Vaginal Lubrication Details
Vaginal lubrication is the naturally produced lubricating fluid that reduces friction during sexual intercourse. Vaginal dryness is the condition where this lubrication is insufficient.
Lubrication refers to a process that occurs within 10 to 30 seconds of a woman becoming sexually aroused in which the vascular engorgement of the tissues that lie beneath the vaginal wall produce a vaginal lubrication on the inner walls of the vagina. It can result from physical stimulation, such as during sexual foreplay, or from merely thinking about sexual activity. Lubrication is a preparatory process during sexual activity that significantly facilitates sexual intercourse by allowing greater ease of movement as the sex organs rub against each other and create friction.
In everyday language, this often is referred to as "getting wet," and it is a sign to both the female and the male of growing physical preparedness and desire for sexual contact. Females vary considerably in the quantity of lubricating fluid that is produced, with some women experiencing a type of sexual dysfunction that involves little or no mucus production. When women do not produce enough lubricating fluid, engaging in sexual contact is often uncomfortable or painful. Manual or oral stimulation of the vagina may assist in the production and release of lubricating fluid. Failure to produce lubrication may be a sign of an emotional or physical problem that is in need of professional intervention, although it may also signal a lack of interest in a particular partner.
Lack of lubrication tends to be a more common problem with aging, particularly during and after menopause. Estrogen replacement therapy often reduces the problem and helps to maintain the viability of the vagina as well. Women who are menopausal or postmenopausal and experience decreased lubrication may want to consult their physician or gynecologist to discuss estrogen replacement therapy and other treatment options.
It is possible to use artificial lubricants such as various commercially sold jellies and creams to assist in achieving adequate lubrication. Most health professionals recommend a water-based lubricant such as KY Jelly or Climatique over a petroleum-based product such as Vaseline. Water-based lubricants are more easily absorbed by and are less irritating to the delicate tissues in and around the genitals. Individuals who engage in anal intercourse, in which the penis is inserted into the partner's anus, should use artificial lubrication because of the lack of lubricating glands in the anus. Many males also use artificial lubricants to facilitate masturbation
Composition
The lubrication fluid contains water, pyridine, squalene, urea, acetic acid, lactic acid, complex alcohols and glycols, ketones, and aldehydes. The fluid is typically clear and more resembling of male pre-ejaculate than male ejaculate. It can vary in consistency, texture, color, and odor, depending on sexual arousal, the time of the menstrual cycle, the presence of an infection, and the person's diet.
Physiology of vaginal secretion
As a woman becomes sexually aroused, the tissue lining the first inch or so of her vagina, known as the vaginal epithelium(the walls of the vagina), begins to swell and exude a slippery fluid (or modified plasma transudate) out through the hundreds of small ducts buried in the lining. These vaginal juices first appear right inside the vagina, and as the woman?s arousal builds up, the secretions will run out the opening. Also, the labia minoraat the entrance of the vagina have the greater vestibular glands (Bartholin glands) and lesser vestibular glands which produce mucous that aids in lubrication.
The release of this fluid makes vaginal and vulval play more comfortable. It doubtlessly evolved to ease both penile-vaginal insertion and the movement of sperm up the vaginal canal, increasing the likelihood of impregnation. Under perfect conditions a highly aroused young woman will lubricate profusely.
Changes in vaginal lubrication
Certain medications, including some over-the-counter antihistamines, as well as life events such as pregnancy, lactation, menopause, aging or diseases such as diabetes, will inhibit lubrication. Medicines with anticholinergic or sympathomimetic effects will dry out the "mucosal" or wet tissues of the vagina. Such medicines include many common drugs for allergic, cardiovascular, psychiatric, and other medical conditions.
Role in disease transmission
Safe sex educators warn that the vaginal fluids of a woman who is infected with HIV or other STD scan transmit the disease, even in the absence of direct penile-vaginal sexual intercourse, so direct contact is discouraged.
Artificial lubrication
When natural lubrication is insufficient due to illness, lack of sexual desire, nervousness or some other reason, intercourse may be painful. To avoid discomfort, artificial lubrication may be used. Water-based personal lubricants take the form of a gel to apply to the vaginal opening and/or the penis, more rarely of a vaginal suppository to insert prior to intercourse. Other kinds of lubricants for sex exist, but are less commonly used.
Why is my vagina so dry?
At one time or another all women experience vaginal dryness. Before you feel sore, in pain, and or frustrated with yourself, you should know that normal estrogen fluctuations often cause vaginal dryness. Some women believe that vaginal lubricants are only for women who are not sexually aroused, or who are going through menopause, or if they are not very sexually experienced. Lubricants are for all of those reasons and for masturbating too. Vaginal dryness often occurs during your period, if you are stressed-out, and if you are using a condom with no lubrication! Yes, vaginal dryness can cause painful sexual intercourse. Make sure you are using the right amount of lubrication, especially when using a condom.
Antihistamines and other medication (some antidepressants) can dry out your vagina too.