The Huffington Post
LELO/ Bellesa We hope you love the products we recommend! All of them were independently selected by our editors. Just so you know, HuffPost UK may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to shop from them. Oh, and FYI — prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication. 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. External Menopause can result in vaginal dryness and tightness, so Marshall recommends looking for toys that stimulate the external portions of your vulva. “Many of us rely on clitoral stimulation to orgasm, and during menopause, internal sensitivity can decrease or feel uncomfortable,” she says. “Start with a design for exploring in and out.” Adjustable “Look for toys that let you easily control intensity, especially if sensitivity varies,” Marshall explains. This might also involve using toys in more inventive ways, such as a suction vibrator on your nipples and other erogenous zones, rather than just your clitoris. Material As sensitivity fluctuates during menopause, you’ll also want to look for soft, body-safe materials like silicone. “As our vulva and vaginal tissues can become drier or more delicate, softness matters more than ever,” Marshall explains. Certified If you’re not sure whether a toy is menopause-friendly, look for products that carry the GenM MTick, Marshall recommends. “This is a trusted symbol that shows the product is suitable for menopause and has been independently assessed to meet the needs of women and people experiencing it,” she explains. 21 of the best sex toys for menopause to shop now To save you time scrolling, our shopping writer has found 21 of the best sex toys for menopause, including options made from body-safe materials, that are versatile, and some that have the GenM MTick certification. Tips for using sex toys after menopause As with taking a break from anything, jumping back into the pleasure pool with a changing (or changed) body can be slightly intimidating. To guide you through the process, we asked Samantha Marshall, head of brand at Smile Makers Collection, for her advice on using sex toys after menopause. Lube first Lots of women experience dryness during and after menopause, which lube can help with. “Lube can completely change the experience, making intimacy feel comfortable again and most importantly pleasurable,” Marshall says. “It acts as cushion to increase glide and decrease friction.” Consistency Consistency can prevent intimacy from feeling like a chore. “Keep it regular, not rigid,” Marshall says. “Like any wellness habit, consistency helps; but it should feel inviting, not like a task.” Stay curious To avoid putting unnecessary pressure on yourself, be curious about what feels good, over performing. “This is a time to explore, not to recreate what things used to feel like but to meet yourself, your body, your pleasure exactly where you’re at today and be present,” Marshall says. “Arousal may take longer, and that’s completely normal. Build sensation gradually, and remember that pleasure isn’t just about one area. Massage, touch, audio, or setting the mood can all help you reconnect with your sexual self.” Comfort is key You may experience discomfort or pain if you have vaginal dryness or tightness after menopause. “Don’t push through pain, especially with penetration,” Marshall recommends. “Discomfort can negatively impact desire over time, so it’s worth adjusting rather than enduring.” Enhancement, not replacement “Use toys as a bridge, not a replacement,” Marshall notes. “In partnered sex, they can take pressure off and open up communication; turning intimacy into something more shared and exploratory.” Related... 9 ‘Skincare-Grade’ Lubes That Will Actually Change Your Sex Life" I'm A Doctor, Here's What You Need To Know Before Using Spit As Lube We've Found The 19 Best Sex Toys Of 2026 For Your Next Orgasm
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