Vaginal Dryness: 3 Experts Explain DAP Causes and Treatment

Why vaginal dryness happens and what you can do to alleviate discomfort.

WAP (aka “Wet Ass Pussy”) by Cardi B featuring Megan Thee Stallion took the world by storm, from politicians giving their unsolicited opinions to Tiktok dances dedicated to the song. As a sex blogger, I enjoyed hearing those lyrics for weeks on end because it showed that people were openly discussing vaginas.

However, as much as I enjoy the song, I’ll be the first to admit that sometimes the horniness of my mind and the lubrication of my vagina aren’t on the same page. I can’t even begin to list the number of times where my soul craved sex, but even as the tingly sensation transferred from my thoughts to below the belt, my vagina said “no macaroni in a pot or a bucket and a mop for you, sis.” 

WAP Music Video

As it turns out, these things happen and it’s common for the vagina to experience dryness for a vast range of reasons.

Potential causes of DAP aka vaginal dryness

Birth control and other medications that impact your hormones

Amanda Howell, MS, MPH, health education & communication specialist, and expert in reproductive health & family planning says, “Vaginal dryness related to birth control can be tricky. Many methods work by inhibiting ovulation. This mechanism is achieved by increasing levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and reducing androgens like testosterone.” Howell adds that testosterone plays an important role in vaginal lubrication and libido no matter the gender. 

“Certain birth control methods with low levels of estrogen can also negatively affect vaginal lubrication (estrogen is responsible for tissue lubrication), which is why it’s important to talk to your medical provider, explain your concerns, and work together to find a method that works for you.”

Hormonal changes throughout your menstrual cycle

Depending on the time of the month, vaginal secretions change in consistency. Howell explains that estrogen and progesterone are low during one’s period, so discharge or lubrication may be low at this time. “In the week following the bleed, estrogen begins to rise. The cervix will start to produce more fluid and you may notice sticky or creamy discharge and increased vaginal lubrication.” she affirms.

“Estrogen peaks about 1-2 days before ovulation. Cervical mucus will become clear and resemble raw egg whites. Discharge can increase 10-20x more during this part of the cycle. (WAP!) Post ovulation, progesterone rises and inhibits the secretion of fluid causing a sticky or dry phase which can translate into lower levels of vaginal lubrication.”

Menopause

“Decreased levels of reproductive hormones, like estrogen, during menopause can lead to vaginal dryness. It’s important to work with a medical provider to address concerns and figure out which treatment is right for you,” Howell continues.

One survey found that more than half (56%) of postmenopausal people experience vaginal dryness.

Stress

“Lastly, stress can be the ultimate libido killer. Chronic stress can cause increased levels of cortisol, which can lower testosterone and tank libido,” Howell adds. 

When it comes to sex, there’s an underrated connection between the mind and body. Oftentimes, we think we aren’t fully aroused because there’s something inherently wrong with us; in reality, there could be a mental roadblock hindering us from fully letting go. 

Additional causes of vaginal dryness:

• breastfeeding

• cancer treatment such as chemotherapy

• immune system disorders

• depression

• childbirth

• surgical removal of the ovaries

• smoking cigarettes

• harsh ingredients and/or perfumes in your soaps or any creams applied to your vulva or in your vagina

• not being turned on, low sexual desire

There are countless factors that can contribute to vaginal dryness and it can be quite uncomfortable and even painful. Fortunately, there are many ways to increase vaginal moisture, so let’s get into it!

How to get that WAP aka treat vaginal dryness 

Utilize extra stimulation throughout the entire body.

The more physical and emotional stimulation your body receives, the more blood flow increases to the vagina, and that surge in fluid leads to more vaginal lubrication. 

Mickie Woods, Sexologist and Founder of Sex Talk, says, “Foreplay can start hours, weeks, months, or even years before a sexual encounter ever takes place. When thinking of ways to upgrade this experience with a partner, ask yourself: What tweaks can be made between us and our environments to enhance our feelings of connectedness? What could I do to help my partner feel the most comfortable? The most safe? Or the sexiest version of themself?”

“Reflect on all 5 senses and the greatest areas of influence towards arousal. One’s arousal is directly impacted by their feelings towards their partner, but also by their feelings towards themself. My card game, Sex Talk, is essentially foreplay in a box and a great way to discover what truly gets your partner off. Whether it’s years in advance or during the moment, foreplay is sexiest when you know your partner is considering you every step of the way.”

Add lube to sexual activity.

The results of a 2013 study published in the National Library of Medicine indicated that the use of lubricant was associated with higher ratings of sexual pleasure and satisfaction in both masturbation and sexual activity with a partner. 

