Getting Wet: Everything You Need To Know

Chances are if you are here, you either own a vagina or are generally curious about this whole “getting wet” topic. Though for good reason and nothing to be ashamed of. After all, why wouldn’t you want to learn about why/how something happens to your body, right? In this article, we will be discussing how to get and stay wet, why you might not be getting wet and what you can do about it.

However, before we get into all the sexy stuff, we first need to understand discharge and differentiate it from getting wet.

What are the types of discharge?

If you are not new to Grace health you know that vaginal discharge is not something you should worry about. It is normal and bound to change. Plus the Grace Health app helps you track and learn about your discharge. ‘Getting wet’ is different from discharge; ‘wetness’ often refers to when someone is aroused and their vagina produces fluid to make it easier for a penis to slip on in there, while ‘discharge’, is a general term used for anything fluid-like that emerges from the vagina.

Let’s look at the different terms:

1. Discharge: a general term for all the fluids you found in the vaginal fluid. It’s made up of cervical mucus and bacteria.

2. Cervical fluid: a type of discharge originating from the cervix, which changes at specific points in your menstrual cycle. Its job changes throughout the month to either encourage or stop sperm from passing through the cervix.

3. Arousal fluid: a clear, slippery substance that people with vaginas can produce when either your brain or body feels turned on.

But not always! Even though media can make it seem like *turned on = wet* every time, it’s common that you sometimes get wet when you’re not turned on, or that you’re turned on but not wet.

Is getting wet important?

No one likes painful and uncomfortable sex. Vaginal wetness is key for pleasurable, penetrative sexual encounters. It provides the lubrication for body parts to rub against each other in a pleasurable way. In the absence of wetness, rubbing can irritate and even cause little micro-tears in the delicate vaginal tissues, which increases the risk of infection. Simply put, lubrication can help to reduce friction and increase pleasurable sensations.

Why do I struggle to become ‘wet’?

If it’s so important, perhaps you are wondering why it doesn’t come so easy for you. Some potential reasons:

• Dehydration: It can be hard for your body to produce enough fluid if you’re not drinking enough water.

• Mood and Energy: Your body might not produce as much fluid as expected if you’re really tired, stressed or distracted during sex.

• Vitamin Deficiency: Lower levels of vitamins A, E, C, D, and/or omega-3 and -6 fatty acids.

• Medications: Hormonal medications (e.g., birth control pills), antidepressants, over-the-counter antihistamines, and other medications may decrease your sex drive and inhibit your arousal fluid production.

• Lower Estrogen Levels: Estrogen levels can fluctuate during your menstrual cycle, you might find it easier to become wet right before the ovulation period of the cycle (when estrogen is highest).

• Vaginal Washes or Cleansers: The use of internal or external vaginal “washes” or “cleansers” have been shown to harm the natural/good bacteria of the vagina. This disruption may lead to irritation and/or a decrease in natural vaginal lubrication.

• Vaginal Infections: Bacterial or yeast infections can contribute to not producing much arousal fluids (it’s hard to get turned on if your vagina is uncomfortable), or it’s possible that vaginal dryness can lead to different vaginal infections.

• Genetics and Body Chemistry: You might just not produce large amounts of arousal fluid, no matter how turned on you are. That’s okay and totally normal.

How can I get wet faster and stay wet?

• Drink more water

• Eat more fruits and vegetables

• Avoid vaginal soaps, especially scented ones

• Quit smoking

• Fix any hormonal imbalances

• Check your medication

• Be more present during sex

• Communicate with your partner ( say what you need/want)

• Foreplay first before penetrative sex

• Use lube

Still not getting wet? When should I be concerned?

You probably already know what your normal vaginal discharge or cervical fluid looks and feels like. If you notice any change in texture, structure, smell or colour, then that would be a reason to see a doctor. Another thing that would call for a check-up with your doctor is an itchy vagina, pain during sex or a stinging feeling when peeing. These could be vaginal dryness. A common condition among women but treatable if the cause can be identified.

What If I get wet without arousal?

We’ve all been there, you’re going about your day and suddenly feel the need for a quick bathroom break imagining it is an unexpected period. Instead, you see some fluid similar to the one you see during sex. Your body produces natural lubrication and it is normal. Depending on where you are in your cycle and hormone levels, the amount of cervical fluid could vary. It can also be caused by sweat and oil glands in the vagina, especially after an intense workout.

Can I be too wet?

There is no such thing as being ‘too wet'! The body naturally produces lubrication to help create pleasurable sex. If you have been told that you are too wet in a negative way that is, then you shouldn’t take the comment too seriously as it comes from an uneducated place about how the body works. Most importantly, you do not have to be with someone who makes you feel bad about your body. Our bodies are all unique and different.

In conclusion

‘Getting wet’ is normal and it could happen for various reasons whether turned on or not. It’s essential to have enough arousal fluid during sex for a pleasurable experience. If this is difficult for you, there are a number of things you can try. If it still doesn’t work and you have the presence of other symptoms book an appointment with your doctor to rule out the possibility of an infection or vaginal dryness.

Stay informed, stay in control. Have you learned something today?

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