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(Created page with '{{BioPsy}} '''Vaginal lubrication''' is the naturally produced lubricating fluid that reduces friction during sexual intercourse. It is typically produced wit…')
 
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{{BioPsy}}
  
{{BioPsy}}
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'''Vaginal lubrication''' is the naturally produced [[lubrication|lubricating]] fluid that reduces friction during [[sexual intercourse]]. It is typically produced with women's [[sexual arousal]], but also can be produced when there is no arousal. While plasma seepage from vaginal walls due to vascular engorgement is considered to be the chief lubrication source, the [[Bartholin's glands]], located slightly below and to the left and right of the introitus (opening of the [[vagina]]), also secrete mucus to augment vaginal-wall secretions.
 +
'''Vaginal lubrication''' is the naturally produced lubricating fluid that reduces friction during [[sexual intercourse]]. It is typically produced with women's [[sexual arousal]], but also can be produced when there is no arousal. While plasma seepage from vaginal walls due to vascular engorgement is considered to be the chief lubrication source, the [[Bartholin's glands]], located slightly below and to the left and right of the introitus (opening of the [[vagina]]), also secrete mucus to augment vaginal-wall secretions.
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[[Image:Female_sexual_arousal.JPG|thumb|right|300px|Non-aroused (left) and aroused (right) female human [[vulva]]s, the latter showing vaginal lubrication.]]
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[[Image:Female_sexual_arousal.JPG|thumb|right|300px|Non-aroused (left) and aroused (right) female human [[vulva]]s, the latter showing vaginal lubrication.|link=Special:FilePath/Female_sexual_arousal.JPG]]
   
 
'''Vaginal dryness''' is the condition in which this lubrication is insufficient.
  
'''Vaginal dryness''' is the condition in which this lubrication is insufficient.
   
 
==Composition==
  
==Composition==
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The lubrication fluid contains [[water]], [[pyridine]], [[squalene]], [[urea]], [[acetic acid]], [[lactic acid]], complex [[alcohol]]s and [[glycol]]s, [[ketone]]s, and [[aldehyde]]s.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.the-clitoris.com/f_html/fluids.htm | title = The-Clitoris.com: Female Body Fluids | accessdate = 2007-10-22}}</ref> <!-- esp. for pyridine which is mentioned as toxic on its own page --> The fluid is typically clear and more resembling of male [[pre-ejaculate]] than male [[ejaculate]]. It can vary in consistency, texture, taste, color, and odor, depending on [[sexual arousal]], the phase of the [[menstrual cycle]], the presence of an infection, certain drugs (legal or illegal), genetic factors, and diet.
 +
The lubrication fluid contains [[water]], [[pyridine]], [[squalene]], [[urea]], [[acetic acid]], [[lactic acid]], complex [[alcohol]]s and [[glycol]]s, [[ketone]]s, and [[aldehyde]]s.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://archive.today/2012.05.26-234848/http://www.the-clitoris.com/n_html/female_body_fluids.htm | title = The-Clitoris.com: Female Body Fluids | accessdate = 2007-10-22}}</ref> <!-- esp. for pyridine which is mentioned as toxic on its own page --> The fluid is typically clear and more resembling of male [[pre-ejaculate]] than male [[ejaculate]]. It can vary in consistency, texture, taste, color, and odor, depending on [[sexual arousal]], the phase of the [[menstrual cycle]], the presence of an infection, certain drugs (legal or illegal), genetic factors, and diet.
   
