SEX WITHOUT PROBLEMS

Lack of Lubrication

To make sexual intercourse easier (and more enjoyable), the walls of the vagina sweat special fluids which assist in lubrication during penetration. These lubricants are produced within half a minute to several minutes (depending on the woman's age) of the vagina being stimulated and aroused, usually during sexual anticipation and foreplay.

Many women sometimes experience problems with lubrication during sex. In most cases this is perfectly normal, and continued foreplay and stimulation solve the problem.

Lubrication Difficulties

Just as most men have difficulty on some occasions getting and sustaining an erection, many women sometimes experience problems with lubrication - vaginal dryness - during sex. In the majority of cases, vaginal dryness is perfectly normal - the vagina's ability to be moist and ready to accept an ever-erect penis at any hour is a sexual myth.

The vagina can become dry during or after an illness, for a while after childbirth, as a woman ages, if she is taking certain types of the contraceptive pill or medications or if she is not sufficiently aroused or stimulated before or during intercourse.

What Can Be Done?

'First night nerves', anxiety, moodiness, tiredness, guilt, an unwillingness to have sex at a particular moment or tension tend to suppress vaginal lubrication in just the same way they can reduce a man's capacity to have an erection - worries and fears should be discussed with your partner before sex; try to iron-out differences and irritations before you go to bed together; are you in fact in the mood for sex?  During foreplay and intercourse, make sure you let your partner know what turns you on and stimulates you and what doesn't. Guide each other to your arousal levels.

If you feel you are sufficiently aroused and stimulated before sex but, for any of the other reasons we've listed, you still experience vaginal dryness, feel free and relaxed about using lubricating gels and creams. They're excellent and improve the sexual pleasure and thrill for both partners - and they can be fun to apply! If you use lubricating gel or cream, make sure it is water-based, not oil-based - products such as KY, Duragel, Wet Stuff are terrific. Even saliva can be good, but it loses its effectiveness quickly. Experiment with different lubricants - find one that suits you - some have different feels and consistencies, a few are even flavored and perfumed!

If your partner uses a condom, you will find sex more pleasurable if you use a water-based lubricant as well. Water based lubricant reduces the chance of condoms breaking. A drop of lubricant on the penis (inside the condom) can increase sensitivity for the condom wearer. If you practice anal sex, always use a water-based lubricant because the anus does not make its own. If you experience pain during intercourse, or if your vagina appears to be continually dry during sex, consult your medical practitioner.