Article: Vaginal lubrication

Vaginal lubrication is the naturally produced lubricating fluid that reduces friction during sexual intercourse. Vaginal dryness is the condition in which this lubrication is insufficient.

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 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 exudate) 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 minora at 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 evolved to ease both penile-vaginal insertion and the movement of the vaginal canal, increasing the likelihood of impregnation. When highly aroused, some women lubricate profusely, others produce very little lubrication and many women find the use of artificial lubrication necessary for enjoyable vaginal penetration.

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 STDs can transmit the disease, even in the absence of direct penile-vaginal sexual intercourse, so direct contact is discouraged.

See also: Toxic Shock Syndrome

Artificial lubrication

When natural lubrication is insufficient, vaginal penetration may be painful or uncomfortable. A personal lubricant applied to the vaginal opening and/or the penis can prevent this discomfort. More rarely, a vaginal suppository may be inserted prior to intercourse.

Oil-based lubricants can weaken latex and should not be used in conjuction with condoms, latex gloves, or dental dams.