Intimate Health

Managing intimate health changes during menopause may involve using lubricants or vaginal moisturisers, practicing pelvic floor exercises, and considering hormone therapy or other treatments.

Menopause and perimenopause can significantly impact intimate health due to hormonal fluctuations, particularly the decline in oestrogen. Oestrogen plays a key role in maintaining the health of the vaginal tissues, pelvic floor, and sexual function. As oestrogen levels decrease, many women experience changes that can affect intimacy, including vaginal dryness, discomfort during sex, and reduced libido. Additionally, other menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances, can indirectly affect sexual well-being and overall intimate health.

Choose A Symptom

Browse Our Menopause Symptom Guides Based On Intimate Health

Abnormal Bleeding

Symptoms of abnormal bleeding during menopause can include heavy menstrual bleeding, spotting between periods, and bleeding after sex.

Bleeding After Sex

Bleeding after sex during menopause, known as postcoital bleeding, causes vaginal dryness, thinning, and fragility of the tissues, making you prone to irritation and bleeding.

Changes in Discharge

Symptoms of vaginal discharge include reduced discharge, dryness, changes in consistency or colour, and increased risk of infections.

Clitoral Shrinking

Clitoral shrinking during menopause occurs due to hormonal changes can lead to reduced tissue volume, decreased sensitivity, and dryness.

Increased UTIs

Increased urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common during menopause and perimenopause due to hormonal changes which cause thinning and dryness of the urinary and vaginal tissues, making them more susceptible to infection.

Labia Shrinkage

Labia shrinkage during menopause leads to thinner, less elastic, and drier tissues. Symptoms include a reduction in size, loss of firmness, dryness, and increased sensitivity.

Loss of Confidence in Menopause

Loss of confidence is a common symptom during menopause, caused by hormonal changes, particularly the decline in oestrogen and progesterone, which affect mood and self-esteem.

Pain During or After Sex

Pain during or after sex, known as dyspareunia, is common during menopause and perimenopause due to hormonal changes, specifically a decline in oestrogen.

Painful Episiotomy Scar

A painful episiotomy scar during menopause is often caused by hormonal changes which leads to thinning and dryness of vaginal and perineal tissues.

Vaginal Dryness

Vaginal dryness is a common symptom during menopause caused by declining oestrogen levels, which lead to thinner and less lubricated vaginal tissues.

Vulval Pain/Itching

Vulval pain and itching during menopause can lead to tissue thinning, dryness, and increased sensitivity.