An older adult female reports pain with intercourse. What is the initial plan of care the nurse practitioner should implement?

In cases where an older adult female experiences pain with intercourse, advising the use of vaginal lubricants is often the initial plan of care due to its non-invasive nature and immediate effect. Vaginal dryness is a common issue among postmenopausal women, often leading to discomfort during intercourse. Vaginal lubricants can help alleviate this discomfort by reducing friction and enhancing comfort during sexual activity.

Integrating lubricants into the patient’s sexual health routine allows for an immediate way to address the symptom without the need for hormonal treatments or referrals. The use of lubricants is generally considered safe, requires no prescription, and empowers the patient to take an active role in managing her condition.

Other treatment options, such as vaginal hormone cream or low-dose hormones, can be considered if the condition persists or if there are additional symptoms indicating estrogen deficiency, but these approaches might involve more risk and require further evaluation. A referral to a gynecologist would also be appropriate if there were concerns of underlying issues warranting specialized assessment; however, it is typically not the first step unless the primary interventions do not resolve the symptoms or if there are additional concerns. Thus, starting with lubricants effectively addresses the issue at hand while keeping further options open.