Modern living and our fast-paced lifestyle, in many ways, conflict with our body. Engaging in sexual activities prior to attaining puberty and mental maturity, delaying parenthood for financial stability, and marrying late are some lifestyle changes that have now become common. Advances in medical technology allow us to live a long healthy life, seeking fulfillment at all levels. A woman focuses her energies to create a solid foundation in education and her career. She devotes her time to her children when its time to relax and settle down, she finds herself in a pre-menopause stage or has already become a victim of menopause.
Menopause decreases sexual desires. During menopause, the ovaries stop producing estrogen, a female sex hormone. Normally, estrogen is released in the bloodstream and absorbed by receptors located primarily in the breasts, vagina, and uterus. With the absence of the hormone, the vagina tends to become dry and the breasts fail to respond to sexual stimulation. Along with that, aging also reduces flexibility, impacting the pelvic bones.
In addition, if their partners if equally or elder, may also be in the same situation with reduced libido. Reduced sexual stimulation and activity could lead to depression and relationship issues, which then cause a cycle of disappointments. In many Eastern civilizations, the onset of menopause is also a time when a woman engages more in her spiritual quest so that she does not succumb to depression and anxiety.
To ensure a healthy relationship, psychologists recommend that couples remain sexually active even after menopause. Thus, older couples desiring a healthy sexual relationship, are recommended to do the following:
- Acknowledgment and acceptance
A mature, intelligent, and smart person will recognize that a slight decrease in libido is natural. One should adjust and come to terms with their craving for an active sex life if that is how they lived a decade or two earlier. Couples need to prepare and practice to engage in sex rather than expecting it to be a spontaneous activity. - Diet
Consider a diet rich in antioxidants as part of daily meals. Anti-oxidants improve blood flow and keep the energy levels in the body high. - Exercise
Regular exercise will keep body muscles nimble, increase metabolism, enabling a health and satisfied mindset. Exercise ensures blood flow to all organs and keeps them healthy and disease free. - Skin care
During winter we protect our lips from chapping, and our skin from cracking with cream and lotions frequently. Likewise, protect the genitalia. Use moisturizers made specifically for those parts and to keep the tender skin healthy, preventing it from being bruised. Doctors even prescribe strength creams as necessary.
