Why is vaginal dryness occurring. What are the common causes of insufficient lubrication. How can you address vaginal dryness naturally. What lifestyle factors contribute to vaginal dryness. When should you consult a doctor about vaginal dryness.

Understanding the Physiology of Vaginal Lubrication

Vaginal lubrication is a complex physiological process that plays a crucial role in sexual health and comfort. The vagina produces natural lubrication in response to sexual arousal, hormonal changes, and other factors. However, many women experience periods of insufficient lubrication, leading to discomfort and concerns about their sexual well-being.

What exactly happens when the vagina lubricates? During sexual arousal, blood flow increases to the vaginal area, causing fluid to seep through the vaginal walls. This process, known as vaginal transudation, creates the slippery substance we recognize as natural lubrication. Additionally, the Bartholin’s glands, located near the vaginal opening, secrete small amounts of fluid to aid in lubrication.

Hormonal Influences on Vaginal Moisture

Hormones play a significant role in maintaining vaginal health and lubrication. Estrogen, in particular, is crucial for keeping the vaginal tissues healthy, elastic, and well-lubricated. Fluctuations in hormone levels can have a direct impact on vaginal moisture.

Menopause and Perimenopause

Why does menopause often lead to vaginal dryness? As women approach and enter menopause, estrogen levels decline significantly. This hormonal shift can result in thinning of the vaginal walls, reduced elasticity, and decreased natural lubrication. An estimated 1.3 million women in the US enter menopause each year, with the average age of onset being 51.

How can menopausal women address vaginal dryness?

• Use water-based lubricants during sexual activity
• Consider vaginal moisturizers for daily comfort
• Discuss hormone replacement therapy options with a healthcare provider
• Maintain regular sexual activity to promote blood flow to the area

Psychological Factors Affecting Vaginal Lubrication

The mind-body connection plays a crucial role in sexual response, including vaginal lubrication. Psychological factors can significantly impact a woman’s ability to become aroused and produce natural lubrication.

Stress and Distraction

How does stress affect vaginal lubrication? Psychologist Ramani Durvasula, PhD, explains that women who are distracted or overburdened by life stressors such as work, household responsibilities, or financial concerns may struggle to feel amorous. This mental preoccupation can interfere with the body’s natural arousal response, leading to insufficient lubrication.

To address stress-related vaginal dryness:

1. Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation or deep breathing
2. Create a relaxing environment before sexual activity
3. Communicate openly with your partner about your needs and concerns
4. Consider seeking professional help if stress is significantly impacting your sex life

Body Image and Self-Confidence

Can poor body image lead to vaginal dryness? According to Durvasula, feeling less confident about one’s body or being uncomfortable with nudity in front of a partner can indeed impact sexual response. This psychological barrier can interfere with arousal and, consequently, natural lubrication.

To boost body confidence and potentially improve lubrication:

• Engage in activities that make you feel good about your body, such as yoga or dance
• Practice positive self-talk and affirmations
• Focus on the sensations and pleasure of sexual activity rather than appearance
• Communicate with your partner about your insecurities and seek their support

Medical Conditions and Vaginal Dryness

Various medical conditions can contribute to vaginal dryness, ranging from autoimmune disorders to endocrine issues. Understanding these potential causes is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Autoimmune Disorders

How do autoimmune conditions affect vaginal lubrication? Dr. Monica Grover, head gynecologist at VSPOT Medi Spa, explains that autoimmune disorders such as hypothyroidism and Sjögren’s syndrome can lead to vaginal dryness. In these conditions, the immune system may attack glandular cells, interfering with natural lubrication processes.

Other medical conditions that may contribute to vaginal dryness include:

• Diabetes
• Multiple sclerosis
• Lupus
• Ovarian insufficiency

If you suspect a medical condition is causing your vaginal dryness, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment options.

Lifestyle Factors Influencing Vaginal Health

Our daily habits and lifestyle choices can have a significant impact on vaginal health and lubrication. By understanding these factors, we can make informed decisions to promote optimal vaginal moisture.

Smoking and Vaginal Dryness

Does smoking affect vaginal lubrication? Research suggests that cigarette smokers may experience a higher rate of premature menopause compared to non-smokers. Dr. Grover notes that while the exact mechanism is unknown, a 2015 Korean study proposed that alkaloid compounds like nicotine in cigarettes might inhibit estrogen production.

