If you’ve ever been curious about what the female body does in the moments leading up to sex, here’s a clear breakdown.
Sex is a normal part of human life. Beyond pleasure, it also plays an obvious biological role in reproduction.
In straightforward terms, for conception to occur through vaginal intercourse, semen needs to enter the vagina.
Before penetration happens, the body typically begins preparing in several ways—one of the most important being lubrication.
Anyone who’s had vaginal sex will understand why lubrication matters: it helps penetration feel comfortable and reduces irritation. While store-bought lubricants can help, the vagina also produces its own natural lubrication.
A YouTube video posted by Dr.Smurf explains how this lubrication is produced and where it comes from.
“The primary source of this lubrication is two small, critical glands located deep within the posterior third of the labia minora at the entrance of the vagina,” the simulation details.
“Each gland of these has as small duct about 2cm long open into a groove located between the himman and the labia minora, allowing fluid to exit right at the vaginal entrance.”
This moisture helps minimize friction during sex—something that can otherwise lead to discomfort or pain.
However, some people notice that natural lubrication decreases over time. This can become more common with age and is frequently linked with menopause.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists explains how changing hormone levels can affect the vagina:
“After and around the time of menopause, your body makes less estrogen. Estrogen is a hormone that helps maintain the vagina’s lubrication, elasticity, and thickness.
“Low levels of estrogen can cause thinning, drying, and inflammation of vaginal walls. This is called vaginal atrophy.”
That said, menopause isn’t the only possible cause. Vaginal dryness can also happen after childbirth, when estrogen levels may temporarily drop. It can also be associated with breastfeeding, certain cancer treatments, or medications that reduce estrogen.
The organization also points out that some causes aren’t hormone-related at all:
“Then there are non-hormonal factors,” the AGOG further notes. “Cold and allergy medications and some antidepressants can dry out vaginal tissue. Sjögren syndrome, an autoimmune condition that can cause a dry mouth and eyes, also can cause vaginal dryness.”
If someone is dealing with vaginal dryness, over-the-counter vaginal moisturizers and lubricants are often suggested as a first step.