Vaginal lubrication

 Vaginal lubrication are fluids that get secreted during a female's excitement stage during sexual arousal. Sometimes even though a woman is sexually aroused her body neglects to lubricate the vagina. When vaginal fluids aren't secreted it can leave the vagina dry, itchy and irritated. The symptoms of vaginal dryness can vary from (aside from dryness) itching, burning, pressure, painful intercourse (light bleeding), and urinary frequency. Sex can then become undesirable when dry skin is rubbing on dry skin; some moisture is needed to eliminate any sexual friction.

When your own vaginal moisture decreases and even saliva doesn't help lubricate, another solution is over-the-counter lubricants. Why suffer through uncomfortable sex that can be painful for both you and your partner. Using lubrication creates more than just moisture to the genital area; it is designed to be more slippery than saliva and even your own vaginal fluids. This slipperiness will reduce any sexual friction and make sex a pleasant activity once again.

There are endless causes for vaginal dryness but the most common cause is a decrease of estrogen in the body. The vaginal mucus membranes respond to the estrogen levels in the body, which directly effect how much moisture is produced. This normally occurs with women going through menopause since there are significant decreases in estrogen.

These are several other underlying reasons for why vaginal dryness may occur:

• Individuals: Some women tend to produce more moisture than others.

• Stress and anxiety: It can affect an individual's sexual response causing the individual to be less moist.

• Drugs and Medication: Certain drugs and medication can also decrease moisture and lubrication, even alcohol, cigarettes and birth control pills are common causes of vaginal dryness.

• Pregnancy and child birth: Due to hormonal imbalances the child birth process can sometime cause moisture issues.

• Age: Since estrogen is closely related to how much moisture a woman produces, as women mature the body decreases in estrogen level causing vaginal dryness. (This is very common amongst women going through menopause).

• Menstrual Cycle: The menstrual cycle also regulates the estrogen the body produces which can decrease vaginal moisture.

• Chemical Allergy: Any irritant from soaps, hygiene products, perfume, douche, and dye can cause vaginal dryness.

• Decreased Estrogen: Estrogen the main cause for vaginal dryness can decrease with childbirth, breastfeeding, immune disorders, menopause, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy.

• Medical Problems: Underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, Sjogren's syndrome , pelvic surgery can all cause vaginal dryness.
  

Now that we have established that lubrication can be beneficial to your sex life when dealing with vaginal dryness, it is all a matter of deciding which form of lubrication better suits you?

Within the sex toy market there are thousands of different lubricants and moisturizers that exist. This makes the process of choosing the right lubrication or moisturizer very difficult and sometimes confusing. But the main goal is to find a form of lubrication that is safe and comfortable to use.

Lubrication is manufactured in many different colors, consistencies, and flavors to match the variety most individuals are looking for. It is best to experiment and find the right one for you, your partner and for your sex toys. Since vaginal dryness can be an uncomfortable experience, a good solution would be to use some form of over-the-counter product such as a vaginal lubricant (Astroglide or K-Y Jelly) or a vaginal moisturizer (Replens, Lubrin, Sylk, Senselle).

Vaginal moisturizers are applied 2-3 times a week since it can moisturize the vagina and decrease dryness for up to three days, much longer than normal lubricants. Vaginal moisturizers are non hormonal to avoid any complications such as yeast infections. The vagina is coated with the moisturizer lasting up to three days, so it does not need to be applied directly before intercourse.

Water based lubricants, silicone based lubricants and oil-based lubricants can lubricate the vagina for hours or when needed. It should be applied right before intercourse, around the lips and the opening of the vagina. As an extra precaution avoid using any petroleum-based lubricants since it can cause vaginal irritation and can break down latex in condoms, female condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps and several adult toys (latex & rubber).

For a more detailed review of Lubricants and Moisturizers Click Here