Everything about Vaginal Dryness totally explained
Vaginal lubrication is the naturally produced
lubricating fluid that reduces friction during
sexual intercourse. It is often produced on occasions of women's
sexual arousal.
The
Bartholin's glands, located slightly below and to the left and right of the opening of the vagina, secrete mucus to provide 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. 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,
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, whereas male
semen is typically between 7.2 and 8.0 (a neutral substance has a pH of 7.0).
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
STIs can 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, 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.
Further Information
Get more info on 'Vaginal Dryness'.
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