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5 gynaes share the sex tips that have changed their patients’ lives

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Don't be afraid to speak to your your gynae about your sex life
Don't be afraid to speak to your your gynae about your sex life

Even though your gynae is your go-to for things like birth control consultations and STD scares, you might not think to turn to your lady doc for pointers on how to spice things up in the sack.

But sexual health is an umbrella term that covers everything from how to protect yourself from pregnancy and STDs to the best sex toys and positions to get the job done.

“Never be afraid of speaking with your gynaecologist about your sex life,” says gynae Dr Mary Jane Minkin. “And if you are afraid, find a new gynaecologist!”

Gynaes are strong advocates of their patients pursuing pleasure, and their advice can help you do so in the healthiest, safest ways possible.

So what advice do gynaecologists find themselves dispensing the most? Funny you should ask:

1. Lubrication is everything

Though vaginal dryness is most common during menopause, it can also strike because of low libido, stress levels and as a side effect to certain medications. If using straight-up lubricant isn’t sufficient, try GynaGuard Lubricating Moisturising Gel, a vaginal moisturiser. Another way to increase moisture down yonder is to use a vibrator on the regular.

“Vibrators increase pelvic blood flow and blood flow leads to lubrication,” she says. They can also ward off muscle weakening in the pelvic area that, over time, can lead to sexual dysfunction and painful sex.

Read more: Exactly how gynaecologists treat their own cramps

2. Give yourself a hand – literally

If you struggle to reach an orgasm during sex, think about whether you orgasmed the last few times you masturbated, says gynae Dr Kelly Culwell. If the answer is yes…  yes… yes (sorry, had to), then touching yourself during sex or mutual masturbation may help decrease the tension and anxiety linked to successfully reaching O-town with your partner.

“It can also help you and your partner learn the best ways to make sure sex is pleasurable for both of you,” she adds.

3. Wash your hands

Sometimes, the best thing to do for a dirtier sex life is getting really, really clean, says gynae Dr Sherry Ross, author of She-ology.

“Hands and fingers need special attention before being sexually active, as they’re overwhelmingly dirty with unwelcome bacteria,” she says. One of the most common bacteria found on your hands and fingers is E. coli, which comes from, well, poo.

“If E. coli is passed into the vagina, it can cause a vaginal or urinary tract infection,” she says. That ultimately puts your sex life on pause until it’s cleared up (and who wants that?). Wash your hands with warm water and soap before you hit the sheets (this goes for both of you, obviously), and your vagina will thank you for it later. Trust.

Read more: 6 signs your sex life is on point, according to experts

4. Switch things up

When you’re with the same partner for a while, you might start to feel like you’re on autopilot (which, let’s face it, is one of the unsexiest feelings ever). But you don’t need whips and chains to spice things up again, says ob-gyn Dr Michael Krychman. Obviously, if you’re both willing to try some kink, go for it.

But if you’re looking for a more subtle way to improve your sex life, Dr Krychman recommends switching up your usual position, location (like the kitchen table, perhaps?) and the time of day. He also suggests trying In The Mood, a dating app for couples that makes it more fun to plan hot dates with your significant other including specialty stickers, emojis and even hidden and disappearing photo and video options.

5. Know your angles

“For women who have deep internal pain with intercourse, playing around with different positions can help,” says gynae Dr Sara Twogood. She says you can adjust the angle of the penis for more comfortable penetration by trying new positions or just adjusting your pelvis as he thrusts.

However, which position and angle feels best varies from woman to woman, so experiment to find what’s best for you.

These are eight things that can seriously mess with your sex life. Plus: This might explain why your sex life sucks lately…

This article was originally published on www.womenshealthsa.co.za

Image credit: iStock

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