How to reduce pain during penetration?

• Have good personal hygiene in order to prevent vaginitis. However, never douching. 
• Protect yourself against urinary tract infections. Wipe from front to back after having a bowel movement, and urinate after sex. See our Urinary tract infection sheet;
• Protect yourself against sexually infections communicable (STI): syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, etc. Wear a condom (condom) when having sex.
• Informing yourself seriously about sexuality (educating children and adolescents and protecting them against pornography)
• Follow psychotherapy or sex therapy if you have suffered from touching, sexual assault or rape in the past.
• Read the leaflet of the medications you are taking and notice if sexual difficulties are reported.
• Have a healthy lifestyle (physical exercise, weight control, balanced diet, sufficient sleep, no tobacco or drugs, and little alcohol) because it affects all areas of sexuality, desire, like pleasure.

How to maintain sexual desire and increase pleasure?

• Maintain good communication with the spouse;
• Explicitly mention to his (or her) partner which specific caresses please;
• Show imagination and fantasy;
• After menopause, attitude and expectations about sexuality are probably more determining factors for sexual satisfaction than the decline of hormones. It is quite possible to maintain a beautiful sexual vitality by cultivating a positive and open attitude.

How to avoid the pain associated with vaginal dryness?

• Use a lubricant;
• Take the time to arouse desire before penetration to increase the natural lubrication of the vagina;
• Staying sexually active (possibly including masturbation): This improves the lubrication of the vagina and the elasticity of the vaginal tissues.
• Limit alcohol consumption;
• Stop smoking (see our Smoking sheet);
• Exercise regularly;
• Improve your ability to manage stress;
• Get enough sleep;
• Treat depression or anxiety as needed;
• Visit your doctor regularly for routine tests;
• Since sexual relations are linked not only to physical factors, but also psychological ones, anyone who wishes to act in prevention must not exclude the factors of emotional and relational health. So a sex therapy may be indicated in the event of persistent concerns or discomfort.

To learn more about the various ways ofenrich your sexuality, see our Sexuality section. In particular, you will find an interview with sex therapist Sylviane Larose: Spice it up: get out of bed!