When body and mind don't align during sexual arousal

There are times when our body's physical reactions don't match our sense of arousal. This phenomenon is called arousal nonconcordance. This means that a woman can be physically aroused, such as getting wet, without feeling mentally or emotionally aroused - or conversely, feel mentally aroused without experiencing the physical signs of arousal. Dr Emily Nagoski, researcher and sexologist, has popularised this concept, explaining that our body's physical reactions don't always reflect our inner feelings. It's perfectly normal and nothing to worry about, although it can sometimes feel confusing or frustrating ❤️ 

EMILY NAGOSKI'S STUDY ON AROUSAL NONCONCORDANCE
Dr Emily Nagoski, a renowned sexologist and researcher, has studied the phenomenon of ‘arousal nonconcordance’, where the body's reactions to arousal don't always match our emotions. 

🌸 How the study was conducted 
Nagoski used both laboratory experiments and self-reported data in his studies. Participants were exposed to various sexual stimuli, while their physical arousal was measured with vaginal moisture sensors and other physiological methods. In parallel, they had to report how aroused they felt mentally and emotionally. 

🌸 This is what they found 
The results often showed a mismatch between the body's physical signs of arousal and the participants' mental experiences. For example, women could become physically aroused (such as increased vaginal moisture) without feeling sexually aroused, and sometimes they could feel mentally aroused without their bodies showing the typical physical signs. 

Dr Nagoski's research showed that this is completely normal and nothing to worry about. She explained that the body's reactions don't always reflect our inner feelings and thoughts. This insight helps create a more understanding and relaxed approach to sexual arousal, which can reduce anxiety and improve relationships ❤️ 

WHY DOES IT HAPPEN? 
Physiological and subjective arousal are controlled by different systems in the brain. Physiological arousal, such as vaginal wetness, is often an automatic response to various stimuli, even those not directly related to sex drive. Subjective arousal, on the other hand, is influenced by thoughts, feelings and the specific situation. 

This is an important distinction to realise. Physiological arousal can be triggered by anything from physical stimulation to hormonal changes, while subjective arousal is about how we actually feel in the moment. So it's entirely possible for the body to react while the mind is elsewhere - and vice versa. 

WHY IT'S IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND WHEN BODY AND MIND ARE OUT OF SYNC 
Understanding when arousal is out of sync is crucial to having a healthy view of sexual arousal and pleasure. It helps to realise that it's normal for mind and body to be out of sync and can reduce stress and anxiety in these situations. Recognising these differences makes it easier to deal with them in a positive way. 

This concept also emphasises the importance of communication and understanding in sexual relationships. When we realise that it's natural to feel that our bodies and minds sometimes don't match, we can better communicate our needs and experiences to our partner. This creates an environment of trust and openness, where both partners can work together to ensure a satisfying sexual experience ❤️ 

USE LUBRICANT TO ENHANCE THE EXPERIENCE 
Using lube because you're not wet enough is certainly not ‘cheating’. A vagina can be very aroused but not wet at all, or on the other hand, soaked but not ready. Lubricant can be a practical solution to address the physical aspects of lack of arousal and ensure that sexual activity is comfortable and pleasurable, even when the body's natural moisture doesn't match the level of arousal. 

VAGIVITAL LAUNCHES LUBRICANT 
So how do you know if you want to have sex? The only way is to try to feel it in your head, mind and body. Using lube makes you more sensitive and also reduces friction on sensitive parts. Lubricant is not only a tool for women with dry mucous membranes, but also works perfectly as a sex toy that can enhance the feeling ❤️. 

This autumn, we're launching our own lube VagiVital ACTIVE GLIDE based on VagiVital AktivGel, which is known for its moisturising properties. Our new lube will offer the same amazing moisturisation as AktivGel, but with even more lube for a smooth and comfortable experience 🙌  

VagiVital AktivGel is a hormone-free gel that has been clinically tested at Swedish university hospitals with fantastic results against dry mucous membranes, irritation and itching in the genital area as well as pain during intercourse and urination. 

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Our moisturising lube also has the same qualities as its big sister AktivGel ❤️ as it is: 
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And most importantly - it really does feel like natural vaginal secrete 🙌❤️ 

WATCH THE LAUNCH OF VAGIVITAL LUBE 
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By increasing awareness of incoherence, women and their partners can better understand and accept that it is a natural part of the human sexual experience. While communication is crucial in a relationship, some topics can be difficult to talk about. The next time your body and mind are out of sync, breathe out and remember that it's perfectly normal ❤️

Talk to your partner - at the end of the day, it's about creating an experience where both feel comfortable and satisfied. 

Take care of yourself & Stay Pussytive ❤️ 

/Fanny Falkman Grinndal 
Business Manager Nordics 
Peptonic Medical AB 
fanny.falkman-grinndal@peptonicmedical.se