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Most seniors continue to want and enjoy an active sex life with their spouse or significant other. Maintaining an active sex life can be a challenge not because of a lack of desire but because of changes associated with aging. For older women, vaginal dryness can play a part in decreasing desire for sex.

What Causes Vaginal Dryness?

During a woman's childbearing years hormones helps keep vaginal tissue healthy by maintaining normal vaginal lubrication, tissue elasticity and acidity. Vaginal lubrication protects the tissues against damage and infection. Sexual arousal also increases vaginal lubrication. Those vaginal lubricants also provide a welcoming environment for transportation of sperm and help promote procreation. While other factors can affect vaginal lubrication, this most often occurs because of hormonal changes brought about by menopause. Post-menopause (average age 47-55) the hormone levels drop decreasing the natural production of lubrication. Women who have vaginal dryness report pain during penetration along with vaginal itching and pressure. This can affect pleasure and desire for sexual relations. Fortunately there are some simple solutions that can help increase vaginal lubrication and decrease pain during intercourse.

Treatment of Vaginal Dryness

• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)is a short term treatment for the severe symptoms of menopause. This treatment can help relieve vaginal dryness along with taming hot flashes and mood swings. HRT is only recommended for short term use as it has been linked to a higher risk of heart disease.
• Over the counter lubricants (Astroglide, K-Y) and moisturizers (Replens, Lubrin) can help relieve vaginal dryness and make sexual intercourse more comfortable. They are applied directly to the vaginal opening or lubricants can be applied to the partners penis.
• Vaginal Estrogen Therapy supplied in the form of creams, ring or tablets. The cream is inserted into the vagina, usually at bedtime. The ring is placed in the upper part of the vagina and releases a constant dose of estrogen over a period of about 3 months. Tablets are inserted into the vagina and will last about 3 days.

Vaginal dryness during intercourse may also be a result of not being fully aroused during sexual foreplay. Women may need to talk with their partners to find ways to become more fully aroused. Sex that is more frequent may also help to increase the amount of lubrication.

SOURCES:Medline Plus, National Institutes of Health, 2005