The thought of menopause can be cause for dismay for some women, especially when it is perceived as an end. An end to menstruation, but also an end to our self identity as fertile women capable of childbearing. Even if we have no interest in childbearing!
“The changes, the highs and lows and the hormonal shifts, there is power in that. But we were taught to be ashamed of it and to not even seek to understand it or explore it for our own edification, let alone to help the next generation.”
Michelle Obama
There are the physical and hormonal changes that both coincide with and trigger menopause and peri-menopause – which can impact libido. If you feel a reduction in sex drive during your late 40s or 50s you’re not alone. Data from the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation showed that 24% of postmenopausal women reported they never felt and 41% infrequently felt sexual desire. The good news is the majority of women did report experiencing arousal (92%) and 75% of the middle-aged women in the study said that sex was moderately to extremely important. (Avis et. al, 2010)
Let’s take a closer look at what is going on in our bodies. During menopause, hormonal fluctuations, particularly a decline in estrogen and progesterone levels, can affect a woman’s sexual experiences.
Hormones play a crucial role
Research has found that hormones play a crucial role in our feelings of sexual excitement. They influence how we perceive sensations, how signals travel through our nerves, our blood flow, and the ability of our muscles to tighten. If these processes are disrupted, you can potentially experience reduced sexual interest or desire, possible pain during sex and even an aversion to sex. For women who have gone through menopause, consistent pain during sex, bleeding after intercourse, slow or no natural lubrication, and difficulty or inability to reach climax can significantly impact their desire to engage in sexual activities.
Changes are normal
While all that sounds a bit dire, it’s important to recognize that these changes are normal and vary from woman to woman. Everyone’s experience with menopause is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to sexual health during this phase. Fact is, aging doesn’t have to automatically translate to a decline in sexual pleasure.
This is where Cliovana™ comes in. The procedure does not involve surgery or medication. Cliovana targets the clitoral complex, and utilizes soundwave technology to potentially stimulate the clitoral nerves and increase blood flow to the genital area – improving sexual sensitivity and overall sexual satisfaction for women.
Yes, menopause can bring about changes in a woman’s body that can influence sexual experiences and desires. However, we need to look at menopause through the lens of knowledge and opportunity. Menopause can offer women the freedom to start the next fabulous stage in their lives. And Cliovana could be a part of that new adventure, because all women deserve a satisfying sexual life.
Resources
Avis, N., Brockwell, S., Randolph, J., Shen, S., Cain, V., Ory, M., Greendale, G. (2010). Longtiudinal Changes in Sexual Functioning as Women Transition Through Menopause: Results from the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN). Menopause. doi: 10.1097/gme.0b013e181948dd0
Dutta, S. (2019). Why Do Older Women Lose their Libido (and How to Get it Back).
Leventhal, J. (2000). Management of Libido Problems in Menopause. The Permanente Journal. 4(3), 29–34.
Woods, N., Mitchell, E., Julio, K., (2010). Sexual Desire During Menopausal Transition and Early Postmenopause: Observations from the Seattle Midlife Women’s Health Study. Journal of Women’s Health. doi: 10.1089/jwh.2009.1388
