Let’s Talk About Sex (no) Baby

10 tips for a happy sex life in menopause

Illustration by author

We’ve looked forward to a time when we can (maybe…) have sex without birth control — and with the house just to ourselves at long last. Like me, you may have imagined yourself cheerfully screwing into senility and instead we’re dealing with soreness, grouchiness and loss of libido.

So, take it from someone who’s tried just about everything…more than once!

1. Lube. Lube. Lube. Actually. Lube. Vaginal moisturiser. Emollients. Tubes of oestrogen gel. Whatever it takes. My personal favourites are Hydromol cream, coconut oil and lubricants with lactic acid. You’re going to have to figure out what works for you — what suits one woman doesn’t suit another. My top tip — test things out when you’re not expecting any action just to see how your body reacts. I can tell you from personal experience that hopping round the bedroom clutching your bits is not a good look for anyone!
2. Protect your pH. As your oestrogen levels the bacteria that line your vagina and keep it healthy start to change and become less acidic. That leave you open to infections and uncomfortable imbalances. Menstrual blood makes it less acidic. So does soap and so does semen. So, you maybe looking forward to sex without condoms — but that may not be wise. I have to say I’ve never tried the…