4 Tips for Making Sex More Comfortable

If you suffer from vulvar pain, here are some things you can do to reduce your discomfort and enhance your enjoyment during sex.

· Use plenty of lubricant.

· Use a topical anesthetic gel with a 5% concentration of the local anesthetic lidocaine to ease burning during intercourse. You can get this with a prescription from your doctor.

· Apply a frozen gel-pack wrapped in a towel to your vulva to ease irritation after manual sexual stimulation or intercourse.

· After intercourse, urinate (to avoid an infection) and rinse your vulva in cool water.

Whether we realize it consciously or not, we all have notions about sex that we believe implicitly — though we don't know definitively whether these assumptions have a basis in fact. For instance, a common assumption is that men want to have sex more than women. Now, while this may be true for some men and some women, a woman's sex drive can be just as strong as a man's. The difference between the genders lies more in how our sexual needs are satisfied (using the age-old analogy that men are like microwaves, while women are like regular ovens that need time to warm up!).

Take a look at these other common sexual preconceptions and see which ones you subscribe to. Then find out whether each is, in fact, the truth — or a myth!

1. A woman's sexual performance peaks in her forties, while a man's peaks in his teens.

Myth. While Planned Parenthood says that the sexual prime for males is around age 17, and that females' sexual prime is around age 30, these ages actually reflect the genital prime, when sex hormones (testosterone in men; estrogen in women) are highest. But in general, both men's and women's sexual performance will peak when they feel most comfortable with themselves and their sexuality. Though this tends to happen between 40 and 60 for both men and women, it can really happen at any age, depending on the person!

2. Having sex more often can help boost your immune system and prevent illness.

Truth! Researchers at Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., found that sex may help strengthen the immune system. According to their study, couples who had sex once or twice a week as compared to couples who had sex less than once a week had 29 percent higher levels of immunoglobulin A, an immune system protein that protects the mouth and upper respiratory tract against cold and flu viruses. Just another reason to get busy with your honey as often as you can!

3. Older people have less sex and/or less enjoyable sex.

Myth. According to a recent study of 27,000 people conducted across 29 countries, the majority of men and women studied had active sex lives past the age of 40 and well into their 'eighties'! Couples in Western Europe who shared greater equality were more likely to enjoy their sex lives than couples in more male-oriented societies, such as those found in Asia and the Middle East.

4. Most American women who are 45 and over are married.

Myth. About 25 million of the 57 million American women who are 45 and older are not married, according to a recent study by the AARP. The study's authors suggest that this may be because American women marry later, have high divorce rates, and tend to outlive their mates.

Condom is one of the birth control method. But the main disadvantage is reduce the sensation. But you can make more comfortable by following steps.

· Use a new condom for every act of intercourse.

· If the penis is uncircumcised, pull the foreskin back before putting the condom on.

· Put the condom on after the penis is erect (hard) and before any contact is made between the penis and any part of the partner's body.

· If the condom does not have a reservoir tip, pinch the tip enough to leave a half-inch space for semen to collect.

· While pinching the half-inch tip, place the condom against the penis and unroll it all the way to the base. Put more spermicide or lubricant on the outside.

· If you feel a condom break while you are having sex, stop immediately and pull out. Do not continue until you have put on a new condom.

· After ejaculation and before the penis gets soft, grip the rim of the condom and carefully withdraw from your partner.

· To remove the condom from the penis, pull it off gently, being careful semen doesn't spill out.

· Wrap the used condom in a tissue and throw it in the trash where others won't handle it. Because condoms may cause problems in sewers, don't flush them down the toilet. Afterwards, wash your hands with soap and water.

· Finally, beware of drugs and alcohol! They can affect your judgement, so you may forget to use a condom. They may even affect your ability to use a condom properly.

How can I get the most protection from condoms?

· Choose the right kind of condoms to prevent disease.

· Store them properly.

· Remember to use a new condom every time you have sex.

· Use the condom the right way, from start to finish.

A little maintenance goes a long way toward keeping your vulva healthy. Feeling clean and knowing you're infection-free can actually make you a better lover and lover of sex. This doesn't mean that your genitals are dirty or in need of constant cleaning — a healthy vagina actually cleanses itself — but a few simple steps can help you keep your vulva in excellent condition.

· Wash up: Clean your genital area every time you shower to minimize infections. A mild, fragrance-free cleanser works well, such as Summer's Eve Feminine Bath or even a sensitive-skin face wash. You can also gently shampoo and condition your pubic hair to keep it soft and fragrant. Avoid cleansers that contain glycolic acid or abrasives. Once you're done showering, be sure to thoroughly dry the entire area — dampness can promote bacterial and yeast infections.

· Go for cotton: Comfortable cotton panties will keep you dry and clean all day long. Cotton fabric is best because it's breathable and it stretches; it also helps keep odor and discharge at their most natural levels. Synthetic fabrics, on the other hand, promote bacterial growth and stop air from reaching the genitals, which can cause infections and excess discharge and odor. Fortunately, there are lots of sexy cotton panties out there, so you can look hot and be comfortable every day.

· Breathe easy: Anything that keeps things airy can help your vulva stay fresh. So try sleeping without underwear to give your genitals some breathing room. Though it can take some getting used to, you can also try going "commando" during the day — this means no panties!

· Embrace your scent: Don't try to mask your genital odor with deodorant soaps, sprays, or douches, because they can irritate the vagina and destroy healthy bacteria. An important part of loving your genitals is accepting and embracing your natural scent. However, if it is negatively affecting your sexuality, you can douche with a simple water and vinegar solution once a week or less to improve your genital odor. You may also consider using odor-neutralizing and unscented alternatives to douches. Unscented wipes can be handy, for instance, since you can carry them in your purse.