To potentially improve vaginal health and overall well-being:

• Consider quitting smoking or reducing tobacco use
• Seek support through smoking cessation programs or nicotine replacement therapies
• Increase intake of foods rich in phytoestrogens, such as soy products and flaxseeds

Hydration and Vaginal Moisture

Can dehydration cause vaginal dryness? Sex therapist Melissa Cook emphasizes the importance of proper hydration for overall bodily functions, including vaginal lubrication. While drinking water won’t instantly cure vaginal dryness, maintaining adequate hydration may help prevent it.

Tips for staying hydrated:

1. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water per day
2. Incorporate water-rich foods into your diet, such as cucumbers and watermelon
3. Limit caffeine and alcohol intake, as they can contribute to dehydration
4. Pay extra attention to hydration when ill or during hot weather

Personal Care Practices and Their Impact on Vaginal Health

Certain personal care habits, while intended to promote cleanliness, can actually disrupt the delicate balance of the vaginal environment and lead to dryness.

The Dangers of Douching

Why is douching harmful to vaginal health? Douching can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina, known as the vaginal microbiome. This imbalance can lead to various issues, including bacterial vaginosis and vaginal dryness. The vagina is self-cleaning, and douching is unnecessary and potentially harmful.

Healthy vaginal care practices:

• Avoid douching and use only water to clean the external genital area
• Wear breathable, cotton underwear
• Avoid scented products in the genital area
• Use gentle, pH-balanced cleansers if necessary

Choosing the Right Lubricant

Can certain lubricants cause vaginal dryness? Dr. Grover warns that oil-based lubricants can alter the pH of the vaginal environment, potentially leading to increased infections and subsequent dryness. It’s crucial to choose lubricants that are compatible with your body’s natural chemistry.

Tips for selecting and using lubricants:

1. Opt for water-based or silicone-based lubricants
2. Avoid lubricants with glycerin if you’re prone to yeast infections
3. Test new lubricants on a small area of skin before use
4. Use lubricants liberally during sexual activity to enhance comfort

Hormonal Fluctuations and Vaginal Dryness

Throughout a woman’s menstrual cycle, hormonal changes can affect vaginal lubrication. Understanding these fluctuations can help explain periodic dryness and guide appropriate management strategies.

Post-Ovulation Dryness

Why might vaginal dryness occur after ovulation? Dr. Grover explains that the days following ovulation, known as the luteal phase, can affect libido and increase dryness due to a downregulation of mucus production. This natural variation in the menstrual cycle can lead to temporary changes in vaginal moisture.

Managing cyclical vaginal dryness:

• Track your menstrual cycle to anticipate potential dryness
• Use lubricants during the luteal phase if needed
• Engage in longer foreplay to enhance natural lubrication
• Consider discussing hormonal birth control options with your healthcare provider to regulate cycles

Sexual Arousal and Lubrication

The connection between sexual arousal and vaginal lubrication is complex and can be influenced by various factors. Understanding this relationship is crucial for addressing dryness issues during sexual activity.

The Importance of Foreplay

How does foreplay affect vaginal lubrication? Engaging in sufficient foreplay allows the body time to become fully aroused, which typically leads to increased natural lubrication. Dr. Grover notes that sometimes, vaginal dryness during sex can be attributed to a lack of attraction or insufficient arousal.

Enhancing arousal and lubrication:

1. Communicate openly with your partner about your desires and needs
2. Experiment with different forms of foreplay to find what works best for you
3. Create a relaxing and comfortable environment for sexual activity
4. Consider using arousal oils or lubricants to enhance sensation and moisture

By understanding the various factors that contribute to vaginal dryness, women can take proactive steps to address this common concern. From lifestyle modifications to open communication with partners and healthcare providers, there are numerous strategies available to improve vaginal health and sexual well-being. Remember that vaginal dryness is a common and treatable issue, and seeking help when needed is an important part of maintaining overall sexual health.

What Causes Vaginal Dryness? Here’s 17 Reasons Why You Can’t Get Wet

Psychologist Ramani Durvasula, PhD, agrees: “A woman distracted or overburdened by other things in life—work, housework, money issues, etc.—will likely be distracted and not feel amorous.” Instead of trying to transition immediately into sex from whatever you were doing before, take time to set the mood and relax.

