If there’s one thing we’ve learned from our culture in the US, it’s sadly that pleasure isn’t considered mainstream. We’ve been conditioned to think these things are better not spoken. Not sustainable, and definitely not any fun. The sexual needs of women have been overlooked and under-addressed for too long.
In contrast, this is a topic that comes up a lot in the menopause vernacular. Perhaps because so many women grapple with their sexual health in mid-life, and vbecause of the changes our body are experiencing.
The narrative around menopause is often concerned with the physical challenges that arise with lower estrogen levels and also, tragically, the process of becoming “invisible”.
Patriarchy historically perpetuates that women are only relevant when fertile, conforming to a narrow definition of beauty that obsessively celebrates youth. When we stop fitting in the “hot” box, we may feel like much of our value is lost – including our sensuality.
Contrary to societal storytelling about menopause, this is a time in a person’s life that can be incredibly vital and filled with pleasure and great sex. You know yourself, you have actively lived in a way that you know what you love, what you want, and what feels good to your body.
So what exactly happens in menopause that affects our sexual health?
Post-menopause women report diminished libido, along with hot flashes, increased prevalence of painful sex, and loss of natural lubrication. Decreasing estrogen is the cause of all these changes.
Estrogen dilates your blood vessels, and increased blood flow to your vagina helps it stay healthy and lubricated.
Estrogen also helps with libido. Many reproductive-age women have an increased interest in sex right around the time they ovulate — when their estrogen levels are highest.
Estrogen tells your vagina to secrete glycogen, which feeds beneficial bacteria. These lactobacillus bacteria make lactic acid, which keeps the pH low and protects the vagina from microbes that can cause yeast infections and BV.
So in addition to impacting whether we want to have sex, lower estrogen levels can contribute to several other ways that sex might not seem like an appealing prospect. It’s hard to get enthusiastic about sexual intimacy if we know it’ll hurt.
Focusing on what makes you feel good in mid life
Pleasure is good for the soul. It also builds resilience, supports immunity, and keeps us connected with these amazing bodies that house us through so many phases and changes.
Even apart from the mental and emotional benefits of pleasure, sexual intimacy post-menopause has physical effects.
Arousal brings juicy blood flow to the vaginal tissues that are prone to thinning and atrophy in the absence of estrogen.
And clitoral stimulation, sexual fantasy, and penetration keep vaginal skin healthy, improve its elasticity and natural lubrication, and can boost levels of androgens and other hormones.
It is likely that what worked for us in bed pre-menopause may need to be re-examined now. We will probably need to be patient with ourselves, and allow more time to become fully aroused than we used to.
Decide to make pleasure part of your self-care practice in mid-life
Enjoy (all) of life
The key to making sex enjoyable for you in midlife is allowing experimentation. The tools that once worked may no longer. Just because you do not feel aroused as easily, or many as interested in sex, don’t give up. Experiment with tools and add flavor in your life.
Bottom line: You deserve to enjoy your life, and sex is a major part.
How CBD can help with sex drive
Sex can be an essential way we express ourselves, bond with our partners, and experience pleasure in our bodies and minds – and desire and libido are essential to that. Enhancing libido requires a holistic approach – and CBD, which affects the human system in many ways, can be a potent addition to your intimacy toolkit.
Make a plan that works for you
We’re typically wary of scheduling sex. Instead, use it as a general frame of reference to know that you can indulge and fully enjoy yourself and your partner out of love and care for yourself. You should want to feel amazing! Every person’s version of this may look different.
Post-menopause, many women report feeling more free, more patient with themselves, and less concerned with what the world thinks of them than ever before. If we extend that grace to our changing bodies, we’re cultivating not only sensual pleasure, but our very souls and essential selves, throughout this remarkable transition – and what could be the most powerful and revolutionary years of our lives.
Foria
But knowing what tools are available to you, is key. And when it comes to tools, a good lubricant, like this all-natural Sex Oil with CBD, is an essential support – anytime, and especially during and after menopause. And plant allies like CBD, when used as a topical arousal oil like the famous Foria Awaken, can support libido and diminish discomfort. Lastly, the Foria Everyday Vulva Moisturizer and Vibrance Everyday Body Oil can be used daily to create a menopause routine for added hydration & self-love.
What Are the Benefits?
Besides the obvious, pleasure, a better connection to self and to pleasure can improve your overall health and make you feel better. It can improve your immune system, make you sleep better, help with mood and improve your overall connection to yourself and a better, more positive self-image.
Know that the end goal is to live a balanced lifestyle where your body and joy are both prioritized.
Why Foria
Since inception in 2014, Foria set out to lead the sexual wellness category with the highest standards for all-natural and organic ingredients, quality, and transparency.
Foria’s joy and mission is to create life-changing plant-based sexual wellness formulas for your most intimate needs.
From increased arousal & pleasure to sexual & menstrual comfort, Foria products solve real challenges and deliver meaningful results. From their earliest days inventing the first-ever cannabis and hemp-based personal lubricants, to their CBD suppositories addressing menstrual and pelvic discomfort, Foria is passionate about doing what has never been done before. The formulas support transformational life experiences, with the most innovative, clean, and effective ingredients available.
The sexual needs of women have been overlooked and under-addressed for too long. We’re working to change that story every day.
The perfect gift for yourself, or others!
Awaken is a 100% plant-based, sustainably-sourced CBD-infused arousal oil, made with natural and organic ingredients. You spray it on your fingers or directly onto yourself; and it feels light and silky. It can help enhance your natural lubrication (and, in turn, lessen dryness and discomfort); increase blood flow to the genital area and make you feel relaxed; and intensify touch and lead to deeper, easier orgasms. (Compelling, right?)
This bestseller is an all-natural arousal oil made from coconut oil, a blend of organic botanicals, and 300mg of broad-spectrum CBD. Designed for vulvas, it can be used both externally or internally. It’s paraben-free; phthalate-free; sulfate-free; alcohol-free; petroleum-free; dye-free; synthetic fragrance–free; and gluten-free, so you can relax and enjoy without worrying about toxic or irritating ingredients.
No Comments