Vaginal dryness won't stop a great sex life

Friction and dryness during sex can put the brakes on real quick. Such sensations are uncomfortable, causing discomfort during sex.

Vaginal dryness is something that some people experience over the course of their sexual lives at a variety of points. There’s not as much widespread conversation to normalize and emphasize that you can still have a superb sex life if you experience dryness.

Here we’ll go through what vaginal dryness is, how the introduction of a great lubricant into your sexual life can help, and how intimacy and vulnerability around this reality can further de-stigmatize experiences of dryness.

What is vaginal dryness and how does it feel?

Vaginal dryness simply means that the body’s natural wetness for a lubricant isn’t getting produced, which can lead to some challenging symptoms.

Vaginal dryness can feel like:

  • Burning
  • Discomfort during sex
  • Some light bleeding
  • Soreness
  • Itching

Vaginal dryness may also lead to infections in the urinary tract that can reoccur, as well as cuts, and sexually transmitted infections.

A prevalent misconception about vaginal dryness is that it largely happens among those going through menopause. And while that’s true—hormones are a key factor in whether moisture is produced or not in the vaginal walls—younger folks, too, experience dryness and subsequent pain. Mental health, stress, and not enough arousal or foreplay can contribute to a lack of wetness being produced by the body.

Sex and lube tips for vaginal dryness

The first lubricant in recorded history goes all the way back to 350 BC, with olive oil serving as the substance to promote arousal. So, sex and lube have always been a good idea together. Lube can help couples have great sex and build intimacy together.

Tips for using lube and having great sex:

Try it solo first. You know how your body feels. And while sex does feel different and wonderful with a partner, if you’re new to lube, it’s a good idea to give it a test drive on your own to see how it goes and then bring lube into your relationship.

Choose the right lubricant for you. If you know that your body can get irritated by certain substances, look for something like K-Y® LUBRICANT - Naturals® Moisture+ Intimate Gel* to use—it doesn’t have added fragrances or colours.

Be playful, embrace experimentation. Keep an open mind about how lube can be used. It isn’t simply a solution; it’s a tool, and a really, really fun one to incorporate into sex. Even if you’re someone who can produce natural lubricant, adding lube is great for foreplay, with sex toys, or even as a way to spice up a sexual experience for couples.

*Ensure this product is right for you. Always read and follow the product label.