Have you noticed that you’re no longer getting wet or feeling aroused during sex, even when you feel turned on? You aren’t the only one. There are many reasons that may explain why you can’t “get wet” during sex, and some will definitely catch you by surprise! Here are nine reasons why you can’t get wet when you have sex:
1. Your State Of Mind
If your partner turns you on mid-cycle or you watch something that’s sexually appealing to you, arousal can be quick and temporary. If you feel anxious or upset or struggle with depression, feeling aroused can be difficult. Also, if you focus more on your to-do list than the action you’re currently getting in bed, you can’t enjoy the moment. Sometimes focusing on what’s happening in bed can work wonders.
2. A Lack Of Foreplay
Men often rush through foreplay instead of enjoying it. In the worst cases, they don’t try foreplay at all. However, it’s normal to need at least a minimum of 10 minutes to feel aroused, especially if you’re a woman. We need to warm up a bit before we rev our engines and speed off into the distance!
3. Your Medication
Certain medications affect the vagina’s ability to get wet. Antidepressants and other medications for mental illness, morphine, and the common antibiotic can all affect your body’s ability to lubricate.
4. Your Health Conditions
Skin conditions and autoimmune disorders can contribute to the dryness you may feel “down there.” Eczema and diseases like lichen sclerosus and Sjogren’s syndrome can also affect your ability to get wet. Your health can definitely influence how your body reacts during sex!
5. Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding lowers your estrogen levels, so when you breastfeed harder to feel aroused. Don’t worry – after you stop breastfeeding, your ability to lubricate will be as good as new!
6. Approaching Menopause
Although it’s uncommon for younger women to experience menopause, your body can start showing symptoms years before you officially begin menopause. The decrease in estrogen that we associate with menopause creates that frustrating dryness that we all hate so much.
7. Smoking Habits
Smoking can block the arteries that help enhance vaginal lubrication. We get wet because our arteries enlarge, so those blockages can put a dead stop to your signs of arousal.
8. Your Lube
Your pH levels play a big role in vaginal dryness, and lubricants can work against your pH levels without you even knowing it. Oil-based lubricants are notorious for altering the vaginal pH balance, which increases your chances of infection and dryness. If you use lube and still can’t lubricate, try a type of lube that isn’t oil-based.
9. Your (Dis)interest in Sex
Even in the most fulfilling relationships, sometimes you go through phases when you just don’t love having sex. This is perfectly OK – wait it out until you feel more excited about sex. Caring about sex can make all the difference!
Vaginal dryness is extremely common in women and is nothing to feel embarrassed about. If your vaginal dryness concerns you or is becoming severe or persistent, visit your doctor to make sure that you’re OK “down there.” When you know why you’re dry during sex, you’re on your way to having great sex again.
Featured Photo by pawel szvmanski on Unsplash.
