During perimenopause and leading up through menopause, you may notice that it takes longer for you to become fully aroused. This is because blood flow to your vaginal area decreases, and the time that it takes for your tissues to engorge is increased. It is important that you communicate this to your partner so that you can both be aware of how these changes are affecting your intimacy.

There is nothing that says that women stop experiencing orgasm at any point in their lives—finding out how to accommodate your sexual changes will help you continue to have orgasms, even if they are delayed or slightly less intense.

Your changes in libido and sexual arousal will be individual. Every woman’s sexuality is distinct, and can be affected by other aspects of life beside menopausal changes, such as confidence, self-identity, intimacy, relationships and experiences. Some women will experience a slight decrease in sexual desire, due in part to lower levels of estrogen. It is okay to talk to your provider about these concerns and to seek help in other forms of treatment. Just as men’s ability to perform sexually changes as they age, women’s sexuality changes as well. At this time in your life, thoughtful, sensitive communication with your partner plays an ever more important role in achieving sexual satisfaction.

Click below to read about related topics.

Introduction
Libido
Vaginal Changes
Birth Control
STDs