Irma, certified sex educator and founder of Dirty South Sex Ed, is also quite the advocate for using lube during sex and specifically recommends silicone-based Überlube. 

“It feels natural, as if it were my body’s lubrication, and it doesn’t dry up as fast as a water-based lube, nor does it leave me sticky. It’s also a multipurpose lubricant meaning you can use it for chafing or to tame frizz!” Irma enthusiastically states.

“When it comes to masturbation, I tend to use water-based lubes due to most of my toys being made out of silicone materials, but for anal plugs, I use überlube to keep things slippery. For water-based lubes, I actually don’t have a particular favorite but lean towards products that are paraben and glycerin free.”

Irma also stresses the importance of understanding that lube is beneficial for people of all ages and stages of life, further explaining that “there’s no such thing as too much lubrication, even for folks who do not think they “need” lube. It’s useful because it helps reduce friction between everyone involved, which avoids micro-tears if any of them have a penis or pain and irritation for those with vulvas.”

Additional go-to methods to improve vaginal moisture:

1. Track your turn-on triggers. Create a journal or take mental notes of the factors that contribute to your stimulation. Do you feel most turned on when after you’ve watched erotic imagery? Do you feel most turned on when you’re eating food that can easily be incorporated into sex? Are you more or less horny depending on the weather or time of day? Whatever you are experiencing, pay attention to those discoveries. 

2. Have sex in the morning. According to a 2008 study published in the Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy, the clitoris also engorges and lubricates after a good night’s rest, similar to a penis’ morning wood.

3. Drink more water. The famous saying, “You are what you eat,” can not only be applied to food, but to the drinks you consume as well. If you don’t drink enough water, for example, your body will be more prone to dryness. Though it won’t magically make your vagina turn into a slip n’ slide overnight, staying hydrated will help you feel more rejuvenated pre-sex (and post-).

Must be looooooove on the braaaaain 🧠. Or was that s£x? 👀🤭 Our brains are our largest s£x organs and sometimes they get a little sad, hyperactive, anxious, or overwhelmed. You won’t always be in the mood for s£x and that’s okay! Keep communication with your partner open and ongoing, check in with yourself and your mental health, and lean on the support of a trusted therapist or doctor if you need some extra guidance. 🫶🏽 Anything you would add?

I mean 😏

It is not wrong nor should it feel shameful to ✨seek pleasure.✨ I think those of us who grew up more religious were taught that you should always be in service of others and giving of yourself rather than concerned with our own needs or passions. While it is wonderful to be generous with giving (and can in fact be a source of pleasure), it should be equally encouraged to pursue your own pleasure — it whatever form it may take! It may feel self-indulgent, but why is that a bad thing? Pleasure boosts our mental health. It helps us cope with a difficult world, with anxiety, depression, and stress. It makes us feel good! It gives us something to look forward to. Pleasure helps us connect with others and with ourselves. Pleasure (as long as it is not at the expense of someone else’s safety or well-being) should be a priority, for our joy and for our health. It really is so important! Where do you find pleasure? I personally love a good massage… 💆🏽‍♀️

It’s time for a talk, friend. Let’s be clear, you nor your partner ever has to do *anything* you’re not comfortable with. That said, if it’s something you enjoy and that’s pleasurable to you, it’s okay to ask your partner for it! They can say no, but if they invalidate your pleasure, much less expect you to do something they won’t do?? The ball is then in your court to decide if this is the partner for you. You deserve someone who cares about and prioritizes your pleasure. Who is thrilled to be acquainted with your body, all of it! S-x can be vulnerable to talk about, but when you do…it’s so much better. 👅 included. Ask your partner what their hesitations are and have a *conversation.* Maybe they’re nervous, intimidated, or struggling with shame. Maybe they’re down to try other things you would enjoy and build up to it. The point is, it shouldn’t just be automatically dismissed. You can decide what’s right for you and what makes you feel aroused, validated, and appreciated. Whatever you do, don’t internalize their rejection. Your body is beautiful, desirable, and definitely worthy of pleasure. 😋🥰

A UK study published in the International Urogynecology Journal found that only 46% of participants correctly identified that a female has 3 holes in the external genitalia. 😬 Not great. We’re taught so desperately little about our bodies and so discouraged from exploring them that we don’t even know what we’ve got going on down there! Understanding your own anatomy (and getting educated on your partner’s anatomy) can boost pleasure 1000x!! So take a mirror, use your hands, and get comfy exploring! 🪞🕵🏽‍♀️ And if you really want to get informed (and inspired 😉), head to our website for our basics on pleasure and anatomy. What do you think? Could YOU correctly label a diagram of what lies beneath?

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