How to Keep the Sex in Sexy for Women Over 40

May 11
08:54

2010

Susan Burks

Susan Burks

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Many women over 40 are actually having sex less frequently. Here are a few suggestions on how to increase your libido and put the “sex” back into sexy.

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Many women over 40 are enjoying increased confidence,How to Keep the Sex in Sexy for Women Over 40  Articles sophistication and satisfaction more now than at any other time in their lives. They know who they are, what they want and how to get it. But, as perimenopause or menopause takes hold, it is common for women to experience diminishing sexual desire and responsiveness.

 

Increased confidence may explain why women over 40 feel sexier, but many are actually having sex less frequently. Here are a few suggestions on how to increase your libido and put the “sex” back into sexy.

 

Hormones

Declining testosterone levels are responsible for reducing the desire for sex. Declining estrogen levels are responsible for vaginal dryness, which causes sex to feel uncomfortable.  This combination means orgasms may take longer to achieve and require you to need more stimulation.

 

Fortunately, there are many options to address these issues. If a lack of sexual desire is preventing arousal, have your hormone levels tested by a medical professional specializing in hormonal treatments. If you are experiencing slight dryness that is not causing pain, most drug stores carry water-based lubricants that can give you comfort.  However, if you are experiencing dryness that is causing pain, see your doctor to learn about possible medical solutions.

 

Nutrition

Healthy blood flow and nerve functioning will serve you well over 40 for a robust sexual response. Avoiding highly processed and fatty foods that restrict blood flow can make a big difference in your physical and sexual health. The best diet for strong sexual functioning is one that emphasizes:

 

·        Complex carbohydrates for energy and fiber

·        Heart-healthy fats to ensure your mucosal tissues are moist and responsive

·        Daily minimum requirement of healthy fats

·        Adequate water intake for a healthy urinary tract, joints and connective tissues

 

A balanced, healthy diet will help to keep your body in peak sexual performance.

 

Exercise

It is widely known that regular exercise has far-reaching health benefits that can extend and enhance your life. However, exercise also has a direct effect on your sexual interest and responsiveness. According to a recent study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, if a woman exercises only 20 minutes a day and maintains a target heart rate of 70%, she can significantly increase her sexual arousal and genital response. Exercise enhances your body awareness, releases endorphins (those feel-good chemicals in the brain), and increases energy. That trifecta may be just what you need to get in the mood more often.

 

Many women find it difficult to fit exercise into their busy lives. But, if you start by setting aside just 20 minutes a day to walk with the kids, the dog or maybe do a little gardening, this small step could go a long way towards giving your libido a big boost – naturally.

 

Self-pleasure

Attitudes about masturbation vary widely for many reasons. For men, masturbation is a completely natural and accepted option for sexual stimulation. Most men masturbate frequently to supplement partner sex. Yet for women, masturbation has been a taboo topic not easily discussed or accepted as an option for sexual stimulation. As progressive and sexy as we are over 40, our attitudes about sexual independence have not kept pace. As a result, many women either infrequently or never masturbate. There is a long list of physical and emotional benefits from reaching orgasm on a regular basis. Here are just a few:

 

·        Release of endorphins that help to lower blood pressure

·        Cardiovascular workout

·        Releases stress

·        Reduces cravings for junk foods

·        Pain management 

 

As we age, women are at a sexual disadvantage compared to men in our ability to easily extend a high level of sexual performance. While men have fairly easy access to Viagra and other simple solutions for erectile dysfunction, women do not have a comparable “magic pill” for performance, desire and responsiveness. 

 

However, a seldom discussed threat to long lasting vaginal health is vaginal atrophy. Your vagina needs blood flow and lubrication to stay flexible and responsive throughout your life. Estrogen loss, medical conditions or abstaining from sexual activity/stimulation for long periods of time can cause the vaginal walls to become thin, dry, and atrophied. Basically, that old saying holds true for your vagina: use it or lose it. There are many excellent vibrators that make achieving orgasm easy and enjoyable. Masturbation can go a long way towards extending your sexual health throughout your life. It’s OK not to be the “master of your domain” (Seinfeld’s “The Contest” circa 1992).   

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