We get it — there's a lot of chat around peri and menopause. But we're here to hold your hand and reassure you: it's not the end of your sex life. As your oestrogen levels start to dip, this can lead to discomfort during intimacy. Things like burning, stinging, or micro‑tears that make sex feel less enjoyable and more like… a chore.

But here's the good news: none of this means your sex life is "over," or that desire has disappeared. Peri‑proofing your sex life isn't about fixing your libido or forcing passion. It's about understanding the changes in your body, staying connected to your partner and yourself, and remembering that this part of you still very much deserves pleasure.

So, what does peri‑proofing actually look like? It's a mix of understanding what's going on, supporting your body with the right products, and making space to be open with your partner about your needs.

Here are five practical ways to do that:

1. Understand what's really changing in your body.

Perimenopause can be a hormonal rollercoaster — for some, the changes are obvious, while others barely notice. Oestrogen is the main driver, deciding just how many loops your body will take along the way.

One term you might not have heard before is "vaginal atrophy". This describes the thinning, drying and inflammation of the vulval and vaginal tissues caused by decreased oestrogen. 

These areas are lined with highly specialised skin designed for moisture, flexibility and protection. As natural lubrication and elasticity drop, you might notice dryness, tightness, itching or irritation.

The best thing to do? Don't ignore discomfort or "soldier through" it. Pain isn't just physical — it can build mental associations that make it hard to feel pleasure. Just recognising that this is a normal, biological shift, and not a reflection of your relationship or your "sexiness", can remove shame and open the door to practical next steps.

2. Treat vulval skin like the specialised skin it is.

Here's something many of us were never taught: the skin of your vulva isn't the same as your facial or body skin. It's thinner, more sensitive, and designed differently, which means it needs its own kind of care.

That's where topical hydration can make a real difference to comfort and confidence — the newest findings showing that your vulval skin can even be given some of the same nurturing skincare ingredients as your face, like hyaluronic acid.

V.supple Balm is a daily external moisturiser developed by a sexual health physician, specifically to support sensitive vulval skin. It uses microsphere hyaluronic technology to deliver targeted hydration, while vitamin E, avocado oil and a gentle emollient base help maintain a smooth, comfortable skin barrier. It's hormone‑free, fragrance‑free and dermatologist tested and can be used once or twice a day, and before intimacy, to reduce friction and support comfort.

The balm was originally created for those navigating cancer treatment, so be assured knowing it's made using the gentlest, most natural ingredients. 

Think of it as part of your body's skincare routine that respects your changing body, instead of expecting it to behave the same as it did ten years ago.

3. Know the right products for the right job.

If you've ever wandered the pharmacy aisle wondering what's what, you're not alone. Moisturisers and lubricants may sound similar but play very different roles.

This is where a vulval emollient (like V.supple Balm) can help for external hydration, aiming to keep the skin soft, supple and comfortable throughout the day, while addressing the baseline dryness that can come with falling oestrogen.

Lubricant, on the other hand, is designed for use during intimacy. Its purpose is to reduce friction and help make sex (solo or partnered) feel smoother and more enjoyable in the moment. You can use the two together: the emollient regularly, and the lubricant when things get heated.

Whether you're at the gym, relaxing or working, vulval comfort should be a given, not a luxury.

4. Talk earlier, not later.

One of the kindest things you can do for yourself during perimenopause is start the conversation, whether that's with your GP, a pelvic health physiotherapist, or a sexual health clinician. Keep in mind, every journey and every body is different.

Your healthcare provider can check for hormonal changes, suggest treatment options (if appropriate), and give guidance on how to support vaginal and vulval tissue health. Doing this early means more comfort and less frustration down the track.

And this doesn't just apply to professionals. It's also worth talking openly with your partner about what's going on. Explaining that dryness or pain isn't about attraction or effort, but about biology, can take pressure off both of you.

5. Embrace the milestone.

You navigated your first period, sexual experience, and potentially even pregnancy and childbirth. And guess what: you got through it. Peri may not be a straightforward ride, but it's yet another milestone you'll conquer.

Perimenopause doesn't have to be a quiet retreat from sex, it can be an evolution of it. Understanding what's happening physically, caring for your body's changing needs, and having the right conversations all build the foundation for a connected, confident, and comfortable sex life.

So if things feel different, remember: they're meant to. This is your body moving through its next phase. By peri‑proofing your sex life now, you're setting yourself up for years of intimacy that feels good on your terms.

What are your peri myths and tips for enjoying sex? Tell us in the comments section below.

Find V.supple Balm at your nearest pharmacy or specialist clinic. Find a stockist here.

This information is general in nature and does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional. As with any medical condition, always seek health advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

Featured image: Canva.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH V.supple

Perimenopause should not mean giving up on comfort or pleasure. Vulval skin is highly delicate and can become dry, tight and easily irritated as oestrogen starts to fluctuate. V.supple Balm is a daily external moisturiser designed by a sexual health physician to support this sensitive area. Its microsphere hyaluronic technology delivers targeted hydration, while vitamin E, avocado oil and a gentle emollient base help maintain a smooth, comfortable skin barrier. Hormone free, fragrance free and dermatologist tested, it fits easily into your existing routine. Use once or twice a day and before intimacy to reduce friction and support comfort and ongoing confidence.