Dry sex


 * For sex in which bodily fluids are not exchanged, see non-penetrative sex.

Dry sex is a sexual practice of minimizing vaginal secretions by using intravaginal desiccants, by wiping out the vagina, or by other methods before and during sexual intercourse, thus making the woman's vagina dry and tight. The practice is supposed to generate extra sensation for the man during intercourse but may be painful or uncomfortable for the woman. The practice is common in Sub-Saharan Africa and is of concern as it increases the chances of transmitting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) including AIDS, due to vaginal tearing.

Furthermore, the practice of dry sex is generally incompatible with the use of condoms (which require lubrication to avoid breakage). It may also result in vaginal inflammation and/or traumatic lesions which in turn may increase the transmission of STDs in other ways.