Hollie replies:

Hi there,

Depending how long this has been going on for, I think you both need to give yourselves a break. You may have other stressors going on in your life, and now your sex life isn't working out the way it used to ... This is a lot of pressure. And, unfortuneatly, the more you focus on how great you want the sex to be, the more likely you are to be unhappy with it.

Do you still go on dates? Even dinner and a movie can do wonders. Laying in bed all day watching TV or movies or reading together goes a long way too. Whatever it is you two do for quality time together, do it. And try not to focus on how great the sex is going to be when the date/day is over ... You may want to take a break from sex altogether. Get back to enjoying each other and expressing your love in different ways. Leave love notes where he will find them later, when you're not around. Call him when he's not expecting it. Make him his favourite dinner/desert/whatever. Rebuilding the relationship can help put less pressure on the sex life ... And sex will come in time.

Also, do know that MANY women need artificial lubricant for intercourse. This does not make you abnormal in any sense. Just because you used to be comfortable with intercourse without it doesn't mean you don't need it now, and it doesn't mean either of you are doing anything wrong.

We have some articles here that you may find useful;