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.