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Vaginal fluid is slightly acidic and can become more acidic with certain [[sexually transmitted disease]]s. The normal [[pH]] of vaginal fluid is between 3.8 and 4.5,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.freshpatents.com/Device-and-method-for-identifying-and-treating-vaginal-affections-dt20070920ptan20070218132.php | title = Device and Method for Identifying and Treating Vaginal Affections | accessdate = 2007-10-18}}</ref><ref name="Vaginal2000-Moses">{{cite web | author = Moses, Scott, MD | year = 2000 | url = http://www.fpnotebook.com/GYN78.htm | title = Vaginal Fluid pH | work = Family Practice Notebook, LLC | accessdate = 2007-02-04}}</ref> whereas male [[semen]] is typically between 7.2 and 8.0 (a neutral substance has a pH of 7.0)<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.uhmc.sunysb.edu/urology/male_infertility/SEMEN_ANALYSIS.html | title = SEMEN ANALYSIS | accessdate = 2007-10-18}}</ref>.
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Vaginal fluid is slightly acidic and can become more acidic with certain [[sexually transmitted disease]]s. The normal [[pH]] of vaginal fluid is between 3.8 and 4.5,<ref>{{cite web | url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071214162724/http://www.freshpatents.com/Device-and-method-for-identifying-and-treating-vaginal-affections-dt20070920ptan20070218132.php | title = Device and Method for Identifying and Treating Vaginal Affections | accessdate = 2007-10-18}}</ref><ref name="Vaginal2000-Moses">{{cite web | author = Moses, Scott, MD | year = 2000 | url = https://web.archive.org/web/20000529194237/http://www.fpnotebook.com/GYN78.htm | title = Vaginal Fluid pH | work = Family Practice Notebook, LLC | accessdate = 2007-02-04}}</ref> whereas male [[semen]] is typically between 7.2 and 8.0 (a neutral substance has a pH of 7.0)<ref>{{cite web | url = http://archive.today/2007.10.17-033415/http://www.uhmc.sunysb.edu/urology/male_infertility/SEMEN_ANALYSIS.html | title = SEMEN ANALYSIS | accessdate = 2007-10-18}}</ref>.
   
 
==Changes in vaginal lubrication==
  
==Changes in vaginal lubrication==
  ⚫
{{noref|section|date=January 2010}} Certain medications, including some over-the-counter [[antihistamine]]s, as well as life events such as pregnancy, [[lactation]], [[menopause]], [[Senescence|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. [[Combined oral contraceptive pill|Oral contraceptives]] may also increase or decrease vaginal lubrication.
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{{noref|section|date=January 2010}}
  
⚫
Certain medications, including some over-the-counter [[antihistamine]]s, as well as life events such as pregnancy, [[lactation]], [[menopause]], [[Senescence|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. [[Combined oral contraceptive pill|Oral contraceptives]] may also increase or decrease vaginal lubrication.
  
   
−
Women report that they are significantly more likely to experience vaginal dryness during sexual intercourse with circumcised men than with genitally intact men. <ref>{{cite journal |author=Gregory Boyle |year=2003 |month=September |day=12 |title=Effects of male circumcision on female arousal and orgasm |journal= Journal of the New Zealand Medical Association |volume=116 |issue=1181 |url=http://www.nzma.org.nz/journal/116-1181/595/ |accessdate=2010-01-20 }}</ref>.
 +
Women report that they are significantly more likely to experience vaginal dryness during sexual intercourse with circumcised men than with genitally unaltered men. <ref>{{cite journal |author=Gregory Boyle |year=2003 |month=September |day=12 |title=Effects of male circumcision on female arousal and orgasm |journal= Journal of the New Zealand Medical Association |volume=116 |issue=1181 |url=http://archive.today/2012.05.26-204846/http://journal.nzma.org.nz/journal/116-1181/595/ |accessdate=2010-01-20 }}</ref>.
   
