Hello Friddell,

A lot of women suffer from this same complaint and a lot of women get nowhere with their doctors. Painful sex is the cruelest thing; something that should be so wonderful is far from it. It has a terrible effect on a relationship, a woman's view of her femininity, all of that.  I have read that vitamin E suppositories help, and so does eating more phytoestrogens from soy products (tofu, edamame). There is a prescription slow-release estrogen ring that is placed inside the vagina that helps some women, but you'll have to ask your doctor or nurse practitioner for a prescription for it. Some women try a small amount of natural testosterone (applied as a cream to the vagina a few times a week). Be sure you use enough of the over-the-counter lubricants (a lot!) and don't stress! Allow yourself time and relax. Fearing painful intercourse can makes things so much worse. If you have to re-lubricate, so what? There ARE ways to deal with this--don't give up.

--Toni