Dry, painful sex is a distressing problem for some postmenopausal women, but many don’t want to talk about it.

A recent online study of over 4,000 women in Canada, Finland, Sweden, the US and the UK showed that seven out of 10 women are too embarrassed to talk about vaginal dryness or pain with their health practitioner.

Over a third of postmenopausal women experience symptoms of vaginal atrophy (thinning of the vagina), such as pain and dryness and 40 per cent who had recently experienced vaginal dryness and pain said it interfered with their sex life.

However as Jean Hailes gynaecologist Dr Elizabeth Farrell points out, there is some good news. Sixty seven per cent of women who sought treatment experienced improvements including improved quality of life, return to normal sexual activity and an improved relationship with their partner.

“Women should know that they are not alone in experiencing these symptoms – it is common in midlife and can also affect breastfeeding women following childbirth. You don’t need to just accept pain or dryness. There are many treatments such as vaginal oestrogen tablets, pessaries, creams, rings or lubricants used during intercourse that can help.”

If you are experiencing vaginal dryness or other symptoms that impact on your quality of life, consult you health practitioner or contact the Jean Hailes Medical Centre for Women on (03) 9562 6771.

Content Updated May 21, 2009