In a video published on October 16, 2026, Dr Olivier Marpeau aka @mon.gyneco recalls a key idea: vaginal lubrication alone does not prove arousal, desire or consent. It also varies depending on the cycle, hormones, certain treatments or irritation.
Lubrication also exists outside of sexuality
The idea that a vagina is only lubricated when aroused is misleading. In his video, the gynecologist puts it this way:
“The vagina is constantly wet at a basic level that has nothing to do with sexuality.”
This basic humidity relies on several natural mechanisms, including the passage of fluid through the vaginal wall, called transudation, and secretions from the cervix. Cervical mucus may become more fluid and transparent around ovulation, without this necessarily having a sexual significance.
Another useful point recalled by the expert: there is no gland located in the vagina itself. Bartholin’s glands are located at the level of the vulva, more precisely in the vestibular area. They contribute to local humidification, but do not alone provide vaginal lubrication.
We must also distinguish bodily response and intimate experience. In women, lubrication or a genital response does not always accurately reflect the arousal felt. Lubrication therefore proves neither desire, nor pleasure, nor consent. The only reliable reference remains what is expressed verbally or clearly by the person.
Drought or abundant losses: which can cause humidity to vary
Less lubrication does not automatically mean a lack of desire. The video discusses several possible factors: hormonal variations, premenopause and menopause, the period after childbirth, certain hormonal contraception, infections or irritations, excessive personal hygiene, certain medications, but also general or vulvar illnesses.
In practice, vaginal dryness can become annoying if it is accompanied by tightness, burning, pain during intercourse or daily discomfort. To explore this subject further, True Medical details the possible causes of vaginal dryness.
Conversely, more abundant losses are not always worrying. Around ovulation, they can be
more fluid, transparent and abundantwithout unpleasant odor or pain. It is a physiological variation of the cycle.
But this normal discharge should not be confused with discharge linked to irritation, vaginitis or vaginosis. Unusual vaginal discharge can have several causes, not just a yeast infection. Their appearance, smell and associated symptoms matter more than their quantity alone.
Signs that should prompt you to seek advice
The right reflex is not to self-diagnose, but to identify what really changes compared to your usual body.
Seek medical adviceto a doctor, midwife or sexual health center, is preferable if the discomfort persists or if the symptoms are atypical.
- Smelly discharge;
- Yellow, green, grayish or unusual-looking discharge;
- Itching, burning or irritation;
- Pelvic pain or pain during intercourse;
- Associated urinary symptoms;
- Abnormal bleeding;
- A persistent and annoying dryness.
If there is discomfort during intercourse, some people choose to use a lubricant in case of discomfort, especially to limit friction. This does not replace a consultation if pain, burning, unusual discharge or dryness persists.
The take-home message is simple: the body is not a test of desire. Lubrication can vary from day to day, depending on the cycle, context, hormones or local health. What should alert you are especially lasting, painful, smelly or really unusual changes.