Vaginal lubrication is the naturally produced lubricating fluid that reduces friction during sexual intercourse. Vaginal dryness is the condition where this lubrication is insufficient.
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 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.
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.
Personal lubricants describe specialized lubricants which serve to reduce friction with the vagina, the anus, or other body parts. Personal lubricants were originally derived from surgical lubricants designed for use during medical procedures, but are now also used frequently to provide lubrication for sexual practices.
Types of personal lubricants
Water-based
Water-based personal lubricants are water soluble, and are generally the type which is least irritating to body surfaces. The earliest water-based lubricants were cellulose solutions. Subsequent products have added various agents for spreading, water retention, and resistance to contamination. The viscosity of these products can be adjusted by adjusting their water content and concentration of cellulose (or other gel forming macromolecule). They do have a tendency to dry out during use, but application of additional water is sufficient to re-activate them. These properties lead to their frequent use for sexual activity.
Since the 1980s, a few companies have used a water soluble, silicon co-polymer (dimethicone), for a prolonged slippery effect. While these contain a silicone component they are still water based products. They are very slippery, which can be a disadvantage because a certain amount of friction is necessary for optimal sensation, their viscosity cannot be adjusted, and they can stain clothing and sheets.
Water-based lubricants are incompatible with sex acts which occur in water (such as in a bath) as they can be dissolved or dispersed in water.
Popular brands include K-Y Jelly, Astroglide, Sliquid, and Ready lubricant.
The veterinary lubricant and special-effects slime ingredient J-Lube is sometimes used as a sexual lubricant, especially in some sexual subcommunities. It is usually purchased as a powder, which consists of polyethylene oxide mixed with sucrose as a dispersing agent, and produces an inexpensive and extremely slippery lubricant when mixed with water.
Oil-based
Unlike water-based lubricants, oil-based lubricants such as Vaseline weaken latex and may reduce the effectiveness of latex condoms as a contraceptive and protection against sexually-transmitted diseases. Another reason why oil-based lubricants should be not be used for anal sex is because oil-based substances may coat the lining of the rectum, providing a haven for infection.
Although petroleum jelly is inexpensive and readily available, it can often be difficult to clean off the body after sexual activity, due to the fact that it is not water soluble. Mineral oil is a less viscous alternative to petroleum jelly and is easier to wash off the skin.
Silicone-based
Technically, most silicone-based lubricants are oils, as they are chemically hydrophobic. They tend to retain lubrication longer than water-based lubricants.
Silicone-based lubricants should not be used with silicone based sex toys.
Popular brands include Eros, Sliquid Silver, Wet Platinum and DeGLOW.
|
