Vaginal lubrication is a naturally produced fluid that
lubricates a
woman's
vagina. Vaginal lubrication is always present, but production increases significantly near
ovulation and during
sexual arousal in anticipation of
sexual intercourse. Vaginal dryness is the condition in which this lubrication is insufficient, and sometimes artificial lubricants are used to augment it. Without sufficient lubrication, sexual intercourse can be painful to women. The vaginal lining has no glands, and therefore the vagina must rely on other methods of lubrication. Plasma seepage from vaginal walls due to vascular engorgement is considered to be the chief lubrication source, and the
Bartholin's glands, located slightly below and to the left and right of the introitus (vaginal opening), also secrete
mucus to augment vaginal-wall secretions. Near ovulation,
cervical mucous provides additional lubrication.