Can Sex Help with Menopause Symptoms Like Vaginal Atrophy?

by Foria .
Oct 17, 2025

There are a lot of harmful stories you’ll hear about menopause – like how your libido and sex life will dry up and blow away in the wind, never to be seen again. But what if sex was actually the solution to some of the (sometimes pesky) changes that start happening to your body during menopause — specifically vaginal atrophy?

Sure, there is hormone therapy, supplements, vaginal moisturizers, lubricants, and even red light devices that can help your body thrive through menopause — and these are all great tools.

But, you know what’s more fun than taking supplements? Having sex. And the research shows that turning menopause into meno-play can actually help your body more than you may realize. Slip into something sexy and let’s dive in.

What Is Vaginal Atrophy?

First, let’s talk about vaginal atrophy (also called vulvovaginal atrophy or atrophic vaginitis). This is the thinning, drying, and inflammation of the vaginal tissues that can occur during perimenopause and menopause.

As estrogen levels decline, the vaginal walls lose elasticity and natural lubrication. This can result in commonly known menopause symptoms (but are more specifically vaginal atrophy symptoms) like burning, itching, and pain during sex or even daily activities.

This condition isn’t just about discomfort, it can also affect confidence, intimacy, and overall wellbeing. The good news? Vaginal atrophy is common, treatable, and often reversible with the right care and consistency.

According to Mayo Clinic, regular sexual activity helps keep vaginal tissues healthy by increasing blood flow and maintaining natural elasticity.

Can Vaginal Atrophy Be Reversed Naturally?

While hormonal changes are inevitable, your body’s tissues are remarkably responsive to stimulation and care. Research shows that regular sexual activity (with or without a partner) can help prevent or ease vaginal atrophy. Arousal increases circulation, which nourishes the vaginal walls and promotes tissue resilience. The human body is kind of amazing like that.

The benefits of having more sex (whether solo or partnered):

Increases blood flow which improves lubrication and elasticity.
Orgasms release oxytocin and dopamine, which are natural mood boosters.
Regular arousal helps maintain pelvic floor tone and bladder support.
Masturbation and self-touch can relieve stress and even improve sleep quality.

So yes, sex and self-pleasure can definitely support your body through menopause — no partner required. And no matter what phase of life you’re in, there are plenty of benefits to having more orgasms.

Is The Phrase “Use It or Lose It” True?

You may have heard the phrase “use it or lose it” when it comes to sexual health, and it may sound like we’re echoing that statement with some of the research we’re presenting here.

Let us clarify that while regular sex can certainly do your body good, that’s only if it's sex that you want to have and are enjoying. Pleasure isn’t just sexual; it’s about connection, creativity, and presence. Oxytocin (the “love hormone”) can be released through cuddling, laughing, gardening, and spending time with the people you love in a platonic way as well. Plus, as we mention above, vaginal atrophy is usually reversible.

Still, maintaining a connection to your sensual body through touch, arousal, or mindful self-care does help keep vaginal tissues supple and healthy. If you’re having trouble getting in touch with your desire, you’re exactly who we created our Awaken Arousal Oil for. You may also want to read up on spontaneous vs. responsive desire. Desire can return after long pauses, sometimes in the most unexpected seasons of life.

How to Treat Vaginal Atrophy (and Feel Good Doing It)

There are many approaches to vaginal atrophy treatment, from medical prescriptions to natural daily practices. If symptoms are severe, talk to your healthcare provider about prescription options like local estrogen creams. For ongoing maintenance and prevention, here are some gentle, body-loving ways to support vaginal health:

Use a Vaginal Moisturizer or Lubricant:
A natural vaginal moisturizer (like our Everyday Vulva Moisturizer that sold out 2x!) can help restore hydration and comfort. Our Sex Oil is great for extra moisture during partnered intimacy, while our Everyday Vulva Moisturizer was designed to be used daily or whenever you need extra hydration.
Prioritize Pleasure and Connection:
Regular sex and/or masturbation keeps blood flow active and supports healthy tissue turnover. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to reconnect with your body during perimenopause and menopause.
Stay Hydrated and Nourished:
Internal hydration supports external moisture. Nutrient-rich foods that contain omega-3s, phytoestrogens, and antioxidants can also benefit vaginal health. Here are a few foods to incorporate into your diet for all three:
- Fatty fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel, trout)
- Flaxseeds and flaxseed oil
- Chia seeds (Sprinkle ground flax or chia seeds into smoothies or yogurt for an easy daily boost.)
- Walnuts
- Soy foods (Swap dairy milk for soy milk for an extra estrogen-friendly boost.)
- Flaxseeds (rich in lignans, a type of phytoestrogen)
- Sesame seeds
- Chickpeas and lentils
- Berries
- Dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher)
- Green tea and matcha
- Leafy greens (spinach, kale)
Reduce Stress:

Chronic stress depletes hormones and dampens libido. Mindful movement, breathwork, self-touch, and yes, more sex can regulate your nervous system to support both your mood and arousal.

The Takeaway

Vaginal atrophy doesn’t have to mean the end of pleasure or comfort. In fact, pleasure is part of the solution! Regular sexual activity (solo or partnered) increases circulation, boosts natural lubrication, and helps keep your tissues resilient.

Think of it as a holistic form of self-care: one that supports both your physical and emotional wellbeing during menopause and beyond.

So the answer is yes, sex can help with menopause and perimenopause symptoms. And your body is worthy of care, curiosity, and pleasure at every stage of life.

Featured Q&A: Sex and Menopause

Q: Can vaginal atrophy be reversed?
A: Yes, in many cases. Regular sexual activity, use of vaginal moisturizers, and increased circulation to the area can help restore elasticity and lubrication to vaginal tissues. Some women also benefit from localized estrogen therapy or natural products that support hydration.

Q: How can I treat vaginal atrophy naturally?
A: Staying sexually active (solo or with a partner), using a vaginal moisturizer, and maintaining hydration can ease symptoms. Products like Foria’s Awaken Arousal Oil and Intimacy Lubricant help soothe dryness while supporting arousal and pleasure.

Q: What are the early symptoms of vaginal atrophy?
A: Common signs include vaginal dryness, tightness, itching, burning, or discomfort during sex. These symptoms often appear during perimenopause, as estrogen levels begin to fluctuate.

Q: Does masturbation help with menopause symptoms?
A: Absolutely. Self-pleasure increases blood flow to vaginal tissues, boosts mood, relieves stress, and promotes better sleep — all of which can support overall menopause wellness.