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Hello Betty -- I'm in a happy, monogamous relationship with a wonderful man. But I'm 55, I've had a total hysterectomy and because my ovaries are gone, I have to take low-dose estrogen from now on. At the moment, I'm on Premarin, though I take about half of what's been prescribed for me because I honestly believe I don't need such a high dosage. So I've noticed a couple of things recently.

At times, my vagina feels extremely dry, as if the walls are sometimes rubbing painfully against each other. The other thing is, whenever I urinate I notice a vaginal odor that's significant but not noticeable to me any other time. HOWEVER, it doesn't bode well for intimate moments. Since you're the doctor, I was wondering what you might suggest to address these problems. Thanks so much!

Dear J,

My aging pussy is kept in shape with bio-identical hormones made from the soy bean plant which is closer to what my body once produced. Go to the right hand column and find my essays on Menopause and HRT. Personally I avoided Big Pharma as they are more about profit rather than our health. You were smart to cut the dose in half.

Also I would never consider any form of genital touch especially vaginal penetration without an abundance of additional lubrication. I prefer Almond oil that can be purchased from your health food store. And if you don't have a vibrator for clitoral stimulation I highly recommend the Mystic Wand to be used for selfloving and also during partnersex.

As for the odor from urine or what you smell during urination, that would have more to do your diet and consumption of water. A low water consumer can have fairly potent smelling urine. Or we all know how urine smells after eating asparagus or for me, after eating any shell fish. I don't recommend douching, just reaching up inside the vagina with a finger and washing the outer parts with gentle soap and water is usually sufficient. And by the way, 55 is still quite young so enjoy your age and your sex life.

Dr. Betty