A 'New Phase' Of Pleasure: We've Found 21 Of The Best Sex Toys To Spice Up Your Sex Life After Menopause

In case you needed an excuse to explore your body.

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Until way too recently, women of ‘a certain age’ have been unfairly labelled as undesirable and past wanting sex. To which we have to say: what the hell?

While menopause can bring with it a whole host of bodily changes, including taking a swing at your libido, contrary to popular belief, it is not the end of desire and pleasure for vulva owners.

In fact, menopause is a ‘new phase’ of pleasure, according to Samantha Marshall, head of brand at Smile Makers Collection, a GenM MTick-certified sexual wellness brand.

“Libido isn’t something that stays constant throughout life, and menopause is one of many moments where it can shift,” says Marshall.

“What’s important to remember is that this isn’t a ‘loss’ so much as a transition. Our relationship to pleasure evolves over time, and menopause is another opportunity to get to know your body again. For many, a lot of life is actually post-menopause; so this isn’t the end of pleasure, it’s a new phase of it.”

In case you were looking for a reason to start this new phase, like ASAP, sex toys can be an excellent tool to reconnect with your body, according to Marshall.

“Sex toys aren’t just about pleasure in the moment; they can support circulation, explore new types of stimulation, engage your pelvic floor and help you stay in touch with your body as it changes.

“Having tools that make exploration easier and more intuitive can help reconnect with that sense of desire, too.”

To help you on your journey to re-prioritise your pleasure, we’ve rounded up the best sex toys for menopause, as well as tips for how to add them into your sex life after menopause.

What happens to libido during menopause?

Our hormones (famously) go through a huge shift during menopause. This can contribute to changes in our sex life, with up to 86% of menopausal women reporting vaginal dryness, reduced libido, and discomfort, according to research by Smile Makers.

“Hormonal changes can play a big role in libido, but they’re only part of the picture,” Marshall says. “Things like stress, routine, sleep, medication, and life changes often have just as much, if not more, influence on desire.”

The drop in oestrogen can also impact our vaginal health, she adds. “Dryness or atrophy can cause pain or discomfort during penetrative sex and then in turn might make sex feel less desirable,” Marshall explains.

While these changes can result in wanting less sex, menopause doesn’t have to mean the end of pleasure.

“It’s about getting curious and finding new types of stimulation, not ignoring our most intimate parts and burying our head in the sand, but acknowledging that it’s such a worthwhile investment of our time and energy to seek our and allow ourselves pleasure,” Marshall explains.

What to look for when buying sex toys during menopause

As your body inevitably changes during menopause, you might find the stimulation you previously enjoyed changes.

Menopause can result in vaginal dryness and tightness, so Marshall recommends looking for toys that stimulate........

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