On special holidays people tend to drink more alcohol than usual. This can lead to frivolity, hearty laughter, uninhibited dance moves and extraordinary holiday sex. But did you know alcohol can cause vaginal dryness?

If you would like to have some particularly amazing Valentine’s Day sex with your sweetie, you may have to do a little more preparation than usual. This is due to one simple fact: almost all women lose vaginal moisture after consuming just a few drinks.

What Causes Vaginal Dryness?

In order to attain full sexual arousal, the female genitals require a certain amount of oxygenated blood to become aroused and lubricated (similar to a male erection-- learn about whiskey dick). Alcohol consumption has an extremely dehydrating effect on the body, which inhibits a woman from producing her natural amount of lubrication.

Even if the woman is able to get wet during foreplay, this moisture will most likely be much more short lived than usual. Vaginal dryness can also lead to decreased sensations for women during sex. Other side effects of pre-coital Valentine’s day drinking may include the inability to orgasm and the creation of a superheated condom (due to dry friction) which can lead to condom breakage.

Sure, sipping on champagne under the stars may seem romantic, but having dry and uncomfortable intercourse is a far cry from romance. That being said, I am certainly not suggesting you cut out the alcohol from your Valentine’s Day festivities. After all, this is a annual celebration and a very special occasion!

Feeling Some Friction? Grab some Lube!

In order to combat this potential Valentine's Day vaginal dryness, have lubricants at the ready in an easy to reach place very nearby your lovemaking destination. This requires a bit of forethought and planning, but believe me, stock up on lube now, find your hiding spot and it’ll be well worth it once Valentine’s Day rolls around. The last thing you want to do is to be left high and dry or to be desperately trying to find a misplaced container of lube while you’re tipsy, in the dark and still fumbling with the hooks on her overly-complicated bra.

If you are brand new to the lube game, don't despair. Take a minute and check out, 'The Condom Depot Guide to Personal Lubricants' which breaks down the ins and outs of lube usage, types and techniques. 

Applying Lube Without Breaking the Mood

Once you have the lubricant secured, applying it does not have to be a break in the action or a fleeting chore before the real fun begins. Contrary to popular belief, applying lube can be a really enjoyable part of sex for the both of you. If she likes a shocking change in temperature, tease her by slowly dripping the cold liquid onto her body. If she likes a more warm and subtle road to wetness, apply the lube to your hands and rub them together to warm them up before touching her most sensitive parts. Or, for increased temperature sensitivity for you both, give a warming or cooling lube a try.

On Valentine’s Day, show her you really care by using a special holiday lube with her. Translation: purchase a lubricant she can't buy at her local grocery store. System Jo makes a great water-based strawberry lube which can add a new level of exotic enjoyment, and it works exceptionally well when paired with a strawberry flavored condom.

If you both enjoy getting your lube on, this love filled holiday could be the perfect opportunity to use K-Y Yours+Mine Couples Lubricant, an exciting dual pack of lubes made especially for couples. If you like getting it on in the shower together after hitting the bar, try out this ID Millennium Long-Lasting Lubricant waterproof lube which is specially formulated for women.

So, after you open that second bottle of Chardonnay, and before you shoot her with Cupid’s arrow, be sure to properly lubricate her and she’ll be raining praise and moisture down upon you in no time!