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Pain or Discomfort During Sex
Why It's Happening:
Diminished estrogen levels cause decreased vaginal lubrication, which in turn makes sexual intercourse less comfortable, and sometimes painful. "This condition is very common in perimenopause," says Lisa Masterson, M.D., an attending ob-gyn at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Poor stimulation or conflicts in your relationship can contribute to painful sexual intercourse, or dyspareunia, writes Joseph L. Godat, M.D., in Putting Impotence to Bed: What Every Man and Woman Needs to Know (Summit Publishing Group, 1999).
What You Can Do:
While many physicians recommend vaginal moisturizers such as Replens and Gyne-Moistrin for easing discomfort, it's also true that lubricating liquids such as Astroglide rubbed on the clitoris and vulvar area can be extremely effective.
You may already know that hormonal replacement therapy helps some women regain comfort during sex like nothing else. Estrogen pills or patches should provide most women with estrogen levels that are adequate to maintain healthy vulvular skin while nourishing vaginal wall thickness, blood supply, fluid production and muscle tone. One study has shown that without hormonal therapy, 30 percent of women will experience discomfort during sex. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is not for everyone, though. Discuss the pros and cons with your physician.
See These Related Resources:
Reclaim your sex life with help from Dr. Betty
More about painful sexual intercourse
Sexual Problems bulletin board, Menopause-Online.com
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