Question: I’ve never been able to produce natural lubrication, even when I’m horny and turned on, which makes it awkward and embarrassing during sex. I buy lube, but I’m still so confused as to why I can’t get wet. Is this normal and is there anything I can do about it? Answer: Many women of all ages run into vaginal dryness now and then. Never the less, a dry vagina feels uncomfortable and can make sex painful. The amount of vaginal lubrication varies from woman to woman, within a wide range of normal lubrication. The fluid itself is clear and relatively odourless. You may not take much notice of your vaginal fluid most of the time until you find yourself feeling dry when you should be the opposite when you are sexually aroused. Vaginal dryness can have a variety of causes. Your sensitive vaginal chemistry may be reacting to another kind of chemistry—harsh alkaline soaps, for example. On the other hand, you may be drying up as part of an allergic response to perfumes or dyes. As you get closer to the years of menopause, lowered estrogen levels may also cause dryness of the vagina. In addition, certain skin conditions may interfere with vaginal lubrication. It is normal for some women not to lubricate copiously when they are sexually aroused. It is also possible to lubricate without realizing it. If you are lying on your back, the moisture may pool in the back of your vagina, too far away to make sexual intercourse comfortable. The solution? Before intercourse, try dipping a finger into the vagina and drawing some of the lubrication out to coat the dry surface. Then again, you can use water-soluble lubricants.