TABLE 4 .

Reawakening a Woman's Libido: A Four-Step Process

Step #1

Nonsexual context: Restaurant, cinema, walking together

Nonsexual touch: Taking a shower or a bath together

10 minutes of “Quiet Time”

Step #2

Nonsexual context continues with nonsexual massage aimed at nonsexual parts of body (exclude genital area and breasts). Relax and enjoy each other.

Step #3

Sexual context:

Use of erotic massage leading to sexual arousal (no vaginal penetration by penis)

Mutual caressing, oral-genital pleasuring, gentle erotic films, music, incense, feathers, oils, creams, vibrators, sex games, sexual fantasies

Sexual encounter needs to be planned. What is important is shared feeling of intimacy.

Step #4

Sexual context continues, leading to sexual intercourse

Use of perineal massage to test vagina for intercourse readiness and to allay any fears regarding sexual resumption