His and Her Health

I am 57 and about 8 years post menopausal. The past several years I have not been able to have intercourse due to great pain. Penetration has not been successful because of the immediate pain. Prior to menopause I had no problems. I have regular ob-gyn exams and have had creams and gels prescribed and strong suggestions for HRT therapy which I don't want. My husband was never circumcised and I often wonder if that may not contribute to the pain - if vaginal dryness is part of the problem. I don't have pain using a vibrator. I would like to be able to have normal intercourse. Do you have any suggestions for gels that are highly successful? Or any other suggestions? Thanks

There are several cause of painful sex, which should be discussed with your doctor - such as yeast infections, vaginitis (due to estrogen loss); urinary tract infections, just to name a few things. Unfortunately- as estrogen decreases, vaginal dryness and discomfort with intercourse are quite common. I've heard women even describe their vagina as almost feeling like sandpaper. What happens is without adequate amounts of estrogen in the vagina, the vaginal walls thin out and the vagina loses its elasticity. Some women experience painful intercourse, as well as an itching, burning sensation. Estrogen is sometimes the best solution, but there are other things you might want to try such as a long lasting vaginal moisturizer (Replens,Vibrel, Liquibeads), lubricants such Replens Mousse, Astroglide, K-Y, Arkadia products and the like, but of utmost importance -is to not forget to have plenty of foreplay.
Ann Landers once said "The most important sex organ is the brain". It helps the vagina become lubricated. Bottom line, longer foreplay, and replacing natural lubricants can help you maintain sexual functioning. Using the vibrator is very effective because of clitoral stimulation that is provides to enhance orgasm. But again, for the comfort of intercourse, the use of ET, or a lubricant may do the trick for resolving the problem of vaginal dryness. I thank you for logging onto our site and sincerely hope this information is of help to you.

<small>[ 02-18-2008, 09:59 PM: Message edited by: Moderator ]</small>

I am a 62 year old postmenopausal woman who had an operation for a cystocele 2 years ago. I would like to resume intercourse but have vaginal atrophy and have been unable to as it is so painful. Could anyone recommend the use of a vibrator and/or specific creams? I use Colpotrofin?Promestrieno as prescribed by my gynaecologist.

Katy welcome to our forum. Here are a couple of links to our websites that will have information for you.
www.redhotmamas.org
www.menopausewise.com