Menopause- Frequently Asked questions.
Postmenopause is the time of a woman's life following menopause . At this time, many of the bothersome symptoms that a woman experienced prior to menopause, gradually eases for most women. But as a result of several factors including a lower level of estrogen, postmenopausal women are at increased risk for a number of health conditions, such as osteoporosis and heart disease.
Here are some of the frequently asked questions related to menopause:
How Will I Know When I Am Postmenopausal?
A woman is considered to be postmenopausal when she has not had her period for an entire year. Having your doctor measure your follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) level is another way to help confirm if you are postmenopausal. FSH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland (located at the base of the brain). Your FSH levels will dramatically rise as your ovaries begin to shut down; these levels are easily checked through one blood test.
What Changes Can I Expect During Postmenopause?
Once you hit postmenopause, you may regain your energy, but you may also be at higher risk for certain conditions.
Medication and/or healthy lifestyle changes may reduce the risk of some of the conditions associated with menopause. Since every woman's risk is different, talk to your doctor to learn what steps you can take to reduce your individual risk.
Can I Get Pregnant Now That I Am Postmenopausal?
The possibility of pregnancy usually disappears once you have been without your period for an entire year. But, continue using contraception until your doctor determines that you truly are postmenopausal, unless, of course, you are trying to get pregnant.
How Often Do I Need to See My Doctor in Postmenopause?
Even if you are postmenopausal, getting regular check-ups and preventive screening tests such as pelvic exams, Pap smears, and mammograms are among the most important things you can do for yourself. How often you need a check-up depends on your health history. Talk to your doctor to determine how often you should be seen.
Does Menopause Lower Sex Drive in all Women?
No. In fact, some post-menopausal women report an increase in sex drive. This may be due to decreased anxiety associated with a fear of pregnancy. In addition, many post-menopausal women often have fewer child-rearing responsibilities, allowing them to relax and enjoy intimacy with their partners.
What Can I Do to Treat Vaginal Dryness During Menopause?
During and after menopause, vaginal dryness can be treated with water-soluble lubricants such as Astroglide or K-Y Jelly. Do not use non-water soluble lubricants such as Vaseline because they can weaken latex (the material used to make condoms, which should continue to be used to avoid pregnancy until your doctor verifies you are not producing anymore eggs and to prevent contracting sexually transmitted diseases). Non-water soluble lubricants can also provide a medium for bacterial growth, particularly in a person whose immune system has been weakened by chemotherapy.
How Can I Improve My Sex Drive During and After Menopause?
Currently, there are not any good drugs to treat sexual problems in women dealing with menopause. Estrogen replacement may work, but research has yielded conflicting results regarding its effectiveness. Estrogen can, however, make intercourse less painful by treating vaginal dryness.
Doctors are also studying whether a combination of estrogen and the male hormones, called androgens, may be helpful in increasing sex drive in women.
Although sexual problems can be difficult to discuss, talk to your doctor; there are options to consider, such as counseling. Your doctor may refer you and your partner to a health professional who specializes in sexual dysfunction. The therapist may advise sexual counseling on an individual basis, with your partner or in a support group. This type of counseling can be very successful, even when it is done on a short-term basis.
How Can I Increase Intimacy With My Partner During Menopause?
During menopause, if your sex drive isn't what it once was but you don't think you need counseling, you should still take time for intimacy with your partner. Being intimate does not require having intercourse -- love and affection can be expressed in many ways. Enjoy your time together -- you can take long romantic walks, have candlelit dinners, or give each other back rubs.
To improve your physical intimacy, you may want to try the following approaches:
Educate yourself about your anatomy, sexual function, and the normal changes associated with aging, as well as sexual behaviors and responses. This may help you overcome your anxieties about sexual function and performance.
Enhance stimulation through the use of erotic materials (videos or books), masturbation, and changes to sexual routines.
Use distraction techniques to increase relaxation and eliminate anxiety. These can include erotic or non-erotic fantasies; exercises with intercourse; and music, videos, or television.
Practice non-coital behaviors (physically stimulating activity that does not include intercourse), such as sensual massage. These activities can be used to promote comfort and increase communication between you and your partner.
Minimize any pain you may be experiencing by using sexual positions that allow you to control the depth of penetration. You may also want to take a warm bath before intercourse to help you relax, and use vaginal lubricants to help reduce pain caused by friction.
Do I Still Have to Worry About Sexually Transmitted Diseases?
Yes. Just as you must use protection if you do not want to become pregnant during perimenopause, you must also take measures to protect yourself against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) during menopause and postmenopause. It's important to remember that your risk of contracting STDs is a possibility at any point in your life during which you are sexually active, and this risk does not go down with age or with changes in your reproductive system.
Left untreated, some STDs can lead to serious illnesses, while others, like AIDS, cannot be cured and are deadly.
How Can I Protect Myself From STDs?
Here are some basic steps that you can take to help protect yourself from STDs:
Consider that not having sex is the only sure way to prevent STDs.
Use a latex condom every time you have sex. (If you use a lubricant, make sure it is water-based (not Vaseline.)
Limit your number of sexual partners. The more partners you have, the more likely you are to catch an STD.
Practice monogamy. This means having sex with only one person. That person must also have sex with only you to reduce your risk.
Choose your sex partners with care. Don't have sex with someone whom you suspect may have an STD.
Get checked for STDs. Don't risk giving the infection to someone else.
If you have more than one sex partner, always use a condom.
Don't use alcohol or drugs before you have sex. You may be less likely to practice safe sex if you are drunk or high.
Know the signs and symptoms of STDs. Look for them in yourself and your sex partners.
Learn about STDs. The more you know about STDs, the better you can protect yourself.
