Vaginal lubrication
514509
225662759
2008-07-14T20:06:20Z
90.202.94.213
'''Vaginal lubrication''' is the naturally produced [[lubrication|lubricating]] fluid that reduces friction during [[sexual intercourse]]. It is often produced on occasions of women's [[sexual arousal]].
The [[Bartholin's glands]], located slightly below and to the left and right of the opening of the [[vagina]], secrete mucus to provide lubrication.
'''Vaginal dryness''' is the condition in which this lubrication is insufficient.
[[Image:Vulva labeled.jpg|thumb|100px|External female genitalia showing female lubrication]]
==Composition==
The lubrication fluid contains [[water]], [[pyridine]], [[squalene]], [[urea]], [[acetic acid]], [[lactic acid]], complex [[alcohol]]s and [[glycol]]s, [[ketone]]s, and [[aldehyde]]s.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.the-clitoris.com/f_html/fluids.htm | title = The-Clitoris.com: Female Body Fluids | accessdate = 2007-10-22}}</ref> <!-- esp. for pyridine which is mentioned as toxic on its own page --> 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]], [[genetic]] factors and [[diet (nutrition)|diet]].
Vaginal fluid is slightly acidic and can become more acidic with certain [[sexually transmitted disease]]s. The normal pH of vaginal fluid is between 3.8 and 4.5,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.freshpatents.com/Device-and-method-for-identifying-and-treating-vaginal-affections-dt20070920ptan20070218132.php | title = Device and Method for Identifying and Treating Vaginal Affections | accessdate = 2007-10-18}}</ref><ref name="Vaginal2000-Moses">{{cite web | author = Moses, Scott, MD | year = 2000 | url = http://www.fpnotebook.com/GYN78.htm | title = Vaginal Fluid pH | work = Family Practice Notebook, LLC | accessdate = 2007-02-04}}</ref> whereas male [[semen]] is typically between 7.2 and 8.0 (a neutral substance has a pH of 7.0)<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.uhmc.sunysb.edu/urology/male_infertility/SEMEN_ANALYSIS.html | title = SEMEN ANALYSIS | accessdate = 2007-10-18}}</ref>.
==Changes in vaginal lubrication==
Certain medications, including some over-the-counter [[antihistamine]]s, as well as life events such as pregnancy, [[lactation]], [[menopause]], [[Senescence|aging]] or diseases such as [[diabetes]], will inhibit lubrication. Medicines with [[anticholinergic]] or [[sympathomimetic]] effects 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 sex]] educators warn that the vaginal fluids of a woman who is infected with [[HIV]] or other [[Sexually transmitted disease|STI]]s can transmit the disease, even in the absence of direct penile-vaginal sexual intercourse, so direct [[contact]] is discouraged.
==Artificial lubrication==
When natural lubrication is insufficient, penetrative intercourse may be uncomfortable or painful. A [[personal lubricant]] applied to the vaginal opening and/or the penis can prevent this discomfort. More rarely, a vaginal [[suppository]] may be inserted prior to [[intercourse]].
[[Personal lubricant#Oil-based|Oil-based lubricant]]s can weaken latex and reduce the effectiveness of [[condom]]s, [[latex glove]]s, or [[dental dam]]s as either forms of [[birth control]] or for protection from [[sexually transmitted disease]]s, so [[Personal lubricant#Water-based|water-]] or [[Personal lubricant#Silicone-based|silicone-based]] lubricants are often used instead.
==References==
{{reflist}}
==External links==
*[http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vaginal-dryness/DS00550 Mayo Clinic - Vaginal dryness]
*[http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/DS/00550.html CNN.com: Vaginal Dryness]
{{sex}}
[[Category:Sexual arousal]]
[[Category:Gynecology]]
[[Category:Body fluids]]
[[bg:Ерекция при жените]]
[[cs:Vaginální lubrikace]]
[[da:Skedesekret]]
[[de:Vaginalsekret]]
[[es:Lubricación vaginal]]
[[id:Lubrikasi vagina]]
[[la:Secretum vaginale]]
[[lt:Makšties lubrikacija]]
[[nl:vaginale afscheiding]]
[[simple:Vaginal secretion]]
[[ja:膣分泌液]]
[[pl:Wydzielina pochwy]]
[[ru:Любрикант]]
[[sv:Lubrikation]]
[[sv:Glidmedel]]