There are many conditions that can cause vaginal pain during intercourse; one is vaginal atrophy. This condition often stops women from taking part in lovemaking, let alone enjoying it. The worry is that penetration will hurt them, and with that worry, their sex drive falls flat on the floor. Although the condition can affect women of any age, it is mainly after menopause sets in it is experienced.

Vaginal atrophy can seriously affect relationships, and yet very few women talk about their experiences. Some are embarrassed, while others don’t know where to go for help, accepting that it is a part of life and that nothing can be done about it¹. But atrophy is a serious condition as if it goes untreated; it can cause the vaginal walls to close up. Regular intercourse is necessary for healthy vaginal walls, though it isn’t a guarantee that regular lovemaking will stop vaginal atrophy.

What is vaginal atrophy?

Vaginal atrophy is when estrogen levels decrease, and the vaginal tissue becomes thinner, drier, not as elastic, and more fragile. The symptoms of vaginal atrophy includes²:

• Vaginal dryness
• Vaginal burning
• Vaginal discharge
• Vaginal inflammation
• Genital itching
• Light bleeding after intercourse
• Discomfort with intercourse
• Shortening and tightening of the vaginal canal

Vaginal atrophy is not only uncomfortable and painful, but it can cause urinary issues too, such as:

• Burning with urination
• Urgency with urination
• Frequent urination

One woman’s experience

Today, a client told me she had experienced penetration, feeling like sandpaper being rubbed on the inside of her vagina with some bleeding following intercourse. I asked what had made her carry on making love rather than stopping; after all, there are many other ways to be intimate. Her response saddened me greatly. She said:

“I love my partner, and I love making love with him. I want to hold on to our love life; I don’t want him to think I’m broken.”

She had experienced this pain increased over the past few months and hadn’t known what to do or where to go for help. I’m glad she came to see me.

Take action, don’t suffer

This is a condition that no woman needs to suffer with. However, there are a few things that can be done to help ease vaginal atrophy, returning the enjoyment of lovemaking to the relationship:

• A menopause specialist will help with all the specific symptoms you have. They are usually able to prescribe vaginal lubricants with estrogen and advice you on how to use them. I have only heard positive feedback from women who have sought their advice.
• Over the counter, vaginal lubricants can help. They are available at a chemist or online; I noticed vaginal lubricants being available even on Amazon. The ones I recommend to my clients are either YES or Sylk. If you contact either via their online chat facility, they might offer you some free samples so you can try them before you buy.
• Your doctor will also be able to help, and some general practitioners have a menopause-trained nurse attached to the clinic. It’s worth asking.

It is worth taking a look at the menopause NICE Guidelines to gain insight into what you should expect from the care you are seeking. The NICE Guidelines were developed in 2015 while menopause training became available for nurses in the UK.

If you or your partner is suffering from vaginal atrophy, seek the available help. Your relationship need not be without intimacy, and you should be able to enjoy it as much as you ever have.

Making love as we get older

As we get older, we need to take it easy, slow lovemaking down and enjoy more touching, stroking, kissing of bodies, and holding³. Many couples of a certain age coming to psychosexual therapy have spent years rushing through the act of lovemaking resulting in one or both losing interest. That might be all we have time for when our children are young, and we are working at succeeding in our careers, but with age, our bodies tend to respond differently. We are no longer able to get the rush of excitement we used to.

Taking our time to be intimate together will give our bodies a chance to catch up with what we are doing. The added extra is that it becomes much more enjoyable too. Towards the end of psychosexual therapy, couples in this age group often report that they enjoy touching so much the intercourse is simply a plus rather than the aim.

Having an enjoyable sex life into very old age is the spice of life and will keep us truly alive for longer. Don’t let vaginal atrophy stop you from getting close, seek the help available, and magic can become a reality.

References and further reading

¹Vaginal Atrophy

²Vulvovaginal Atrophy

³Better Sex as You Age

The post Here is a Solution to Painful Sex appeared first on Medika Life.

