Your Vagina - Where wet meets wild

“The mechanical sciences are among the noblest and most useful because their capacity for diversion allows bodies in motion to perform the work for which they were developed”. A statement made by Leonardo Di Vinci which can be applied in a sexual context to help understand the vagina. Hypothetically, a vagina can be analysed as a complex mechanical system with the ability to lubricate (in different ways, shapes and forms) in response to conscious and subconscious prompts. Yes, that means your spirit fingers may not be the only reason she’s dripping wet. There’s a lot more you should know about the vagina and her behaviour.

WHERE DOES VAGINAL FLUID COME FROM?

Remember, no two vaginas are the same. Overall how wet you become depends on several factors, including: hormones, age, medication, mental health, relationship factors, perspiration and sweat glands, stress, the type of clothing you wear, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) and infections. Here are the key players, working round the clock to make sure lubricated to perfection;

Bartholin Glands – Two small glands located on either side of the vaginal opening that make a fluid during sexual activity, as well as maintaining lubrication to prevent excessive dryness and tearing. It is common that when these glands are activated moisture can exit and lubricate the vaginal opening making contact more pleasurable.

Skene Glands – The female prostate are a few centimetres up inside the vagina on the side closest to a woman’s stomach. When stimulated these glands are thought to be responsible for the production of watery substance and female ejaculation, or squirting. Nothing good comes easy, so you’ll have to do some researching before trying to squirt!

The Cervix – Hormones produced throughout the menstrual cycle cause the cervix to discharge a fluid or gel-like mucus. Depending on the stage of the cycle; during, before or after period or ovulation the thickness, amount and consistency may vary.

WHY DO WOMEN GET WET?

At one time or another I’m sure you’ve heard, or heard of someone saying, “Wow, you’re dripping wet!”. What less likely is the awareness that “getting wet” doesn’t necessarily relate to being ridiculously “turned on” or horny. In fact, it’s quite possible (and normal) not to be super wet before sex. "The best indicator of whether or not you're aroused is whether you feel like you're aroused, not necessarily whether or not you're wet," says sexologist Celeste Holbrook, PhD. If your body doesn’t respond as quickly as others try extending your foreplay or reaching for some lube, it’s cool, sexy and totally normal! Here are the main reasons why women may “get wet”;

Maintenance – A normal healthy vagina produces about 1 to 4ml of vaginal fluid a day, maintaining a level of moisture enough to reduce any friction which may result in irritation and aggravation within as well as “flushing out” any bad bits. Any excess moisture will find its way out in the form of vaginal discharge. Information on different types of vaginal discharge and what they mean be sure to read The Ultimate Color Guide to Vaginal Discharge.

Sexual Arousal – Both mental and physical alike get the Bartholin and Skene Glands working overtime. The goal is to produce enough lubrication for you to sit back and enjoy the good bits without worrying about painful friction and injuries. Subconscious reactions resulting from exposure to erotic material like adult imagery or provocative behaviour might cause your body to start preparing in anticipation of sexual activity, which is all part of being human. This should not be interpreted in any way, shape or form as consent “no” means “no” regardless of how your body acts.

Hormonal Changes – Increased Estrogen levels and use of hormone replacement therapy can both cause irregular activation of the Bartholin glands and production of excess fluid. It’s recommended and safer exploring with lube into the bedroom before pursuing these paths to increase wetness.

Infections – Most types of infections lead to irregular amounts and colors of vaginal discharge. Some of the more common include; yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, sexually transmitted infections (STI’s) and Bartholin Cysts. If you think something is out of the ordinary make sure you seek appropriate medical attention, it’s always better to be safe.