Sometimes, husbands cautiously bring up that their wives say they are "always in pain and avoid intimacy." They wonder if their wife's feelings have changed, or if she is truly in pain.
It's not an excuse. It's because it really hurts. Many people in the examination room also struggle with this problem, and some describe it as feeling like they are being cut with a knife.
Why the Pain Occurs
Painful intercourse in menopausal women is one of the symptoms that appears as female hormones decrease.
When hormones decrease, the vaginal lining becomes thinner than before. This can lead to reduced function, poor lubrication, and dryness at the entrance, causing pain from the start. Since lubrication does not continue afterward, the pain persists.
Treatment is a Step-by-Step Approach
The first step is moisturizers or lubricants.
If this does not resolve the issue, topical female hormones may be used. The amount absorbed systemically from topical use is very small, so you generally do not need to worry much, but it is essential to check during regular check-ups with an ultrasound to ensure the uterine lining is not thickening.
It's Easy to Think That Any Gel Will Do
There are criteria for choosing lubricants. If they contain oil, they may actually cause irritation or stinging, and can also disrupt the vaginal environment. It is advisable to check the ingredients on the back before choosing, and nowadays, products approved as medical devices are also available.
Self-Diagnosis is Not Recommended
If painful intercourse persists even after using moisturizers and hormones, or if you continue to avoid intimacy, there may be other causes. There are several conditions that need to be differentiated, and sometimes, due to prolonged pain, muscles may automatically contract.
Instead of self-diagnosing and assuming it's just genitourinary symptoms related to menopause, it is recommended to come in for a diagnosis.