When it comes to sex, “use it or lose it” takes on a whole new meaning.
“If you don’t have sex the vagina tends to shrink. Over years, it can get smaller in menopausal women,” said Hilda Hutcherson, M.D., a dean at Columbia University’s medical school and author of What Your Mother Never Told You A bout S-e-x.
When estrogen levels begin to wane, she explains, our vaginal tissue tends to get thinner, drier and less elastic, Of course, when we’re not moist and stretchy, sex is less pleasant so we’re less likely to want it. And, so begins the cycle of sexlessness.
But there is good news: Vaginal atrophy (now there’s a delightful term!) doesn’t happen overnight. You can get your groove back. And that’s where sex toys come into play.
While some sisters may be shy about using them, playing with toys is actually good for your reproductive health. In fact, studies show that women who use them are more likely to have regular ob/gyn exams and to detect potential problems earlier.
“They learn how their bodies respond and what feels good,” says Hutcherson, who considers toys so important for sexual health that she sometimes writes patients toy prescriptions. Of course, you don’t really need a note from the doctor — or a trip to the store. You can buy toys discretely online. And don’t forget the lube!
So, what are the doctor’s playtime recommendations? Sex toys come in a variety of styles and functions, so finding the one that’s right for you will depend on your goal. Scroll your Instagram feed and you’ll likely see ads for sculptural, artistic models from companies such as Maude, which are stylish enough to leave on top of your nightstand. But Hutcherson suggests starting your research with these popular pleasers.
For Strength and Sensitivity
“My favorite [to prescribe] is one that doesn’t vibrate but has suction,” Hutcherson says. For women who have lost sensitivity and need a powerful sensation with a gentle approach, she recommends models such as The Womanizer, which covers the clitoris without touching it and uses a sucking action to pulse you to pleasure. www.womanizer.com
For Flying Solo