6. You’re not feeling body-confident. 

“A woman feeling less than confident about her body or not wanting to be seen by her partner with her clothes off can also impact sexual response,” says Durvasula. If you suspect this is happening to you, do something that does make you feel good about your body: a gratitude-focused yoga class, a heart-pumping run, a postwork dance break. Also keep this in mind: Your partner is psyched to see you naked.

7. You’re approaching or going through perimenopause or menopause.

Every woman will go through menopause—that’s an estimated 1. 3 million women in the US alone who enter menopause every year. It is officially diagnosed after you’ve gone 12 consecutive months without a period, which happens at age 51 on average, according to the Mayo Clinic. A downside: Your estrogen levels drop. That drop reduces the amount of moisture down there, as estrogen helps maintain fluid and keeps the lining of your vagina healthy, thick, and elastic. There are plenty of solutions—it’s probably a good idea to keep some lube handy to get you through menopause dryness—but if you find that you’re struggling with it regularly, it’s time to talk to your doctor. 

In addition, some people under 40 experience ovarian insufficiency (when the ovaries stop working properly), which has similar symptoms to menopause, according to sex educator Lilith Foxx.

8. You live with an autoimmune disorder.

If you’ve been diagnosed with a health condition that targets the immune system, it’s worth exploring if it might be directly related to the vaginal dryness you’re experiencing. “Autoimmune causes such as hypothyroidism, or Sjögren’s syndrome, where glandular cells are attacked, or even diseases such as diabetes can also lead to dryness,” says Monica Grover, DO, MS, head gynecologist at VSPOT Medi Spa.

9.  You smoke tobacco. 

The answer to “Why is my vagina dry?” could lie in whether or not you’re a smoker. Dr. Grover says that cigarettes can cause vaginal dryness: “Cigarette smokers have a higher rate of premature menopause than nonsmokers, although the exact cause is unknown,” she says. A 2015 study from Korea, which found that smokers reached menopause earlier than those who didn’t smoke, included an older hypothesis: Alkaloid compounds like nicotine in cigarettes prevent the production of estrogen. 

10. You’re using the wrong lube.

While most people think of lube as a vaginal dryness treatment, the lubricant you’re using to get wet could actually be having the reverse effect. According to Dr. Grover, “Oil based lubricants and vaginal douching alter the pH of the vaginal environment, and as a result lead to increased vaginal infections, thus leading to dryness. ” If you’ve recently used a new oil based lubricant and found yourself drier than usual down there, try switching to a different type—like maybe a water-based lubricant—to see if that might be the cause. 

11. You’ve just stopped ovulating.

“The days after ovulation, known as the luteal phase, can affect libido and increase dryness due to a down regulation of mucous production,” says Dr. Grover. This is where turning to lube (after testing your body’s response to it) will come in handy as your body continues through its cycle.

12. You’re not really turned on.

Sometimes vaginal dryness during sex comes down to a simple but often overlooked fact, Dr. Grover says: You’re just not that into it. “Psychological causes of a diminished sex drive can be simply due to lack of attraction to a partner,” she says. It could also be that you’re not engaging in enough foreplay to become fully aroused. Make sure to ask for whatever you need to be in the mood during sexual intercourse.

13. You’re dehydrated.

One of the easiest vaginal dryness natural remedies to try? Drinking more water. “Water is not just a quencher of thirst, but it is also vital for the optimal functioning of our bodily systems, including the mechanisms responsible for maintaining vaginal lubrication,” says sex therapist Melissa Cook. Drinking water won’t instantly cure vaginal dryness, but staying hydrated may help prevent it. This is especially crucial if you’re not feeling well—vaginal changes when you’re sick are common, so any sickness that dehydrates you will also affect your natural vaginal discharge.

14. You’ve been douching.

Douching can throw the vaginal microbiome—the bacteria living in the vagina—off balance, which can lead to a number of issues including bacterial vaginosis, vaginal dryness, and irritation, says Cook. “The vagina is a self-cleaning organ, perfectly equipped with its own ecosystem of bacteria,” she says. “I strongly advise against douching. Trust in the natural self-cleaning ability of the vagina; it’s designed to take care of itself effectively.” 