If you haven’t yet gone through menopause, but find you are bothered with this condition, we’d advise a visit to your gynecologist who can check you over thoroughly. A drop in your estrogen levels can also lead to dryness, resulting from

• Childbirth and breastfeeding
• Radiation or chemotherapy treatment for cancer
• Surgical removal of the ovaries
• Anti-estrogen medications used to treat uterine fibroids or endometriosis

For most women, a lack of vaginal moisture will have a significant impact on their sex life and the pleasure they derive from the act. It can also affect your relationship with your partner or spouse. The great news is that sex does not have to hurt and today’s woman is spoilt for choice, with many alternatives to provide the vagina with moisture and restore the joys of intimacy.

Here are eight easy tips to help you solve the problem of vaginal dryness, but first a few things you should avoid that can aggravate vaginal dryness. Avoid using douches, bubble baths, scented soaps, and lotions around the sensitive vaginal area. These will contribute to vaginal dryness.

Natural Choices for Vaginal Dryness

None of the options below may appeal to you if you’re eager to keep things natural. There are easy solutions here too. You can use grapeseed, olive, sweet almond, sunflower, or coconut oil. If dryness is a problem, these oils are great lubricants that can be safely applied in and around your genitals for a more sensual love-making session. Coconut oil is particularly suited. Always select an organic certified oil when possible for this sensitive and highly absorbent part of your body.

1. Water-based sexual lubricants

Brands: Astroglide, Durex, KY and others

How they work: Sexual lubricants reduce friction. Lubricants enhance the experience and eliminate painful chafing and burning. The application of sexual lubricant as a part of foreplay is a simple trick for many women to improve sexual pleasure. Lube may be applied directly to the vagina, clitoris, or penis before penetration.

Some lubricants may affect sperm function, potentially decreasing the chances of a person getting pregnant, so those who are trying to conceive should choose a sperm-friendly lubricant. People hoping to prevent pregnancy and using lubricants can consider spermicides along with other contraceptives.

Not all lubricants are the same. Most lubricants available at a local pharmacy are water-based.

Pros: Water-based lubricants are the safest choice to prevent sexually transmitted infections. They do not break down latex in condoms or sex toys. Water-based lubricants are ideal for those with sensitive skin or those prone to vaginal irritation and s a final plus, water-based lubricants do not leave stains on sheets and are easy to clean in the laundry. 

Cons: Water-based lubricants dry out quickly. Rapid drying may require reapplication for longer sexual sessions. For those suffering from chronic vaginal dryness or inadequate natural lubrication during sex, they may be insufficient. Water-based lubricants are not always the best option for postmenopausal women.

2. Silicone-based sexual lubricants

Brands: Platinum Wet is a popular choice. This Paraben and Glycerin free product reduces the risk of chemical irritation. Penchant Premium is another hypoallergic option ideal for those with sensitive skin. 

Pros: Silicone-based lubricants stay slippery longer, avoiding the frustration of rapid drying and reapplication messiness. This type of lubricant does not evaporate when exposed to air and provides a wet sensation for longer sexual encounters. Since they are not water-based, silicone lubes may be used in the shower or bathtub as they’re resistant to water.

Silicone-based lubricants may be more effective and pleasurable for monogamous couples at low risk for sexually transmitted infections. 

Cons: Non-water-based lubricants also have downsides. They are messy. Soap and water must be used to remove them, and they will also stain your sheets and clothing. Also, you’ll need to watch your toys. Silicone-based lubricants break down latex, so condoms and sex toys need to be kept away.

3. Foreplay 

You can not underestimate the value of foreplay for those with chronic vaginal dryness. Foreplay gets the juices flowing by increasing sexual arousal. Blood flow to genitals increases, causing the vagina, labia, and clitoris to swell. 
Better stimulation leads to more natural lubrication and an increase in vaginal elasticity. The vagina then secretes natural lubrication, which increases pleasure and reduces pain. 
For those with chronic vaginal dryness, communicating sexual needs and desires to your partner is critical. Sexual partners may be unaware of the physiological changes and not know what to do. Providing feedback allows the partner to learn how best to meet your needs. You can even sit them down in front of this article as a great way to break the ice.

4. Vaginal Moisturizers

Brands: Popular products include Replens®, Lubrin®, Sylk®, vitamin E vaginal suppositories, Astroglide®, Luvena®, K-Y Jelly®

How they work: Multiple over-the-counter products are available to help increase vaginal moisture. Their effects usually last for several days. The basic idea is to prevent dryness and improve the vaginal ph balance. These products do not treat the underlying cause of vaginal dryness. They are useful for day-to-day use to alleviate discomfort and improve vaginal moisture and can be safely used alongside vaginal lubricants.

