Women do go through a change in sexuality during and after menopause. A lot has been said about this
change. Following are some of the factors that influence them
CHANGES IN
THE STRUCTURE OF THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS
- Decrease in size of the vagina
- Thinning of walls of the vagina
- Poor lubrication inside vagina
- Decreased size of the external genital organs
- Inflammation or infections of the vagina
CHANGES
IN THE STRUCTURE OF THE BREAST
- Reduced size of breast
- Reduced "swelling" of the breast during sexual arousal
- Altered touch sensation of the nipples and the area around it.
CHANGES IN
THE STRUCTURE OF THE PELVIS
- Reduced tone of the muscles around the vagina
HORMONAL
CHANGES
- Decreased estrogen and progesterone levels in blood.
- Increased blood level of some hormones secreted by the brain that influence secretion of
estrogen and progesterone.
MAJOR DISEASES,
IF PRESENT
- Diabetes
- Heart diseases such as congestive heart failure and angina
- Arthritis
- Cancer
- Surgery of reproductive organs such as Hysterectomy, etc.
- Dementia
USE OF
MEDICINES
- Some medicines used to control high blood pressure.
PSYCHOLOGICAL
FACTORS
- Increased risk of anxiety and depression
- Diminished interest of spouse
- Negative attitudes of society towards sexuality in older women
- Religious beliefs
- Lack of privacy such as due to living with children or in smaller homes.
RELATED ARTICLES
Yes, there is sex
after menopause! |
