My Clitoris is Tender to Touch Post-Menopause

Hi Betty!

It's so good to be able to discuss this with someone knowledgeable and forthright. I am 55 yrs. old and have been postmenapausal for 6 yrs. My clitoral area is often tender to the touch even though I do use an estrogen cream. This usually happens after enjoying some self pleasure. It is a problem because I want to have sex with my husband and also self pleasure more often but the discomfort is too distracting to achieve orgasm even though the desire is there. I have had the doctor check me for any infection and there is none. Right now I seem to only be able to enjoy sex 1-2 times a week because of this problem.

Dear Linda,

It would help if I knew what kind of stimulation you are using on your clitoris. If it's just fingers, then you need to use some kind of massage oil or other lubrication on this tender part of you vulva. If it's a vibrator, lighten up on the amount of pressure and again apply some kind of lubrication. I'm assuming your estrogen cream is applied vaginally on a regular basis. If not read my essay "Hormone Replacement: One Sexologist's Personal Experience." Perhaps that will clear things up for you.

Dr. Betty