 
==Role in disease prevention==
  
==Role in disease prevention==
−
[[Safe sex]] educators warn that cultural practices involving the drying of the vagina with leaves and other natural materials may be linked to the transmission of STDs. <ref>[http://www.alanguttmacher.org/pubs/journals/2409398.html Vaginal Drying Agents and HIV Transmission]</ref>
 +
[[Safe sex]] educators warn that cultural practices involving the drying of the vagina with leaves and other natural materials may be linked to the transmission of STDs. <ref>[http://archive.today/2009.06.03-232249/http://www.alanguttmacher.org/pubs/journals/2409398.html Vaginal Drying Agents and HIV Transmission]</ref>
   
 
==Artificial lubrication==
  
==Artificial lubrication==
 
{{Main|Personal lubricant}}
  
{{Main|Personal lubricant}}
−
When natural lubrication is insufficient, penetrative intercourse may be uncomfortable or painful. 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 [[Sexual intercourse|intercourse]].
 +
When natural lubrication is insufficient, penetrative intercourse may be uncomfortable or painful. 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 [[Sexual intercourse|intercourse]].
   
−
[[Personal lubricant#Oil-based|Oil-based lubricant]]s can weaken latex and reduce the effectiveness of [[condom]]s, [[latex glove]]s, or [[dental dam]]s as either forms of [[birth control]] or for protection from [[sexually transmitted disease]]s, so [[Personal lubricant#Water-based|water-]] or [[Personal lubricant#Silicone-based|silicone-based]] lubricants are often used instead.
 +
[[Personal lubricant#Oil-based|Oil-based lubricant]]s can weaken latex and reduce the effectiveness of [[condom]]s, [[latex glove]]s, or [[dental dam]]s as either forms of [[birth control]] or for protection from [[sexually transmitted disease]]s, so [[Personal lubricant#Water-based|water -]] or [[Personal lubricant#Silicone-based|silicone-based]] lubricants are often used instead.
   
 
==Removal of lubrication==
  
==Removal of lubrication==
−
Some women use products to remove the lubrication, so that they can have [[dry sex]]. The process of deliberately drying the vagina is a common precursor to sex in [[sub-Saharan Africa]]. <ref name="cirp.org">http://www.cirp.org/library/disease/HIV/baleta1/</ref> <ref name="popline.org">http://www.popline.org/docs/1123/108468.html</ref> The goal of this removal of lubrication is to make the vagina dry and tight, supposedly to increase sexual pleasure for the man.<ref>http://www.jstor.org/pss/3775349</ref> However, these practices make sex very painful for the woman.<ref name="cirp.org"/> Dry sex is common in [[Sub-Saharan Africa]] and is of concern as it increases the chances of transmitting [[sexually transmitted disease]]s (STDs) such as [[HIV]] for both partners.<ref name="cirp.org"/> The lack of lubrication required for dry sex causes lacerations in the delicate tissue of the vagina, increasing the risk of HIV transmission.<ref>http://www.salon.com/health/sex/urge/world/1999/12/10/drysex/</ref>
 +
Some women use products to remove the lubrication, so that they can have [[dry sex]]. The process of deliberately drying the vagina is a common precursor to sex in [[sub-Saharan Africa]]. <ref name="cirp.org">http://www.cirp.org/library/disease/HIV/baleta1/</ref> <ref name="popline.org">http://archive.today/2008.10.04-052835/http://www.popline.org/docs/1123/108468.html</ref> The goal of this removal of lubrication is to make the vagina dry and tight, supposedly to increase sexual pleasure for the man.<ref>http://www.jstor.org/pss/3775349</ref> However, these practices make sex very painful for the woman.<ref name="cirp.org"/> Dry sex is common in [[Sub-Saharan Africa]] and is of concern as it increases the chances of transmitting [[sexually transmitted disease]]s (STDs) such as [[HIV]] for both partners.<ref name="cirp.org"/> The lack of lubrication required for dry sex causes lacerations in the delicate tissue of the vagina, increasing the risk of HIV transmission.<ref>http://archive.today/2013.02.01-170727/http://www.salon.com/1999/12/10/drysex//</ref>
   
 
==See also==
  
==See also==
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{{commonscat|Vaginal lubrication}}
  
{{commonscat|Vaginal lubrication}}
 
*[http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vaginal-dryness/DS00550 Mayo Clinic - Vaginal dryness]
  
