Sexual health and menopause are rarely discussed in the same breath — and that silence has real consequences. But the research is clear: pleasure is not only possible after menopause, it remains an important part of overall wellbeing. At Smile Makers Collection, we’re here to help make that conversation more open, more informed, and easier to navigate.
The part of menopause nobody talks about
Sexual changes during and after menopause are common, significant — and often overlooked. Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is estimated to affect between 68% and 86.5% of menopausal women, encompassing changes in libido, arousal, orgasm, and sexual comfort. Yet it remains one of the most underdiagnosed and undertreated aspects of women’s health.
A 2024 systematic review published in PMC (covering 21 peer-reviewed studies) highlights an important shift in perspective: decreased libido during menopause should not automatically be framed as dysfunction. Instead, it can be understood as part of a broader picture of sexual health, relational wellbeing, and the body’s natural transition — one that, with the right support, can be navigated with more ease and understanding.
What’s actually happening in the body
The hormonal shifts of menopause — particularly the decline in estrogen — have direct physical effects on sexual health. Vaginal tissues can become thinner and less elastic, blood flow may decrease, and natural lubrication often diminishes. Together, these changes are referred to as genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), and they affect a significant proportion of women during and after this transition.
A 2024 PLOS One integrative review found that the most commonly reported changes include vaginal dryness, discomfort during sex, decreased libido, difficulty reaching orgasm, and reduced arousal. These physical shifts are often accompanied by emotional ones too — including changes in confidence, body perception, and the persistent cultural narrative that sexuality fades after menopause.
The biology is real. But so is the opportunity to better support it. Research consistently shows that when women have access to the right information, supportive products, and open conversations, they are far more likely to maintain a fulfilling sexual life through menopause and beyond.
Sexual wellness is a menopause issue
In Gen M’s research, menopause ranks as the number one health concern for women aged 49–59 globally, at 35%. Sexual wellness, by comparison, is cited as a top concern by only 11% — a gap that suggests many women have not yet connected changes in their sexual health to the hormonal transition happening in their bodies.
This disconnect matters. Vaginal dryness, reduced libido, and shifts in sexual confidence are not separate issues — they are recognized signs of menopause, supported by a growing body of peer-reviewed evidence. Naming them as such is often the first step toward understanding and support.
Practical things that genuinely help
The good news is that there’s actually a lot that can make a real difference. A 2022 review in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that education and support for postmenopausal sexual health had a significant positive effect on both sexual function and quality of life. Translation: knowing what’s happening and having the right tools matters enormously.
5 things worth knowing about managing menopause and sex:
- Lubrication is everything. Vaginal dryness is one of the most common and treatable menopause symptoms. A good lube doesn’t just make things more comfortable — it makes things more enjoyable. Our Generous Gel is pharma-grade, fragrance-free, and designed for exactly this.
- External stimulation often works better. Blood flow to the clitoris can decrease during menopause, so direct clitoral stimulation — rather than penetration alone — tends to be more reliable for reaching orgasm. Good to know. Great to explore.
- Solo pleasure is self-care. Masturbation during menopause helps with stress relief, better sleep, and staying connected to your body during a time when it’s changing. Perimenopausal women in particular use self-pleasure as a wind-down tool — and honestly, that makes a lot of sense.
- Pelvic floor health matters. Oestrogen loss can affect the pelvic floor muscles, which impacts lubrication, sensation, and the intensity of orgasm. Our Pelvic Partner is designed to support this — and it’s MTick certified.
- Ask the experts. Sex therapists, pelvic physios, and menopause specialists are your friends. General healthcare doesn’t always prioritise this stuff, so finding someone who does can be genuinely life-changing.
Our MTick-certified sexual wellness edit
Smile Makers Collection is proud to partner with Gen M because we believe sex, pleasure, and intimate wellness are essential parts of the menopause conversation — not something separate from it. Every product in our menopause edit has been independently verified to support one or more of Gen M’s 48 recognized menopause signs.
Because pleasure doesn’t belong to one phase of life — it evolves with you. And with the right support, there’s so much more to discover.
