Understanding the science behind WHY things like low libido, painful sex, and difficulty achieving orgasms pop up during menopause is only step one. Once armed with that information, you’re probably thinking…okay, so what can I do about it? That’s where these products come in.
As always, we’re not paid to feature any of these products. We’ve just vetted ‘em, love ‘em, and think you will too.
Bonus points for the fact that many of these products can be used in the context of partnered sex (hello, foreplay) OR intimacy with yourself, which is JUST as important.
We may be biased, but we’re pretty sure this is the sexiest listicle EVER. 😉
Vaginal moisturizers, gels & soaps
Vaginal and surrounding vulvar tissues can change during the menopause transition, becoming dry, thin, and inflamed as estrogen levels drop. The result? Discomfort and painful sex. The right moisturizer can be a GAME-CHANGER.
1. Revaree
This hormone-free, applicator-free vaginal insert with hyaluronic acid (HA) renews your body’s moisture. When used every 2-3 days at night, 84% of women experienced improvements in vaginal dryness, 86% experienced a reduction in vaginal itching and burning, and 57% a reduction in painful sex.
2. Odela Estradiol
There’s a whole lot of evidence that vaginal estrogen cream is safe for almost everyone…even safer than Tylenol! It works by helping to maintain the structure and function of the vulvar and vaginal tissue as well as the vaginal microbiome. Odela’s is one of our go-tos.
3. Kindra vaginal moisturizer
This light daily moisturizer is ULTRA hydrating thanks to the blend of coconut oil, sunflower seed oil, safflower seed oil, and vitamins E/B3.
4. Replens
This hormone-free gel is inserted into the vagina using an applicator (somewhat similar to those you may have used for yeast infections). It helps soothe dry vaginal cells and replenish moisture for up to three days.
5. HYALO GYN
Hyalo Gyn is similar to Replens in that it’s hormone-free and applied via an applicator. It’s especially hydrating due to its proprietary hyaluronic acid derivative, Hydeal-D.
6. JoyLux gels and soaps
Founded by Colette Courtion, JoyLux provides at-home solutions to help women care for their pelvic and sexual health, including pH-balanced gel safe for vaginal use, aloe-based cleansers, serums, soaps, and more.
7. Woo More Play Coconut Love Oil
This lube is especially moisturizing because it’s made from a base of organic coconuts (with no parabens, petroleum, or silicone). Bonus points for its perfect, non-sticky texture.
Just looking for a moisturizer? Regular organic coconut oil from the jar works like a dream!
8. Honor Everyday Balm
Yes, this gynecologist-tested, hormone-free moisturizer is on the pricier side, but so worth it. Included in its mix of ingredients is bisabolol, a German chamomile extract known for its healing, anti-irritant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial properties.
Arousal oils
Unlike natural lubrication, arousal oils are designed to be applied to the labia, clitoris, and inside the vagina in order to help stimulate a sexual response.
9. Foria
Foria’s Awaken + Lube bundle pairs arousal oils with intimacy sex oils with CBD — the perfect blend to support arousal, pleasure, and comfort in the bedroom.
10. Zestra
Zestra is designed with convenience — and speed — in mind; it peaks just 10 minutes after application and lasts up to 45 minutes.
11. Quim
From CBD-infused intimate serums designed to increase blood flow, to everyday oils that keep things happy down there, Quim has it all.
Supplements & over-the-counter solutions
If moisturizers and arousal oils aren’t doing the trick when it comes to sexual satisfaction, you may want to consider supplements.
12. ArginMax
A blend of different herbs and compounds, ArginMax is thought to work by increasing blood flow and promoting muscle relaxation. Small studies have shown that Arginmax may improve sexual function in women, with improvements in sexual desire, vaginal dryness, frequency of sexual intercourse and orgasm, and clitorial stimulation.
13. Ristela by Bonafide
In three separate clinical studies, this non-hormonal formulation has been shown to enhance sexual satisfaction and increase female orgasm and physical arousal in premenopausal, perimenopausal, or postmenopausal women.
Vibrators, toys & other wearables
Pro tip from Dr. Anna Barbieri, MD (Founding Physician here at Elektra Health): “Vaginal health matters whether you’re sexually active or not. By using a vibrator or dilator at least once per week, you’ll keep those muscles and tissues in shape to prevent narrowing of the vaginal walls. The obvious bonus is that it’s fun, too!”
14. The Magic Wand
Effective but large, which means it can get in the way. That being said, it’s great for women who can’t easily orgasm but want to for solo sex.
15. Tabu
Soft-touch vibrators made with medical-grade silicone and featuring four vibration patterns with the option to customize the intensity of each.
16. Dame
Here you’ll find a whole slew of products, including couples vibrators, suction toys, and g-spot vibrators.
17. Lelo
Ben wa balls, bullet vibrators, clitoral vibrators, g-spot vibrators, wand massagers, and more.
18. Womanizer
Vibrators for those who like suction.
19. Unbound sex toys
This rebellious sexual wellness company makes vibrators, vaginal lubricants, and accessories — all with body-safe ingredients. We’re also big fans of founder Polly Rodriguez who, in addition to selling top-notch sex toys, has rallied her trailblazing team at Unbound to fight the MTA over sexism in NYC subway ads — and send members of Congress vibrators (!!!)
20. Ohnut
For some women, pain during sex can be caused by penetration that is too deep. The Ohnut is a wearable designed to be worn at the base of the penis, and can be adjusted to limit depth of penetration.
Setting the ~mood~
Whether you need help broaching the topic of intimacy to a partner, or are just looking to spice things up in the bedroom, these resources are great to have on hand.
21. MakeLoveNotPorn
MakeLoveNotPorn is the world’s first and only user-generated, human-curated social sex video sharing platform. Founder Cindy Gallop explains it as pro-sex, pro-porn, and pro-knowing the difference. Through their videos, MakeLoveNotPorn socializes and normalizes sex in the real world to promote consent, communication, good sexual values, and good sexual behavior.
22. BestSelf Intimacy Deck
150 prompts that’ll help spark deeper, more meaningful conversations. Questions fall into 1 of 6 categories: past, random, life, relationship, intimacy, and about you.
23. Small Things Often Podcast
This podcast from The Gottman Institute features three-minute episodes with game-changing tips and suggestions for strengthening communication in a long-term relationship.
24. Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski, PhD
This fascinating read dives into how every woman has her own unique sexuality and how the complications of everyday life can influence the context surrounding arousal, desire, and orgasm. There’s also a corresponding podcast, which is worth a listen!
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