How does menopause affect the body sexually?
Menopause is perhaps the greatest physical change a woman faces in middle age. Menopause generally alters sexual response and even the physical structure of the vagina. The major changes with regards to sex that occur are thinning and shortening of the vaginal canal and decreased lubrication. This is sometimes accompanied by a decrease in the size of the vagina. Fatty deposits found in the labia majora are lost causing a typically smaller vagina than in earlier life. The combination of reduced lubrication and a smaller vagina may make intercouse uncomfortable. What can be done to counteract these changes? Lubrication T he single best way to make sex more comfortable after menopause is the use of personal lubricants during sex. The most popular of these, KY-Jelly, is available in most pharmacies. Replacing the body’s natural lubrication can make sex as exciting and rewarding as it was before. The clitoris and other sexual organs are still sexually sensitive, and remain so throughout lif
