Note erectile and lubricative responses. Caress and stimulate breasts and genitals. Use a lubricant, especially for the clitoris, the outer lips, and the vaginal opening of the pre- and postmenopausal woman as well as for her partner with less than full erectile response. When the man's erection is firm enough to attempt penetration, the couple will want to insert the penis and feel it in the vagina. If the female feels her partner is losing his erection, she can initiate pelvic movements until it returns.
Containment can produce anxiety for some men.
However, there is no demand for either partner to perform. The exercise is never over as long as the couple feels comfortable with each other and are enjoying and savoring the good feelings. The use of baby oil or body lotion is recommended for stages one and two of the sensate focus exercises. A sexual lubricant is helpful during stages three and four when the genitals are touched. Lubricants include Astroglide, K-Y jelly, and suppositories.