There’s no reason to be embarrassed if you have vaginal dryness or pain with sex. After menopause, these things are pretty common. After menopause, the most common cause is lower estrogen levels. This can lead to vaginal atrophy. That’s when the tissue in your vagina gets thinner, less elastic, and tears easily. And you lose some of your natural lubrication. You may get a “sandpaper” feeling during sex. Make sure to talk to your doctor first to explain your symptoms and discuss treatment options.
To help make intimacy more comfortable, your doctor will likely offer you a step-by-step approach. They’ll usually start with the easiest option and go from there.
Your treatment may include:
For dryness and atrophy:
- Lubricants to use during sex
- Vaginal moisturizers
- Low-dose vaginal estrogen
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
If muscle or vaginal tightness causes pain, you may need:
- Pelvic floor therapy
Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor a lot of questions. It’s their job to help you feel comfortable through your treatment process.