Sex, Meaning and the Menopause.

Intro -- Contents -- Acknowledgements -- A younger woman's understanding of the menopause -- Meg, 42 -- Introduction -- What this book offers -- So, what is the book about? -- Structure -- A word about the male menopause -- Chapter 1 -- Myth-­making: menopause and society -- The focus on sex -- Menopause: a medical diagnosis -- Drugs for sex -- The anti-­ageing lobby -- Cultural differences -- A Second Menopause? God forbid! -- Chapter 2 -- Myth-­busting: real, lived experiences -- Fading beauty -- Mothers and daughters -- Some find it a relief -- Easier transition for some -- End of fertility -- The sandwich generation -- Older single mum -- Living alone -- Much happier alone -- Credibility in the workplace -- Hitting their stride -- Ageing in the sex industry -- Chapter 3 -- Menopausal mechanics of sex -- Talking about sex -- The taboo of sex and the menopause -- Mechanical changes in sex -- Gay relationships -- The need for good communication -- Sexual differences -- Male masturbation and sex toys -- Female masturbation and sex toys -- Pornography -- Affairs -- Divorce -- Prostitution -- Menopause power! -- SWOFTIES abroad -- Chapter 4 -- Meaning and the menopause -- The inner call -- Midlife: a psychological crisis -- Midlife: a spiritual process -- Menopause: the struggle -- Menopause: a sacred state -- Love and self-­healing -- The process of liberation -- Sex and spirituality -- Sex and sin -- Going beyond sex -- Using ritual -- Wisdom from the silver-­haired -- Chapter 5 -- Men talking about the menopause -- Ray, 62 - The word I use is despair -- Brian, 53 - We've always had an open relationship -- David, 59 - Menopause highlights the cracks already there -- Chris, 52 - The media are hopeless when it comes to the menopause -- Nick, 53 - There's nothing wrong with porn, if that's all there is on offer.

Will, 59 - Sex isn't just about penetration -- Gary, 67 - I suppose it was the male menopause -- John, 51 - It's not about sex, it's about pulling together -- Daniel, 66 - Different planets is an understatement -- Chapter 6 -- Managing the menopause -- Talking to doctors -- Sensible resources -- Getting the best from your GP -- The HRT conundrum -- Basic facts about HRT -- HRT and sex: a short recap -- Women talking about HRT -- Coming off HRT -- Localized HRT -- Things to be aware of if you want to take HRT -- Natural alternatives -- Natural lubricants -- Dealing with hot flushes -- Sleeping separately -- Seeking emotional support -- Basic listening skills -- Keeping fit -- Exercise can help stress incontinence -- Yoga -- Dancing -- Message to Meg -- Recommended reading -- Helpful websites -- Index.

Description based on publisher supplied metadata and other sources.

Electronic reproduction. Ann Arbor, Michigan : ProQuest Ebook Central, 2024. Available via World Wide Web. Access may be limited to ProQuest Ebook Central affiliated libraries.