What is Causing Painful Sex?

The vagina and the vulva can suffer different types of issues at different stages of our lives. As we go through menopause, things like UTI’s, prolapse, menstrual changes, and hormones can all contribute to pain and discomfort.

Stress: The First Culprit

Stress - both mental and physical, is often the first culprit when it comes to pain.

Let’s break this down. Mental stress can increase cortisol and disrupt numerous hormones, leading to effects in our bodies that can do us a lot of damage. But, it doesn’t stop there. If we do start experiencing pain or discomfort in the vagina, we can develop vaginismus.

Vaginismus is pain during penetration, and occurs when the walls in the vaginal canal contract. It can become more common when there are other co-occurring issues.

How Your Body Changes During Menopause

The second issue comes from physical stressors: post childbirth or age related prolapse, weakening muscle structures, and metabolic changes can all contribute to physical stress. This, in turn, can lead to weaker pelvic floor muscles, which can then contribute to increased incontinence, increased UTI’s, and even changes in vaginal pH…

And then we get mentally stressed by the fact that we have yeast infections, or UTI’s, or increased needs to pee… and the cycle starts all over again.

Estrogen Depletion/Loss - The Underlying Mechanism

We mentioned hormone disruption earlier.

How do hormone changes lead to painful sex?

Well, as we enter menopause, our estrogen has already been declining for some time (since around age 36). At this point, our estrogen levels are usually pretty low. Estrogen is responsible for a lot of things - and one of those things is maintaining the overall health of the vagina and the vulva.

Once the estrogen is low, then issues like vaginal atrophy can arise.

Vaginal Atrophy - The Intimacy Killer

If painful intercourse has become a distressing reality after menopause, vaginal atrophy might be at the core of this issue. This clinical term, which refers to the thinning, drying, and inflammation of the vaginal walls, is more common than you might think. While it sounds concerning, it's essential to recognize this is a natural process that can be managed and treated.

Studies found that over 50% of women experience some symptoms of vaginal atrophy during menopause and beyond, with things like vaginal dryness, pain during sex, itching, tearing, and increased UTIs being the main culprits.

There ARE solutions to Vaginal Atrophy

Vaginal atrophy may sound intimidating, but it's a condition that can be managed with the right care. This thinning and drying of the vaginal walls is common after menopause but is by no means an irreversible fate. Knowing your body's changes and taking preventive steps can keep you in control of your intimate health.

So, what can help?

✅ Proper exercises like Kegels and planks.
✅ A balanced diet and good hydration.
✅ Daily movement and exercise.
✅ Personalized care.
✅ Probiotics.

These are proven methods to strengthen pelvic floor muscles, nourish the body, and ensure that post-menopausal life is enjoyable and fulfilling. It's not about coping but thriving with understanding and care.

The last solution we have to mention? Silky Peach Estriol Cream!

Bioidentical Estriol Cream is a Clinically Proven Solution

The name might seem complex, but bioidentical estriol cream is an exciting innovation in treating painful intercourse after menopause. It mirrors the estrogen naturally produced in your body, providing targeted support for vaginal health. This solution isn't a one-size-fits-all, but an individualized approach tailored to your unique needs.

Integrating bioidentical estriol cream into your daily routine isn't about masking symptoms but addressing them at the core. By choosing this scientifically backed method, you're embracing quality-driven solutions that resonate with your body. This is about your journey and finding the right paths to make it as fulfilling as possible.

Backed by science, low dose topical estriol has been found to be a clinically safe and effective method for treating vaginal atrophy.



Is There Anything Else I Can Do?

When it comes to Preventing vaginal atrophy specifically, there are some lifestyle things that can really help:

🍑 Add natural estrogens to your diet (things like soy and flax are great!)

🍑 Avoid xenoestrogens from things like parabens and food chemicals

🍑 Add probiotics (or supplement) with things like sauerkraut or kombucha

🍑 Maintain a healthy weight and an active lifestyle to help regulate cortisol

🍑 Consider pelvic floor therapies with kegels, stim devices, and exercise.

What About the Painful Sex Part?

There are solutions to vaginal atrophy and to pain during sex in menopause - but, like vaginal atrophy, there are also things that you can do to help ensure there is not an increase in pain and tearing.

💗 Use lots of good quality lube.
💗 Consider using dilators to help stretch the vagina if there has been shortening.
💗 Use self-love to increase blood flow (and thus repair) as well as to mentally prepare.
💗 Consider using boric acid suppositories after sex to maintain pH.
💗 Take things slow!

Never have penetrative sex if there is tearing and bleeding. This can increase pain, lead to infection, and cause vaginismus that can take a long time to correct.

Sharing is Caring

Vaginal atrophy and pain during sex are common (even before menopause!), so remember - talk to your partner! Let them know that you need to take things slow, and that your body needs time to heal. There are other ways to enjoy intimacy with your partner, and with these lifestyle changes and some Silky Peach bioidentical estriol, you’ll be ready for intimacy again soon enough!

You don’t have to suffer in silence, and you don’t have to suffer alone… in fact, you don’t have to suffer at all. Get Silky Peach and join our private group now to talk to the thousands of women just like you who have found relief (and intimacy again) with estriol cream.