No Discharge or Lubrication During Sex

Question: I have absolutely no discharge and very little lubrication during sex. What's the issue?

Great question! Lack of vaginal discharge and lubrication can be very uncomfortable during intercourse, or even leave you feeling dry and irritated at other times.

Everyone’s body is different, but in general, having some vaginal discharge is normal and varies in amount for everyone. Discharge is needed for the vagina to flush out bacteria and maintain a healthy Ph balance. A healthy vaginal discharge is usually odorless, can be clear or white in color and is usually a little thick or even sticky.

Here are five things that could cause you to have vaginal dryness (less vaginal lubrication than normal):

Your Menstrual Cycle
Birth Control
Dehydration
Infections or STDs
Lack of Arousal

Your Menstrual Cycle

At certain points in the menstrual cycle you will have more vaginal discharge than others. During ovulation, the discharge looks more like spit (clear, stretchy) and during the luteal phase, the discharge can be clumpy or sticky (think clumps of glue). Some women find that they have more lubrication earlier in their cycle (before ovulation).

Birth Control

Added hormones can also disrupt the vagina's natural lubrication. Since most birth control methods contain progesterone or estrogen, it's common to experience vaginal dryness. Women affected by this can consider other long acting birth control options that are low-hormone or hormone-free like the copper IUD. We recommend talking to your doctor about which method is best for you.

Dehydration

Staying hydrated is also very important for increasing your natural lubrication. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, women over 19 should drink about 9 cups (72 oz) of fluid each day to maintain proper hydration. Meanwhile, pregnant women should be drinking at least 10 cups.

Infections or STDs

Sometimes, a lack of discharge or lubrication can be a sign of an infection such as BV, a yeast infection or an STD and you may not have any other symptoms to suggest this. It is important to see a doctor for an exam and infection screening if your lack of discharge is persistent of causing any other problems so you can determine the cause.

Lack of arousal

In regards to lubrication during sex, women generally take a little more time to become aroused than men do. Natural lubrication does not happen immediately, so it is important to give your body enough time to catch up before intercourse.

Luckily, there are great lubricant options if natural lubrication is not cutting it, but remember to always be communicating with your partner if you need more time to “warm up” before sex. Sex should be an enjoyable experience for both you and your partner, so it is important that you talk to them if you are experiencing any discomfort.

Need to make an appointment with a gynecologist? Call (877) 883.7264 or book a visit online.

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Your Menstrual Cycle

Birth Control

Dehydration

Infections or STDs

Lack of arousal