So, let's look at the science behind why this change happens to our sexuality - and also our vaginas - and what we can do about it!

The Science of Sex

An orgasm seems like a simple thing - muscle contractions from stimulation of our sexual organs... but the truth is that, orgasms are affected by everything from health, to psychology. Our physical health, such as heart health and physical fitness, do play a role in our orgasms. Blood flow to the clitoris is affected by diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, all of which increase in likelihood as we age.

Does Age Change Our Vaginas?

In a nutshell, yes. Hormonal changes affect our vaginas throughout puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. These changes can include increased dryness, increased distance from clitoris to vagina, lowered sex drive hormones (testosterone) decreased lubrication, and loss of color. Overall, it is the loss of estrogen that causes these changes, however, declining progesterone or imbalanced hormones can lead to a plethora of unpleasant menopause symptoms.

The other element of this is how our hormones affect our moods and our brains...

Hormones & Happiness (or lack of!)

Our hormones do affect our moods, but they can also affect anxiety and depression levels. This can create a vicious cycle, combined with our physiological changes, where we feel anxious about having sex, then we experience pain and concern, and then this increases each time and becomes worse and worse.

The other kicker? Lack of sleep and hot flashes also make this whole cycle... and your libido worse!

It isn't All On YOU!

Many times, women are blamed for waning sex lives, but in reality, the loss of a partner, a partner's health, and their attitude towards sex can also be a significant reason why your love life dries up. Another issue? Partners who aren't sympathetic about our changing bodies can put us under pressure, cause trauma, and exacerbate anxiety.

How To Go From Owww to OOOoooOOo (oooOoOOoOooO)

Many women need more time to become aroused as they age, and they also need different types of stimulation that are gentler.

• Enjoy frequent solo sessions with your vibrator. The more orgasms you have, the easier it will be to have more.
• Exercise before sex (solo or partnered) to bring blood flow to the genitals.
• Avoid eating before sex, because that sends the blood flow to the digestive system.
• Talk to your doc to rule out medical issues.
• Consider topical vaginal estrogens to rejuvenate the cells, and resolve itching, dryness, and pain.
• Try using mindfulness techniques to connect to your libido.

Studies have shown that, whilst our libido and sex drive changes as we age, it does not disappear, so spend some time figuring out what works for you and your sexuality!

Get your Silky Peach Cream and Say goodbye to 'OW!' And hello to 'Ohhh!'