Idris Elba, Zac Efron, Michelle Rodriguez, Angel Haze, and Mike Patton. Captive fantasy, pro domme reality… You’ve tried everything, and it’s still the Sahara in your pants. What’s wrong with you? What can you do?
First, there is nothing “wrong” with you. You’re not abnormal or strange. In fact, you are one in every five adult women who experience vaginal dryness. It happens for a number of reasons but no one wants to talk about them, which is why personal lubricants/adult enhancers company Lubezilla created a new infographic entitled “Why Can’t I Get Wet: The Truth About Vaginal Dryness In Women.”
Dryness is most often associated with menopause, but it can result from many other things and can affect women of any age. Perimenopause (“around menopause”), monthly shifts in hormone levels, contraceptives, antihistamines, stress, lack of foreplay, childbirth and irritation from personal hygiene products can all cause dryness.
There’s also one other very significant, commonly ignored cause/factor: your brain. When your brain works constantly to indulge the fantasies of others — navigating mental and emotional gymnastics, constantly working to be creative, exploring ideas that are all well and good, but don’t necessarily get you off — it only makes sense that your mind might get a little tired in your personal life.
While the dryness condition may be temporary or incidental, you shouldn’t ignore it. As with any other medical concern, you should always pay attention to your body. Recurring or lingering dryness left untreated increases your risk of vaginal infection, kidney problems resulting from UTIs, incontinence and, of course, pain. All of those issues will affect your ability to work convincingly, or even work at all. More importantly, they will compromise your health, possibly on a permanent basis.
It is estimated that 17 percent of women between the ages of 18 and 50 experience dryness. This seems like a small number, and maybe you’re not one of those affected. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use preventative measures. Getting in front of a problem is the whole point of “preventative” — and honestly, none of these preventions are exactly torture.
Fit exercise into your schedule. We know, we know: You’re always working. The gym in your apartment complex sucks, and so does the traffic in your city. And let’s be real, who actually wants to leave the house these days? But even five or ten minutes sprinkled throughout the day can get your heart rate up and your blood flowing.
Get a little more natural and zen. I’m not suggesting you go full-on “back to nature,” but simplifying some of your products can make a world of difference. Ease up on the sprays, powders, scented soaps and douches. Identify the product formulations you can’t live without and tone down the others. If you must have raspberry-scented shave gel, maybe opt for plain-and-simple bath wash. Take some time out of your day to breath deeply and (at least try to) relax.
When you’re on cam, lube up. Whether it’s just you or you and something battery-operated, comfort is paramount to both good health and good camming. Look for a natural, chemical-free, water-based lube and use it before going on cam, while on cam as a sexy part of your routine, and with a partner. You can find every imaginable type and formula of lube at sex toy retailers online — FilthyDirty, for instance, or even Amazon.
There are 12 million different types of lube — formulations, sensations, and functions. Check out this Lube 101 we did to get a handle on the basics.
If you experience persistent dryness, don’t try to treat it yourself — and by all means, don’t ignore it. Make an appointment with your gynecologist so he or she can diagnose the cause and treat it properly. Again, this is not an uncommon condition, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed to discuss. The sooner you seek relief, the better you’ll feel.
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Jenna Andre is a total gearhead who also appreciates the simpler things in life. Email her at Jenna.Andre@ynotcam.com.
…and come on with this hotness, my lordy.
