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How Your Doctor Can Help
Don't be shy about getting help. And don't think sexual pain is just part of menopause. Sex should never hurt. Get an exam to help pinpoint the cause. This will help steer you to the right treatment.
If the pain is due to menopause:
- Your doctor may prescribe low-dose estrogen to ease vaginal dryness. Three types -- a cream, tablet, and ring -- go right into your vagina.
- Estrogen-like pills may also be an option. In 2013, a pill was approved that acts like estrogen to treat painful sex and help improve some vaginal tissue changes that occur at menopause.
If the pain is due to something else:
- A skin rash or urinary tract infection can be treated with drugs or ointments.
- Your doctor may prescribe lidocaine, a numbing ointment, to use before or after sex.
- Pelvic floor therapy may help. This includes techniques such as massage to relax and stretch tissue, and exercises to ease tightness and strengthen pelvic muscles.
- Outpatient surgery to remove some tissue may help if other options don't.
Your doctor can also refer you to a counselor or sex therapist if emotional issues are causing pain, or if pain is putting stress on you and your partner.