Your wife probably has vulvar vestibulitus. I was diagnised with is 4 years ago and am only 24 years old. There are no real symptoms other than a redness and severe pain. She is probably always in pain and is only telling you when the pain is real bad. Because vestibulitus is fairly new to the medical field but also fairly common among women, there is no definite solution for her condition but she is not alone.
Do some research on vulvar vestibulitus. Again...Since there is little factual information as to what causes vestibulitus and how to treat it...Take the internet info with a grain of salt.
Sex is possible. You must wear only lamb skin condoms. They are fairly expensive, but very worth it. Also, tell your wife to:
1. Wear only 100% cotton underwear,
2. Not to use any soap on her vagina. Use only oatmeal soap if she feels it is absolutely necessary. Our bodies have our own fighting power. Rinsing with water is enough.
3. Avoid spicy food
4. Do not wear any underwear when sleeping
5. Use only water based lubricant
6. Go see a specialist who will not tell her that it is a yeast infection. They are wrong!!!!
Good luck