Hello, I have gone through your query and understood the concern. Considering your age, I presume you may have entered the menopause. As the hormones dwindle, the epithelial lining of the vagina thins, and hence the vagina becomes dry due to lack of secretion. This is accentuated by the absence of discharge from the uterus and cervix, which is cyclical and hormone dependent. So, instrumentation is painful and the smallest size speculum should be introduced with proper lubrication to avoid trauma. If you do not wish to use any hormones, you can use K-Y jelly for lubrication during sexual encounter. Hope this helps.