We women deal with many physical and emotional changes during and after menopause. Both in my medical practice and as part of the MiddlesexMD team, I'm alert for "kindred spirits" who understand the transition—and are willing to talk about what changes in hormones mean for real women leading real lives. The people at Vibrant Nation, the leading online community for women 45 and older, have been among those kindred spirits. I published articles on the VibrantNation.com site for almost five years and had some of our liveliest online discussions there. (They have recently changed their platform and, unfortunately our content is no longer available on their site.)
Among the things we've talked about is how hormonal changes—and the painful or less pleasurable sex that can come with them—can take a real toll on our relationships. And I know from the women I see in my office and the emails I get from around the world (literally!) that we're not talking enough about how sex changes and what we can do about it. We're not talking enough to our doctors, to our partners, not even with our girlfriends.
And for many of us, it's hard to find straightforward, trustworthy information about how to deal with issues like pain during intercourse, diminished orgasm, and changes in libido.
That’s about to change. I'm excited to have been asked by Vibrant Nation to lead a panel of women who will share their stories and advice for getting that spark back in the bedroom. Vibrant Nation is having its first-ever live webcast discussion, Sex After Menopause, on March 31, 2015, at 1:00 p.m. EST. We'll have real women telling their stories, with experts providing perspective and solutions. And you can participate! Pre-register by following this link (Online Form - Pfizer Attendees List - Pre-event - Barb Depree) and you'll have the opportunity to submit your own question or story and to win a $100 Amazon gift card.
Join us. Let's stop the silence and extend the conversation. Let's support each other by sharing our questions, our successes, our struggles. Let's build the community of kindred spirits!
Disclosure: This post is part of a Vibrant Influencer Network campaign. MiddlesexMD is receiving a fee for posting; however, the opinions expressed in this post are Dr. DePree's. Neither MiddlesexMD nor Dr. DePree is in any way affiliated with Pfizer and does not earn a commission or percent of sales.
Dr. Barb DePree, M.D., has been a gynecologist and women’s health provider for almost 30 years and a menopause care specialist for the past ten.
5 comments
Sandy, thank you for your comment about the effects of menopause on men. We have, over the years, heard from many men, asking questions about ways they can help their wives, and asking general questions about menopause. We also aim to direct content at both men and women, a few highlights include: https://middlesexmd.com/blogs/drbarb/46959747-male-menopause-stand-by-your-man, https://middlesexmd.com/blogs/drbarb/q-talk-to-partner-making-love-again, https://middlesexmd.com/blogs/drbarb/46958147-he-s-got-his-groove-back-o-happy-day, https://middlesexmd.com/blogs/drbarb/46956675-prostate-cancers-impact-on-you, https://middlesexmd.com/blogs/drbarb/46952835-why-older-men-love-foreplay, https://middlesexmd.com/blogs/drbarb/46971651-his-and-hers-body-image-woes
Sandy, unfortunately we do not have access to a recording of this webcast. VibrantNation.com has changed their format and old content is no longer available.
Is there anyway to see this webcast as a recording after the fact?
You write:
“Among the things we’ve talked about is how hormonal changes—and the painful or less pleasurable sex that can come with them—can take a real toll on our relationships. And I know from the women I see in my office and the emails I get from around the world (literally!) that we’re not talking enough about how sex changes and what we can do about it. We’re not talking enough to our doctors, to our partners, not even with our girlfriends.”
I don’t see much on your website for men about menopause and what they can do. You say women should talk to their partners. Well, you should address men too! Because a lot of women in menopause don’t really want to talk about it much, especially with their husbands. And that’s sometimes understandable because the men think it’s just a big fat excuse for not having sex.
I went to menopause.org the other day and saw the same shortcoming. They have a tab on the menu bar “For Women”, but nothing for men. I guess menopause doesn’t affect men, and there’s nothing they need to know? LOL As if sex doesn’t matter to us??? LOL
Bob