Female lubrication is very important for several aspects of a woman’s life. Whether for daily comfort or, especially, for sexual intercourse. However, when there is a lack of female lubrication, it becomes a significant problem in the intimate lives of many women. Let’s see how and why this lack of lubrication occurs and how to solve this issue that can greatly impact a couple’s sex life. A woman’s body is highly complex. The pituitary gland, which is pea-sized and located at the center of the brain, triggers many of the body’s hormones and stimulates other glands to produce hormones and bodily secretions1. However, it is in the reproductive region, more specifically in the ovaries, where the hormonal stimulation responsible for female lubrication takes place. Estrogen is produced throughout the cycle—more at some times, less at others—but it is always working to produce hormones and keep the intimate area lubricated, especially for sexual intercourse and the female fertile period.
What Is Female Lubrication?
Female lubrication is a watery or slightly thick secretion produced by glands located at the cervix and in the vaginal canal. The Bartholin and Skene glands, which are stimulated by estrogen produced by the ovaries, are responsible for producing vaginal secretions and the clear, slightly sticky fluid that prepares the vagina for intercourse. Additionally, it also helps with vaginal swelling to accommodate penetration during sexual intercourse. Another hormone that helps with intimate lubrication is testosterone, which is responsible for female sexual desire; without it, sex may not be as pleasurable. The mucus of female lubrication is mainly made up of body water, but it also contains cells that can alter the vaginal pH (which should normally stay between 3.8 and 4.2, helping prevent issues like infections and the penetration of external bacteria) and make it harder for women who want to become pregnant to succeed quickly, since it can alter the environment favorable for sperm2.
Lack of Female Lubrication and Its Causes
When there is a significant hormonal drop in a woman’s body, there is a decrease or even a lack of female lubrication that will cause much discomfort. One situation that can cause this decrease in lubrication is the presence of climacteric, a phase when the ovaries begin to fail, drastically reduce hormone production, and which precedes the onset of menopause. In fact, during menopause, hormone levels are completely low, and lack of female lubrication becomes a major issue not only in daily life but especially during sex. The vagina becomes completely dry and other issues appear, such as sudden hot flashes and abrupt mood swings. The problem is when the climacteric occurs very early, bringing on early menopause. However, women of reproductive age can also experience reduced female lubrication. Problems such as anovulatory cycles, low ovarian stimulation due to issues such as polycystic ovaries, and even stress itself, can trigger female lubrication problems3. These situations are important and should be seriously addressed by a healthcare professional who will investigate the cause of low vaginal lubrication and, if necessary, prescribe appropriate treatment. Usually, medications for female lubrication are extremely simple and easy to use, and the vast majority are based on hormone replacement therapy with estrogen. Medications such as antihistamines, antidepressants, illnesses such as lupus and Sjögren’s Syndrome, and even traumatic sexual experiences can cause problems with female lubrication.
How to Increase Female Lubrication?
Increasing female lubrication depends on several factors:
- Low lubrication is caused by a physiological problem
- The woman has some external issue interfering with mucus production
So, how can you increase female lubrication without causing further issues? Both physiological and hormonal problems are treated with ongoing hormone replacement therapy in cases of climacteric and menopause. Medications for female lubrication are almost always hormone-based, mostly using estrogen, but some also combine progesterone, estrogen, levonorgestrel, and other synthetic hormones. For women who experience occasional issues such as low estrogen production due to hormonal fluctuations, a temporary treatment with medication—also based on hormone replacement—can help restore the quality and quantity of lubrication. An excellent, non-invasive way to increase female lubrication is to use appropriate gels to maintain sexual intercourse and good lubrication throughout the day. The best options are water-based, gentle, and closely resemble the body’s natural female lubrication. However, other gels on the market can provide temporary relief but are not suitable; these have petroleum-based formulations that cause extreme irritation in the area and can even worsen intimate lubrication problems. Vaseline and mineral oil may seem like good options, but they are also not recommended, as they can cause irritation and allergic reactions in some people. These water-based gels are not considered medicines for female lubrication; rather, they are a highly efficient and natural aid to maintaining a woman’s quality of life. Nevertheless, they should be carefully chosen, especially by couples trying to conceive. Most gels on the market are not suitable for conception, as they do not create a healthy environment for sperm. Ideally, choose a gel that does not harm sperm and eases their journey to the fallopian tubes for fertilization. Contrary to what many think, the psychological aspect can indeed interfere with the production of lubricating mucus! Stress, daily problems, and sexual traumas such as harassment can lead to low or no lubrication during sex. In these cases, seeking help from a sexologist as well as a psychologist is very welcome!
Medications for Female Lubrication
There are some medications for female lubrication on the market. These should be used with a medical prescription, as they are hormone-based. Vaginal dryness creams are the most commonly prescribed by doctors for menopausal women. The effect of these creams can last for two days, and they must be used with the appropriate applicators. Other vaginal moisturizing creams contain a low dose of estrogen, making them restricted medications—not all women can use them. It’s best to talk to your gynecologist to see if these are the best options for your case.
Foods That Help with Female Lubrication
Nature helps the female body a lot. There are foods that help with female lubrication, improving both the quantity and quality of mucus. A good example of food that helps female lubrication is yam. Full of estrogen, it helps women with climacteric problems as well as couples wanting to get pregnant. Mucus stimulated by yam is completely natural. Other easy-to-find foods and teas can also significantly increase female lubrication: Banana: Rich in magnesium, bananas help dilate blood vessels in the vagina, increase blood circulation, and thus promote greater sensitivity and sexual arousal. Ginseng: Ginseng tea is also a great option—it may even seem like a medication for female lubrication, but it comes from a root and is therefore natural. Rich in nitric oxide, it also aids in vaginal vasodilation. Maca root: Well known for regulating body hormones, maca root can significantly aid lubrication if consumed properly. The recommended amount is 2 mg per day. Foods containing vitamin E and D are excellent for aiding female lubrication. Vitamin D helps maintain vaginal pH and alleviates vaginal dryness. Vitamin E increases the amount of blood in the labia majora, promoting greater blood flow and easing the feeling of dryness.
What to Avoid to Improve Female Lubrication
Some habits can be villains and allies in increasing vaginal dryness. For example, vaginal douching—it completely removes the vagina’s natural bacteria, which protect against outside bacteria, and also strips away natural lubrication. Wearing synthetic fabric underwear is also not recommended. The heat trapped by these fabrics worsens the vaginal environment and may even lead to diseases like fungal overgrowth. The best option is cotton lingerie, as this fabric allows the area to breathe. The use of intimate wet wipes should be limited to only emergency situations. It is recommended that women use glycerin-based soap or those appropriate for babies. Remember, moderation and good judgment are key. See Also: Changes in the Vagina During the Fertile Period
