases but also share this webpage with your friends and healthcare provider/s — spread the word!

Contact us for further information, or to schedule an appointment.