Listen up, ladies! Here are 4 ways in which your sex life can change in your 40s

They say, 40s is the new 30s. It is a decade that helps you explore different possibilities mentally and emotionally, thereby contributing to your overall development. But while all of this sounds so hopeful, your sex drive might not feel the same. 

Ah! We did see that bubble burst, but ladies we have to be honest with you. We all know hormones play an important role when it comes to our sexual health, and when you hit your 40s, they work a little differently than before. 

It’s the harsh truth but sex drive decreases with age. Of course, there are many reasons that govern if your sex drive is on full throttle or dwindling. Most say, stress is the biggest villain and can lower the libido. Apart from that, there are hormonal shifts in testosterone, oestrogen and progesterone. Not to mention, pregnancy and bodily changes can have a massive impact on your sex life. 

In this decade, women generally enter perimenopause, the prelude before menopause, and that means their bodies stop making oestrogen like before. And that means the vagina can become very dry. Sometimes, it can even make you forget how the sensation of sex feels like! 

Also, read: Here are 3 terrible sex tips you musn’t believe for anything in the world

But as they say, it’s always better to be armed with knowledge rather than stay ignorant. So, let’s tell you more about how your sex life can change in your 40s, and the best ways to salvage the situation.

1. Sex will require a lot more effort

With hormonal shifts, you can expect so many changes in the way you get aroused or even with regard to physical comfort during sexual activity. You might need longer foreplay or greater focus on sensual pleasuring so that you get aroused. There’s nothing wrong with this, but make sure you communicate this to your partner.

2. Bodily changes

Remember your body has been with you for so many decades! But as you age, it is bound to show some signs of slowing down. And guess what? It also becomes visible in how you look. Your breasts might sag, your stomach might not be as toned, and your butt might not feel too firm.

We understand how these changes might have an impact on your sex life, but remember this is all a part of life. And by now, you must have developed strong intimacy with your partner, so he’s sure to understand.

3. You may need a lube

Again, blame it on your hormones, because sex can be really dry (literally and metaphorically) after 40. With fluctuating oestrogen levels and irregular periods, there can be a lot of discomfort. That’s because the vaginal walls start to become much thinner and get irritated very easily, so much so that they can bleed or even tear. That’s why you must get in touch with your gynaecologist and ask her to suggest a good lube, or an oestrogen cream to combat vaginal dryness.

4. You might be at a higher risk of STDs

You might think that sounds odd, because it’s only when you are in your 20s and 30s that you mainly experiment in the bedroom, because you probably have multiple partners. But research suggests that people over 40 are at a higher risk of STDs. This could be because of the reduced need for birth control, and also thinning of vaginal tissues that make women more prone to infections. So, even if pregnancy is not on the cards (or you may think it isn’t possible), we suggest using condoms with a new partner for good sexual health.

So ladies, fret not. All this is perfectly normal—try to establish a stronger relationship with your partner, and you never know things might heat up between the sheets.