15. You’re experiencing an allergic reaction.

Knowing what you’re allergic to could also be the answer to what causes vaginal dryness for you. Some people are allergic to latex, chemicals used in lube, or everyday things like soaps, lotions, laundry detergents, fragrances, or foods, according to Foxx, who adds, “These can irritate the vaginal tissue, causing inflammation and dryness.” If you suspect you’re allergic to something, stop using it and see if that makes a difference.

16. You’re undergoing hormone therapy.

Transgender people who take testosterone as part of their transition process may experience a dip in estrogen, says Foxx. “Estrogen is in part responsible for maintaining vaginal microbiome balance and pH,” she says. ”As such, individuals undergoing hormone replacement therapy for testosterone can experience pH imbalances and increased mucosal inflammation, leading to vaginal dryness. ” This may be treated with local estrogen for vaginal dryness. 

17. You’ve undergone cancer treatment.

Unfortunately, chemotherapy and radiation can harm the cells in your vagina that produce lubrication, leading to dryness. “Add to that, the physical and emotional toll of cancer treatment certainly affects sex drive, self-esteem, and body image,” says Foxx. Talk to a doctor and a therapist for help dealing with the side effects and emotional impact of these treatments.

Why Can’t I Get Wet During Sex?

We’ve all been conditioned to think that being aroused means you’ll automatically get super wet down there. But while getting wet can mean that you’re ready to go, it’s not always tied to sex.

Technically, discharge and moisture is part of having a vagina. And yeah, if you suddenly start producing more than your norm, it could mean you’re ramped up and ready for intercourse, says Mary Jane Minkin, MD, clinical professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences at the Yale School of Medicine.

But there are lots of reasons why you might not feel wet and ready for action when the time is right. In fact, Jessica Shepherd, MD, a gynecologist and founder of Sanctum Med + Wellness, thinks having trouble with vaginal lubrication is “more common than women think.” Basically, there’s nothing wrong with you if you aren’t able to reach a certain level of wetness—it could be due to something as simple as your own personal anatomy or even a yeast infection.

If you’re not getting as wet as you’d like, Dr. Shepherd says you shouldn’t be afraid to break out the lube: “People associate lubricant with being old or having something wrong with them,” she says. “And I want to take away that stigma.” Same same.

Instead, Dr. Shepherd says, lube can be a quick and easy way to get wet down there on demand.

Of course, there are plenty of reasons why you might not be well-lubricated down there, and they’re not always obvious. These are some of the biggies.

1. You’re naturally an “under-producer.”

Fun fact: Everyone generates differing amounts of wetness during sex, says Dr. Shepherd. In the same way that the people in an indoor cycling class sweat varying amounts or some new moms produce more milk than others, with any secretions, “you have some people who are under-producers, moderate producers, and over-producers,” she says. If you fall into the first category, embrace the wonderful world of lube.

2. There’s not enough foreplay.

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Have you ever watched a sex scene in a movie that goes from kiss to climax in approximately 30 seconds, and thought to yourself, “How did she do that?” IRL, she did not. “If a woman is complaining of decreased lubrication for sex, the first question I’d say is, ‘Is there enough foreplay going on?’” Dr. Minkin says.

If you’re bored, uninterested, or just not connecting with your partner, it also follows that you’d have a pretty hard time getting in the mood and wet. (But, as you’ll see, there are plenty of other reasons that have zero to do with your arousal or attraction to your partner.)

3. You have a yeast infection.

If you’re typically ready to go down there, but that’s taken a recent turn, there’s a chance an infection could be to blame, Dr. Minkin says. “Certain vaginitis situations can lead to dryness, and classically, yeast infections can do that.” While it’s possible that dryness would be your only symptom, you’d probably also be dealing with itchiness, she says. If you’re not sure if you have a yeast infection, consult your doctor.

4. You’re breastfeeding.

Obviously, the body experiences a major shift in hormones around pregnancy and delivery. One of those changes has to do with breastfeeding: The hormone prolactin stimulates lactation, so women who breastfeed have high prolactin levels. But bummer alert, as far as dryness is concerned: “It can also depress your estrogen, so you can be dry,” says Dr. Minkin. The good news: She says it’s totally safe to use both lube and vaginal moisturizer when you’re postpartum.

