Vulval and Vaginal Moisture
Most of us grew up calling the entire genital area the vagina, even though that is only one part of it. In truth, the vagina is the internal passageway. The outside (the lips, the clitoris, the little space between them) is the vulva.
The vulva: outer works
The vulva contains soft, responsive tissue with several structures that help protect and maintain comfort. It includes the mons pubis (the gentle mound above the pubic bone), the labia majora and labia minora (outer and inner lips), the clitoris, and the vulval vestibule, which is the smooth skin around the vaginal and urethral openings.
The mons pubis, with its covering of pubic hair, cushions and protects the underlying bone and tissues. The sebaceous (oil) glands here release natural oils that help keep the skin soft and may even produce subtle pheromone-like compounds, chemical signals sometimes linked to attraction.
Nestled within the vulval vestibule are two tiny but mighty sets of glands:
Bartholin's glands, one on each side of the vaginal opening. These pea-sized wonders release a slippery fluid that not only eases friction at the entrance but also helps keep the whole vulva soft and moisturised throughout the day.
Skene's glands, tucked beside the urethra, help keep the vulva moist and play a role in arousal and "squirting."
Add in the sweat and oil glands of the labia majora (outer lips) and the oil-secreting sebaceous glands of the labia minora, and you have a remarkably self-sufficient moisturising system. No foams, wipes, or perfumed sprays needed.
The vagina: inner works
The vagina is a muscular, stretchy tube about seven to ten centimetres long, running from the vulva to the cervix. It has no glands of its own, yet somehow keeps itself perfectly moist.
It does this in two clever ways:
Fluid seeps through the vaginal wall from tiny blood vessels underneath, a process called transudation. When blood flow increases, this gentle seepage keeps the tissue comfortable and ready for action.
Mucus from the cervix travels down and mixes with that fluid, adding natural lubrication and creating a nourishing environment for healthy bacteria.
Small amounts of fluid are also released higher up in the reproductive system. The uterus and fallopian tubes naturally produce light secretions throughout life, and the volume varies with age and hormonal stage. These upper-tract fluids move gently downwards towards the cervix, where they blend with cervical mucus and moisture from the vaginal walls. Together they contribute to the overall pattern of natural vaginal moisture.
The mix of fluids, cells, and mucus makes up natural vaginal moisture; your body's own built-in skincare.
Common causes of dryness?
Hormones
Oestrogen keeps things pleasantly plump and hydrated. Inside the vagina, it thickens the lining and fills it with glycogen (sugar that seeps out in vaginal moisture and feeds friendly bacteria). Around the vulva, it keeps the lips full and the glands working smoothly.
When oestrogen levels drop (after childbirth, before puberty, or around menopause), tissues can become thinner and less moist, which is why dryness and irritation are more common at those times.
Even within the menstrual cycle, oestrogen naturally rises and falls. It peaks just before ovulation and then dips for a day or two, sometimes causing brief dryness or sensitivity. In the days before a period, when both oestrogen and progesterone are low, mucus production slows again and the vulva may feel less supple. These changes are temporary and usually resolve as oestrogen climbs at the start of the next cycle.
Blood flow
Good circulation keeps moisture production ticking along. When blood flow increases (whether through warmth, movement, or arousal), fluid seeps through the vaginal wall, maintaining comfort and elasticity.
Hydration
Moisture in the vulva and vagina ultimately depends on water in your bloodstream. When you're well hydrated, the small vessels in the vaginal wall have plenty of fluid to draw from, keeping tissues plump and comfortable. Even mild dehydration (long travel, illness, or hot weather) can make dryness feel worse.
The cervix
Your cervix is a quiet but reliable contributor. It produces mucus that mixes with vaginal fluid and, together with glycogen, creates the ideal environment for healthy bacteria to thrive. When cervical mucus is reduced (through hormonal changes, surgery, or certain medications), the vagina can feel drier.
The microbiome
In the reproductive years, the vaginal environment is slightly acidic and rich in Lactobacillus, friendly bacteria that help retain moisture and keep irritants out. Before puberty and after menopause, the environment becomes more neutral or alkaline, which can enable microbes from elsewhere (hello, gut bacteria) to move in.
Irritants and over-washing
The skin around the vulva is delicate, and too much washing can strip away its natural oils. Scented products, soaps, wipes, bubble baths, and even laundry detergents can disturb the protective barrier, leaving the area dry, tight or itchy. Simple warm water is usually enough for daily care; the vagina cleans itself.
Medications
Some common medicines can reduce natural moisture. Antihistamines, certain antidepressants, acne treatments, hormonal contraceptives, and breast-cancer therapies may all decrease lubrication by affecting glands or hormone levels. Not everyone notices the change, but it's a recognised effect.
Stress and the nervous system
Stress activates the sympathetic nervous system, the "fight or flight" response. When this system is switched on, blood flow to the pelvic area can drop and the body produces less natural moisture. High stress, poor sleep or anxiety can make dryness feel worse, even when hormones are normal.
Keeping the balance
When hormones, glands, blood flow, and bacteria all play nicely together, the result is soft, supple tissue and a healthy level of natural moisture. If that balance is disturbed (by low oestrogen, illness, medication, or over-enthusiastic washing), the vulva and vagina can feel dry, tight, or sore. The good news is that the system often settles once the irritant or underlying factor improves.
Variety is beautiful
Every vulva is different in shape, size, and colour. These differences are influenced by hormones, genetics, and life stage. None of them make you more or less “normal.”
Takeaway
Your vulva and vagina are a self-sufficient pair.
The vulva protects itself with oils and moisture from its glands. The vagina draws fluid through its walls and blends it with cervical secretions. Oestrogen, good circulation, hydration and a balanced microbiome keep everything working smoothly.
Be gentle: warm water, breathable fabrics, and minimal products are enough. Your body has been rehearsing this routine for decades; it just needs the chance to perform.