Those with sensitive skin may benefit from avoiding products containing parabens, glycerin, or propylene glycol. These additives may cause skin irritation. 

5. Vaginal Estrogen

Brands: Estring, Vagifem, Estrace, Premarin

Why: Estrogen is one of the most important female hormones. A decrease in the production of estrogen by the ovaries triggers physiological changes in the vagina. The vaginal tissues thin out, and lubrication decreases. Breastfeeding, certain medications, and menopause all cause estrogen deficiency.

How they Work: Prescription estrogen medication can be placed directly into the vagina to offset the deficiency. Low dose Estrogen applied directly to the vagina bulks up vaginal cells and increases blood flow. Restoring vaginal health allows cells to produce more moisture. Natural lubrication improves, and the more elastic vaginal walls reduce resistance to trauma during penetration.

You have three options with vaginal estrogen to combat vaginal dryness and all three will require a prescription and a visit to your healthcare provider

• Ring (Estring): You or your doctor inserts this soft, flexible ring into your vagina where it releases a steady stream of estrogen directly to the tissues. The ring is replaced every 3 months.
• Tablet (Vagifem): You use a disposable applicator to put a tablet into your vagina once a day for the first two weeks of treatment. Then you do it twice a week until you no longer need it.
• Cream (Estrace, Premarin): You use an applicator to get the cream into your vagina. You’ll typically apply the cream daily for 1 to 2 weeks, then cut back to one to three times a week as directed by your doctor.

Pros: Easy to use[

Cons: Not everyone can use these products. Side effects can include vaginal bleeding and breast pain.

6. DHEA supplements 

Brand: Only one medication is commercially available. Prasterone, sold under the brand name Intrarosa

The DHEA hormone is a highly effective alternative to estrogen therapy. Before menopause, DHEA levels are high. As the ovaries stop functioning, DHEA levels fall. DHEA supplements can be placed into the vagina to restore vaginal health, reduce intercourse pain, and improve vaginal dryness. 

Only one medication is commercially available. Prasterone, sold under the brand name Intrarosa, is a plant-derived form of DHEA. Prasterone is inserted into the vagina once a day through an easy to use applicator. DHEA converts into estrogen targeting the underlying cause of dryness. It is FDA indicated for painful intercourse.

Prasterone requires a prescription and monitoring by a health provider.

7. Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators 

Brands: Ospemifene is the only FDA approved SERM for vaginal dryness and painful intercourse.

How they work: An important alternative to estrogen therapy is a class of drugs called SERMS (Selective Estrogen receptor modulators). These medications act directly on the hormone receptors. Direct targeting of the vaginal tissue increases the thickness of the superficial and parabasal vaginal cells.

Like estrogen and DHEA therapy, the restored health of the vaginal cells improves the natural ability to produce moisture and lubrication. 

Pros: For postmenopausal women, selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) drugs act as partial estrogen receptors agonists for maintaining bone density and at the same time act as estrogen receptor antagonists in breast tissues for applications in breast cancer prevention in women, along with effects on the uterus and vagina that depend on their interaction with the estrogen receptors in target tissues.

Cons: Ospemifene requires a prescription and monitoring by a health provider.

8. Topical Sildenafil 

Sildenafil is a popular medication used to treat erectile dysfunction in men by increasing blood flow to the penis. Some women benefit from the topical application of Sildenafil. 

A pea-size amount of compounded Sildenafil cream is applied directly to the clitoris before intercourse. Sildenafil cream increases blood flow to the clitoris. For some women, the increased blood flow triggers more natural lubrication, improves pleasure, and helps to achieve orgasm. 

Sildenafil requires a prescription and monitoring by a health provider for this off-label use.

Vaginal dryness is a problem that is easily overcome

Vaginal dryness is a common symptom among women. Painful intercourse and vaginal discomfort are easily overcome and shouldn’t be allowed to impact your quality of life. The options above can help you safely restore vaginal health and enhance your sexual experience. 

The post Beat Vaginal Dryness and Painful Intercourse. 8 Tips for Better Lubrication appeared first on Medika Life.