Sex is becoming painful: What can I do?
Pain during sexual activity is called dyspareunia. Like other symptoms of the menopausal transition, dyspareunia may be minor and not greatly affect a woman’s quality of life. However, some women experience severe dyspareunia that prevents them from engaging in any sexual activity without pain.
Many find relief from vaginal dryness during sex by using a nonprescription, water-based lubricant, a variety of which can be found at most grocery and drug stores.
Other women try over-the-counter vaginal moisturizers, which are used regularly and not just during sex to replenish moisture and relieve dryness.
Your doctor might suggest prescription hormones. Local vaginal treatments (such as estrogen creams, rings, or tablets) are often used to treat this symptom. These treatments provide lower hormone doses to the rest of the body than a pill or patch.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved two nonhormone medications, called ospemifene and prasterone, to treat moderate to severe dyspareunia caused by vaginal changes that occur with menopause. Your doctor can tell you about the risks and benefits of these medications.
Explore this fact sheet (PDF, 154KB) provided by the NIH-funded Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation for more information on sexual functioning and vaginal Health.
Learn more about menopause, and symptoms like hot flashes and sleep problems. You can also visit MyMenoPlan, an evidence-based tool developed by NIA-funded researchers, to learn about treatments and coping strategies and create a personalized plan.
You may also be interested inReading more about sexuality and intimacy in older adults
Learning how to talk with your doctor about sensitive issues
Finding general information about menopause
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