*[http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vaginal-dryness/DS00550 Mayo Clinic - Vaginal dryness]
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*[http://www.sinclairinstitute.com/Buying-Guides/Vaginal-Dryness.aspx SinclairInstitute.com: Vaginal Dryness Product Guide]
 +
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20090212184813/https://www.sinclairinstitute.com/buying-guides/vaginal-dryness.aspx SinclairInstitute.com: Vaginal Dryness Product Guide]
 
{{sex}}
  
{{sex}}
   

Latest revision as of 17:00, 18 February 2024

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Vaginal lubrication is the naturally produced lubricating fluid that reduces friction during sexual intercourse. It is typically produced with women's sexual arousal, but also can be produced when there is no arousal. While plasma seepage from vaginal walls due to vascular engorgement is considered to be the chief lubrication source, the Bartholin's glands, located slightly below and to the left and right of the introitus (opening of the vagina), also secrete mucus to augment vaginal-wall secretions.

File:Female sexual arousal.JPG

Non-aroused (left) and aroused (right) female human vulvas, the latter showing vaginal lubrication.

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.[1] The fluid is typically clear and more resembling of male pre-ejaculate than male ejaculate. It can vary in consistency, texture, taste, color, and odor, depending on sexual arousal, the phase of the menstrual cycle, the presence of an infection, certain drugs (legal or illegal), genetic factors, and diet.

Vaginal fluid is slightly acidic and can become more acidic with certain sexually transmitted diseases. The normal pH of vaginal fluid is between 3.8 and 4.5,[2][3] whereas male semen is typically between 7.2 and 8.0 (a neutral substance has a pH of 7.0)[4].

Changes in vaginal lubrication

Template:Noref 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. Oral contraceptives may also increase or decrease vaginal lubrication.

Women report that they are significantly more likely to experience vaginal dryness during sexual intercourse with circumcised men than with genitally unaltered men. [5].

Role in disease prevention

Safe sex educators warn that cultural practices involving the drying of the vagina with leaves and other natural materials may be linked to the transmission of STDs. [6]

Artificial lubrication

Main article: Personal lubricant

When natural lubrication is insufficient, penetrative intercourse may be uncomfortable or painful. 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 reduce the effectiveness of condoms, latex gloves, or dental dams as either forms of birth control or for protection from sexually transmitted diseases, so water - or silicone-based lubricants are often used instead.

Removal of lubrication

Some women use products to remove the lubrication, so that they can have dry sex. The process of deliberately drying the vagina is a common precursor to sex in sub-Saharan Africa. [7] [8] The goal of this removal of lubrication is to make the vagina dry and tight, supposedly to increase sexual pleasure for the man.[9] However, these practices make sex very painful for the woman.[7] Dry sex is common in Sub-Saharan Africa and is of concern as it increases the chances of transmitting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as HIV for both partners.[7] The lack of lubrication required for dry sex causes lacerations in the delicate tissue of the vagina, increasing the risk of HIV transmission.[10]

See also

References

  1. ↑ The-Clitoris.com: Female Body Fluids. URL accessed on 2007-10-22.
  2. ↑ Device and Method for Identifying and Treating Vaginal Affections. URL accessed on 2007-10-18.
  3. ↑ Moses, Scott, MD (2000). Vaginal Fluid pH. Family Practice Notebook, LLC. URL accessed on 2007-02-04.
  4. ↑ SEMEN ANALYSIS. URL accessed on 2007-10-18.
  5. ↑ Gregory Boyle (September 2003). Effects of male circumcision on female arousal and orgasm. Journal of the New Zealand Medical Association 116 (1181).
  6. ↑ Vaginal Drying Agents and HIV Transmission
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 http://www.cirp.org/library/disease/HIV/baleta1/
  8. ↑ http://archive.today/2008.10.04-052835/http://www.popline.org/docs/1123/108468.html
  9. ↑ http://www.jstor.org/pss/3775349
  10. ↑ http://archive.today/2013.02.01-170727/http://www.salon.com/1999/12/10/drysex//

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