Vaginal lubrication

Vaginal lubrication is the naturally produced lubricatingfluid that reduces friction during sexual intercourse. Vaginal dryness is the condition where this lubrication is insufficient.

Composition

The lubrication fluid contains water, pyridine, squalene, urea, acetic acid, lactic acid, complex alcoholsand 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 the person's 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 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 minoraat 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 doubtlessly evolved to ease both penile-vaginal insertion and the movement of sperm up the vaginal canal, increasing the likelihood of impregnation. Under perfect conditions a highly aroused young woman will lubricate profusely.

Changes in vaginal lubrication

Certain medications, including some over-the-counter antihistamines, as well as life events such as pregnancy, lactation, menopause, agingor diseases such as diabetes, will inhibit lubrication. Medicines with anticholinergicor sympathomimeticeffects 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 sexeducators warn that the vaginal fluids of a woman who is infected with HIVor other STDscan transmit the disease, even in the absence of direct penile-vaginal sexual intercourse, so direct contactis discouraged.

Artificial lubrication

When natural lubrication is insufficient due to illness, lack of sexual desire, nervousness or some other reason, intercourse may be painful. To avoid discomfort, artificial lubrication may be used. Water-based personal lubricantstake the form of a gel to apply to the vaginal opening and/or the penis, more rarely of a vaginal suppositoryto insert prior to intercourse. Other kinds of lubricants for sex exist, but are less commonly used.

External links

• Mayo Clinic - Vaginal drynessja:????

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It uses material from the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaginal+lubrication Wikipedia article Vaginal lubrication.