Is It Normal for Sex to Hurt During Menopause?

If you're in or approaching menopause and you've started to feel pain during sex, you may be asking yourself:

“Is this normal?”
“Is something wrong with me?”
“Why is sex suddenly so uncomfortable?”

First of all, you’re not alone — and no, you’re not broken.
While painful sex during menopause is very common, that doesn’t mean it’s something you should just accept or suffer through.

Let’s unpack why this happens, what your body is going through, and how you can begin to reclaim pleasure, comfort, and confidence again — naturally and gently.

Why Does Sex Hurt During Menopause?

Painful sex during menopause is often caused by a drop in estrogen. This hormone plays a major role in keeping vaginal tissue thick, elastic, and lubricated. When estrogen decreases (typically between ages 45–55), the vaginal walls can become thinner, drier, and more sensitive — a condition called vaginal atrophy or genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM).

This can lead to:

• Burning or stinging sensations during penetration

• Tightness, friction, or tearing

• Discomfort after intercourse

• Bleeding or spotting

• Emotional avoidance of sex due to fear of pain

These are all very real experiences — and they can dramatically affect not just your physical intimacy, but your emotional well-being, relationships, and self-image.

What Causes Vaginal Pain After 45?

Here are some common physical changes that may be contributing to discomfort:

Decreased natural lubrication
Loss of elasticity in vaginal tissue
Thinning of the vaginal wall
Increased sensitivity or inflammation
Pelvic floor tension or weakness
Lower libido due to hormone shifts

Is It “Normal”? Yes. But Is It Treatable? Absolutely.

While these symptoms are common, they’re not something you have to live with.
Painful sex after menopause is treatable — and there are options that don’t require hormone replacement or invasive procedures.

How VuVa Magnetic Dilators Can Help During Menopause

One of the most effective and natural ways to relieve postmenopausal vaginal pain is with VuVa Magnetic Vaginal Dilators — a gentle, at-home solution designed specifically for conditions like GSM, dryness, and pelvic tightness.

How They Work

VuVa dilators are smooth, body-safe tools that help:

• Stretch and relax the vaginal tissue

• Restore elasticity to postmenopausal tissue

• Increase blood flow using patented neodymium magnets

• Relieve inflammation and nerve pain

• Support gentle reconditioning of the vaginal canal

They’re especially helpful if you’ve avoided intercourse for a while and need a gradual way to restore comfort, trust, and body confidence.

You can learn more or get started today at vuvatech.com

Other Signs It’s Time to Take Action

If you're experiencing any of the following, talk to your doctor or consider therapeutic intervention:

Pain that’s preventing intimacy
Bleeding after sex
Burning sensation during or after intercourse
Inability to insert tampons or dilators
Anxiety or sadness related to intimacy

Natural Relief Options for Menopausal Pain

Outside of medical treatments like estrogen cream or HRT, there are natural remedies that can help:

• Coconut oil or plant-based vaginal moisturizers

• Daily pelvic floor stretches

• VuVa magnetic dilator therapy

• Mindfulness or breathing exercises during intimacy

• Staying sexually active, even through non-penetrative intimacy, to keep tissue flexible

You Can Still Enjoy Intimacy After Menopause

Your sexual well-being doesn’t have to end with your period. Many women find that with the right support and approach, sex after menopause becomes even more connected, less performance-driven, and more pleasurable than before.

Give your body the time, tools, and compassion it needs.
Start today with gentle therapeutic support from vuvatech.com

Because comfort, confidence, and connection shouldn't stop at menopause.