Sexual Health

Sections

Care & Treatment

Many sexual problems can be treated safely and effectively. Most treatments have few side effects and can improve comfort and enjoyment. Talk with your healthcare provider about the options that are right for you.

Sexual Health in Postmenopausal Women

Vaginal dryness and discomfort are common after menopause. This is called genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). Lower hormone levels can cause the vaginal lining to become thin and dry. This can make sex uncomfortable or painful. Regular sexual activity may help keep the vaginal tissue healthy.

Vaginal Lubricants

  • Over-the-counter vaginal lubricants can help reduce dryness and pain.
  • Always check the expiration date. Do not use expired products, as they can irritate the skin.

Estrogen Treatment Options

  • Vaginal estrogen can help reduce pain but does not increase sexual desire.
  • Topical estrogen and prasterone may not be safe for women with estrogen-sensitive cancers.
  • If you prefer not to use hormones, vaginal moisturizers or lubricants can help make sex more comfortable. These do not reverse thinning of the vaginal tissue.
  • Prasterone is another option. It is like a natural hormone and can help reduce dryness and pain.
  • Vaginal creams or tablets with low-dose estrogen are available.
  • An estrogen ring can be placed in the vagina. It slowly releases estrogen and is replaced every few months.

Side effects from vaginal estrogen are usually mild. Because it mostly stays in the vaginal area, it does not affect the whole body.

Medications That Affect Sexual Health

Some medicines may help but can also have risks:

  • Estrogen pills may increase the risk of stroke, blood clots, and some cancers.
  • Ospemifene may reduce vaginal pain but can cause hot flashes and increase the risk of blood clots.
  • Testosterone may help with low sexual desire, but long-term effects are not well known.

Women should talk openly with their healthcare provider about symptoms. Treatment can improve comfort and quality of life.

Hormone Treatment for Men

Testosterone

Men with low testosterone may feel tired, have less interest in sex, or have trouble getting or keeping an erection. Testosterone treatment may help in these cases. It does not help men with normal testosterone levels.

Possible side effects include liver problems, prostate problems, sleep apnea, and high red blood cell counts. Men who have had breast or prostate cancer should not use testosterone because it may make these cancers worse.

Men who take testosterone should have:

• Blood tests before starting treatment and during treatment
• Regular prostate exams
• Checks for swelling or fluid buildup

Drug Treatments That Affect Men’s Sexual Health

Many men benefit from treatments that help with erections. These include medications and other options.

Pills
  • Medicines called PDE-5 inhibitors can help men get an erection, usually within one hour. Sexual stimulation is still needed for the medicine to work.
  • These medicines can interact with other drugs, such as nitrates for heart disease. This can cause very low blood pressure, which can be dangerous or even life-threatening.
  • Common side effects include headache, upset stomach, or changes in vision.
  • In rare cases, men may develop priapism. This is an erection that lasts more than four hours and is a medical emergency. Get medical help right away if this happens.

If these pills do not work, it may be a sign of a blood vessel problem. Talk with your healthcare provider for further evaluation.

Injections Into the Penis
  • Alprostadil is a medicine that can be injected into the penis using a very small needle. The erection can last up to one hour.
  • This may be an option for men who cannot take pills.
  • Side effects may include bruising, pain at the injection site, or scarring with repeated use.
  • In rare cases, this treatment can also cause priapism.
Vacuum Pumps for Erectile Dysfunction
  • A vacuum pump can help the penis become firm. The penis is placed in a plastic tube. The device pulls blood into the penis. A ring is then placed at the base of the penis to keep the erection. The ring should be removed after 30 minutes.
  • Some men may have pain, swelling, bruising, or painful ejaculation.
  • Men who take blood thinners or who have bleeding disorders should not use this device.

Medication Review

Your healthcare provider should review your medications to see if any may cause sexual problems. These may include antidepressants, antipsychotics, antihistamines, blood pressure medicines, and antacids.

Changing the dose or switching medications may help.

Treatment of Underlying Medical Conditions

Treating other health problems can help improve sexual function. For example, treating diabetes can improve blood flow. Managing pain can also help.

Talk Therapy or Counseling

A healthcare provider or trained counselor can help with sexual concerns. Sexual health includes both physical and emotional well-being.

Simple changes may also help:

  • Spend more time on foreplay
  • Use gentle touch and stimulation
  • Have regular sexual activity to help maintain vaginal health and lubrication
  • Show closeness through hugging, kissing, touching, or oral stimulation
  • Masturbation may help maintain sexual desire
  • Try different positions to reduce strain, stress, or pain

 

Last Updated May 2026

Back To Top