If our vagina is no longer stretched by intercourse, post-menopausal atrophic changes may cause it to become narrower. That is why women who are no longer sexually active may experience much discomfort when a speculum is placed into a vagina for a Pap smear, for example. The good news is that even if one is not sexually active for a while and the vagina has narrowed, it can stretch out again, in time, to accommodate intercourse in the future. However, lubrication, patience and gentleness are very important, as always. Although I still have interest in sex, the time it takes me to achieve arousal and climax seems to be taking longer than when I was younger.
Every woman is different.
Vaginal lubrication is also decreased, which may contribute to the longer time it takes to become aroused. There are some very good vaginal lubrication products available today such as Astroglide and Replens. These products help to increase vaginal moisture so that mechanically, intercourse is easier, but even more importantly, not uncomfortable. Once problems with vaginal dryness are eliminated, sexual intercourse may be even more pleasurable during menopause. For example, virtually any medical diseases, from sexually transmitted diseases to hypertension, stroke, neurologic disease, liver, kidney, heart, blood or other physical diseases to emotional problems can vastly affect sexual function.