Some older women are finding themselves back in the dating scene and
developing romantic relationships. Riverside Doctors' Hospital wrote
that some wonder if they have been abstinent for many years, is it too
late to resume sexual activity?
Others ask about the risk of bleeding or pain when they resume sexual
activity. And if these things could happen, is there anything they can
do to stop or prevent it?
Rest assured that when a woman has been abstinent for some time, it
is understandable to have concerns and anxiety when anticipating the
return to sexual activity.
Mary M. Gallenberg, M.D. from the Mayo Clinic said that women can
resume sexual activity at any point, as long as they are willing to
invest some time and patience.
Intercourse should never be painful, so women should not proceed with sexual activity if they do not feel aroused and ready.
As women age, their vaginas and vaginal openings often become smaller
and the vaginal lining becomes thinner, especially when estrogen levels
are low.
As a result, it can take longer for the vagina to swell and
become lubricated during sexual arousal.
Experiencing these two changes can make sex painful for women who have been abstinent for extended periods of time.
There are ways to make sexual activity more comfortable. One way is
to start with foreplay as it helps stimulate natural lubrication. Or try
an over-the-counter lubricant.
However if sex remains painful, ask your
doctor about vaginal estrogen therapy.
Conjugated estrogens can be prescribed for women with these symptoms.
These are available in oral form, but also come in intravaginal rings,
suppositories and creams.
After a long period of abstinence, it may take time to stretch the
vaginal tissues so that it can accommodate a penis. Women may want to
experiment with new positions to find what feels best.
Women can also ask their doctor about a vaginal dilator. A vaginal
dilator is a smooth plastic tube that can be used to gently stretch the
vaginal tissues.
Your doctor may recommend placing the dilator in your vagina for several minutes at a time, several times a week.
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