Menopause is a natural part of the female reproductive process, but it can cause many women to feel less than aroused in the bedroom. Luckily, reviving your sensual pleasure can be easier than you think with vibrators and other sexual aids.
From clitoral stimulation to oral sex, there are plenty of options to help you find what works for you and your partner.
Clitoral Stimulators
The head of a clitoral stimulator, which resembles a small funnel or a piece of spit, is designed to surround the clitoris, creating a suction sensation similar to oral sex. The amount of pressure is variable and depends on the strength and intensity setting you choose. At lower levels, the experience is more like a slow build-up; at higher intensities, it can be nearly instantaneous.
Vibrators are known to release feel-good hormones, including dopamine and oxytocin. They also increase vaginal lubrication, allowing penetration to be easier during intimate moments with a partner or on your own. In addition, they stimulate pelvic floor muscle activity, which helps prevent urinary leakage and improves sexual pleasure.
Some clitoral stimulators, such as the popular Satisfyer Pro 2, feature multiple intensity settings for a customizable experience. It’s shaped to mimic the head of an anus and has earned rave reviews from users who claim it has led to “multiple fully clitoral orgasms that never happen for me otherwise.”
Another great option is the Womanizer Liberty Pleasure Air Clitoral Stimulator, which offers a more beginner-friendly clitoral suction experience. Simply squeeze the pump to activate, then use the built-in quick air-release valve when you’re ready to stop.
Many people also prefer the sex toy-style clitoral stimulation of a hot pink clitoral vacuum stimulator called Wally. The clear cup allows partners to watch as the clitoral area swells with pleasure, which can be an extra sensual element for those who want to take things up a notch during intimacy.
Intimate Moisturiser
OB/GYNs often recommend personal lubricants to their patients who are experiencing discomfort with penetration during intimacy, particularly those going through menopause. Lubricants are typically water based, oil based or silicone based and many taste fruity or have a warming or cooling effect. They are intended to be used on demand to reduce friction between two body parts or a body part and a sex toy during sexual activity. Vaginal moisturizers are formulated to nourish and restore the outer genital skin, particularly in women who have suffered from chronic dryness due to menopause or cancer treatment. Many contain hyaluronic acid, which is known to increase tissue quality and hydration.
Although lubricants and moisturizers can both help relieve pain with penetration, it’s best to use them for different purposes. Lubricants are designed to ease the sensation of penetration and improve sexual pleasure while moisturizers are formulated to hydrate and nourish intimate skin.
Sex Toys
If you’re looking to add clitoral stimulation to your play, a dildo or rabbit-shaped vibrator can give you an amazing experience. These toys can also stimulate the anus, mouth or penis. They often look a little less realistic than your own penis, but they’re great for boosting sex drive and exploring new sexual pleasure.
These vibrators can be used alone or with a partner and are perfect for hands-free humping or rubbing. They’re designed with all bodies in mind and can fit the curves of your vulva and anus. They’re easy to use and can be used in the bath or shower. Our panel of testers loved the fact that they could control the vibration patterns and intensity with an app, too.
A clitoral stimulator can also help with vaginismus, a condition that causes pain when something is inserted into the vulva. It’s a common issue for women, and can be caused by tampons, menstrual cups, pap smears, a gynaecological exam or even sexual intercourse. A clitoral stimulator can help reduce this pain and encourage orgasms by helping strengthen pelvic floor muscles.
This vibrator from Love Not War is a great choice for women with vaginismus. It has a curved design that sits internally and externally, stimulating the clitoris and G-spot at the same time. It’s a great intro to combination vibes and is USB rechargeable with 20 functions to choose from. It’s made from body-safe, sustainable materials and is a great size for beginners.
Sex Accessories
Besides vaginal lubrication, which can be achieved with sex gels and creams, women who experience menopause can use vibrators and sex toys to stimulate pelvic blood flow. This results in more vaginal moisture and better sex—and it’s a fun, no-side effect solution that can be used at any time.
For some, menopause brings along anxiety surrounding sex. However, sex with a partner or alone is an important part of life and pleasure doesn’t have to stop at the bedroom door.
Sex toys can be used in many ways, including for oral sex and G-spot stimulation. One option is the wildly popular Satisfyer Pro 2, which has 12 pleasure settings, from low-and-slow rumbles to sheet-gripping pulsations. It also has clitoral stimulation, a key factor for orgasm, and is waterproof.
Alternatively, try a clitoral stimulator like the We-Vibe Rave. It’s shaped to insert easily, angled for G-spot pleasure, and made of flexible silicone that bends to avoid pinching or scratching.
Vibrators, sex toys and other sexual wellness products are available at online boutique Anthropologie, where feminine products mingle with flouncy dresses and eclectic decor. We love their selection of brands like Dame, Smile Makers and London-based Le Wand, which was founded by a sex educator and offers G-spot stimulation, among other things.
