16 October 2018: 

Sexual wellbeing after menopause - World Menopause Day 2018. 

The theme of this year’s World Menopause Day is “Sexual wellbeing after menopause”. Sexual health is a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being related to sexuality. After menopause it is not uncommon for women to experience sexual problems which can severely impair their relationships, mental health, social functioning and overall quality of life. The good news is that it is treatable.

“Sexual wellbeing is complex and many other personal factors in your life could be involved” says Australasian Menopause Society (AMS) President Clinical Associate Professor Amanda Vincent. “Its important to look at all aspects of your sexual health and wellbeing. Your doctor, a pelvic health physiotherapist or a counsellor may need to work with you to look at the many factors that might be affecting your sexual wellbeing.”

Difficulties with sexual welbeing is common in women with premature menopause or menopause in the setting of a cancer diagnosis, related to multiple factors and needs individualized management directed at the contributing factors. Many women experience vaginal dryness because of lower oestrogen and this can make sexual activity uncomfortable or painful. This can often be treated with vaginal oestrogen, moisturisers and lubricants during sex. Hormonal treatments include oestrogen or testosterone therapy but only use testosterone designed for women.

To mark World Menopause Day, the AMS has developed a patient information sheet called “Menopause – will it affect my sex life?”. The International Menopause Society has also developed a patient information leaflet and a White Paper for health professionals. These and other resources relating to menopause and sexual wellbeing are available on the AMS website www.menopause.org.au .

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Contact

For further information, contact:

Vicki Doherty
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0458 113 183