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Lubrication
Lubrication
refers to a process that occurs within 10 to 30 seconds of a woman
becoming sexually aroused in which the vascular engorgement of the
tissues that lie beneath the vaginal wall produce a vaginal lubrication
on the inner walls of the vagina. It can result from physical
stimulation, such as during sexual foreplay, or from merely thinking
about sexual activity. Lubrication is a preparatory process during
sexual activity that significantly facilitates sexual intercourse by
allowing greater ease of movement as the sex organs rub against each
other and create friction.
In everyday language,
this often is referred to as "getting wet," and it is a sign
to both the female and the male of growing physical preparedness and
desire for sexual contact. Females vary considerably in the quantity of
lubricating fluid that is produced, with some women experiencing a type
of sexual dysfunction that involves little or no mucus production. When
women do not produce enough lubricating fluid, engaging in sexual
contact is often uncomfortable or painful. Manual or oral stimulation of
the vagina may assist in the production and release of lubricating
fluid. Failure to produce lubrication may be a sign of an emotional or
physical problem that is in need of professional intervention, although
it may also signal a lack of interest in a particular partner.
Lack of lubrication tends
to be a more common problem with aging, particularly during and after
menopause. Estrogen replacement therapy often reduces the problem and
helps to maintain the viability of the vagina as well. Women who are
menopausal or postmenopausal and experience decreased lubrication may
want to consult their physician or gynecologist to discuss estrogen
replacement therapy and other treatment options.
It is possible to use
artificial lubricants such as various commercially sold jellies and
creams to assist in achieving adequate lubrication. Most health
professionals recommend a water-based lubricant such as KY Jelly or
Astroglide over a petroleum-based product such as Vaseline. Water-based
lubricants are more easily absorbed by and are less irritating to the
delicate tissues in and around the genitals. Individuals who engage in
anal intercourse, in which the penis is inserted into the partner's
anus, should use artificial lubrication because of the lack of
lubricating glands in the anus. Many males also use artificial
lubricants to facilitate masturbation.
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Sex
