Even though your gyno 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 se*ual health is an umbrella term that covers everything from how to protect yourself from pregnancy and STDs to the best s*x toys and positions to get the job done.

"Never be afraid of speaking with your gynecologist about your s*x life," says Mary Jane Minkin, M.D., board-certified ob-gyn and clinical professor at Yale University School of Medicine. "And if you are afraid, find a new gynecologist!" Ob-gyns 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 gynecologists find themselves dispensing the most? Funny you should ask:

1.       Lubrication Is Everything

Though v*ginal 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 lubricant isn't sufficient, try Replens, which is a long-lasting moisturizer that can be used on an ongoing basis," says Minkin. Another way to increase moisture down yonder is to use a vibrator on the regular (such as the Tiani 2 Couples Massager, which suits both solo and, er, duo endeavors). "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 s*xual dysfunction and painful s*x.

2.       Wash Your Hands

Sometimes, the best thing to do for a dirtier s*x life is getting really, really clean, says Sherry Ross, M.D., ob-gyn and author of She-ology.

"Hands and fingers need special attention before being se*ually active, as they're overwhelmingly dirty with unwelcome bacteria," says Sherry Ross, M.D., ob-gyn and author of She-ology. One of the most common bacteria found on your hands and fingers is E. coli, which comes from, well, poop. "If E. coli is passed into the va*ina, it can cause a va*inal or urinary tract infection," she says. That ultimately puts your s*x 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, obvi), and your va*ina will thank you for it later. Trust.

3.       Know Your Angles

 

For women who have deep internal pain with intercourse, playing around with different positions can help," says Sara Twogood, M.D., ob-gyn, assistant professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology at the Keck School of Medicine in California. 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.

 

Source http://www.womenshealthmag.com

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