The
Vagina
The most
noticeable of these changes concerns the functioning of the
vagina. Vaginal lubrication, which may appear within fifteen
to thirty seconds in younger women, may now take several
minutes to develop and be much less profuse. In addition, the
vaginal walls become thinner and lose their former elasticity
as a result of hormone deprivation. However, hormone
replacement can usually improve the condition. Insufficient
lubrication can be overcome through the use of an artificial
lubricant.The
Uterus
Since the
uterus begins to shrink after menopause, uterine elevation
during sexual arousal gradually becomes less pronounced. As a
result, there is now less of a "tenting" or "ballooning"
effect in the inner two thirds of the vagina.
Muscular
Contractions and Resolution Phase
The
contractions of orgasm are milder and fewer in number. The
resolution phase is much shorter. None of these possible
physical changes have to prevent the enjoyment of sexual
intercourse. Indeed, women who have been sexually active
throughout their lives can expect to remain responsive well
into their old
age. |
