Painful sex problems SORTED!

If pain is getting in the way of physical intimacy, here's some expert advice to help

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VAGINAL DRYNESS

As we get older, vulva and vagina tissues thin and shrink, and hormonal changes during menopause can cause vaginal dryness. 'Symptoms include itching, irritation, discomfort and burning, causing pain on intercourse (dyspareunia) and reduced libido,' says Woman's Weekly GP Dr Gill Jenkins.

Water-based lubricants can help, or hormone replacement therapy. Avoid irritants such as perfumed soaps or washes. 'Talk to your partner and try to enjoy more foreplay, so you're more aroused during sex,' says Dr Gill, 'as this is the natural way to produce more vaginal liquid.' If you've had dryness for several weeks and things haven't improved with self-help measures, or you notice discharge or bleeding, see your GP. 'They may do blood tests for hormone levels or general health, diabetes and organ function, vaginal swabs or urine tests to look for infections,' says Dr Gill.

Cuts and tears

Minor vaginal cuts and tears are common during sex and it's usually a sign that the tissues in the vagina have become more delicate, says Dr Susanna Unsworth, women's health and menopause specialist*. 'This may be due to vaginal dryness or may be related to an underlying skin disorder, such as eczema.' The friction that occurs during intercourse can then cause small tears.