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5. You’re going through perimenopause or menopause.

As your cycle slows down—usually when you’re in your 40s but sometimes even in your mid-30s—your ovaries start making less estrogen, and your vaginal tissue becomes thinner and dryer. This is another time when you might want to break out the lube and vaginal moisturizer, Dr. Minkin says.

6. You’re taking the birth control pill.

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Estrogen is the hormone that leads to lubrication, so it’s possible that a low-dose birth control pill could mean less wetness, explains Dr. Minkin. Try using lube, or talk to your doc: She might suggest a different pill if you’re unhappy.

7. You’re on certain medications that dry you out.

There are a bunch of meds that can mess with your ability to get wet. First up is antihistamines. These ubiquitous and OTC meds can dry out your sinuses and your nether region. “When people are on them for allergies, they may notice drying of the vaginal canal, which can lead to decreased vaginal lubrication,” says Dr. Shepherd.

Accutane is another potential issue. This powerful acne drug, with the generic name isotretinoin, reduces how much sebum oil people produce and shrinks their sebaceous oil glands. Since it’s intentionally drying, people taking it experience dryness of the skin, eyes, and nose, along with vaginal dryness.

Antidepressants can lower sex drive, Dr. Minkin points out. She notes that antipsychotics can work through that same prolactin mechanism mentioned above, increasing it and therefore decreasing estrogen.

8.

You’re about to get your period.

You might have noticed that your levels of wetness change with your cycle. If you haven’t, FYI: They typically do. After you ovulate and before you get your period, you can experience some dryness. “Levels of estrogen and progesterone are low when you begin your period and, as a result, vaginal dryness can occur,” says women’s health expert Jennifer Wider, M.D.

9. You’re using a water-based lube.

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While lubes, in general, will get you wet, “water-based lubes can dry up quickly,” Dr. Wider says. As a result, you may need to keep reapplying water-based lubes, making you think that you’re drier than you actually are.

10. You have a medical condition.

Certain conditions—for example, thyroid disorders, and the immune system disorder Sjogren’s syndrome, most commonly associated with dry eyes and a dry mouth—are also associated with down-below dryness, Dr. Minkin says. Is your vaginal dryness just one of the multiple not-good symptoms you’re experiencing? Talk to a doc.

11. You’ve been douching.

Douching can lead to vaginal irritation and dryness, according to the Office on Women’s Health. And that’s only one of the reasons to avoid douching, says Dr. Minkin. It can also wash away good bacteria, raise your down-there pH level, and basically welcome bad bacteria to the area. In other words: Hello, infection.

12. You smoke.

Vaginal lubrication results from increased blood flow to the area. One of the many detrimental effects of lighting up? “Smoking causes decreased circulation of blood flow,” says Dr. Shepherd. Basically: Less blood flowing, including to the pelvic area, spells less vaginal lubrication. As if you needed *another* reason to quit!

13. You’re stressed AF.

Obviously, it’s hard to get aroused and lubricated if you’re restless and nervous, your mind moving a million miles a second. Try some exercises for feeling calmer, and see how that impacts your bedroom activity levels.

But more serious mental health conditions, including depression, can also affect your sex drive. “A person’s sex drive or libido can be significantly impacted by depression because their ability to anticipate and experience pleasure can get dulled by the depression itself,” says Dr. Wider.

Medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can also lower your sex drive, making it harder to get wet, she says. If you have depression, are struggling to get wet, and it bothers you, talk to your doctor about your options.

14. You’re not drinking enough water.

You know, you know—you should drink more water. (The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends having 11.5 cups of fluids a day for women, from both liquids and foods.) But not being hydrated enough can mess with your ability to get wet, too. “Dehydration can cause vaginal dryness in the same way it causes dry skin in other areas of the body,” Dr. Wider says. It can also make you less likely to be in the mood (because, hello, your body is thirsty!) leading to even more dryness.

Korin Miller

Korin Miller is a freelance writer specializing in general wellness, sexual health and relationships, and lifestyle trends, with work appearing in Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Self, Glamour, and more. She has a master’s degree from American University, lives by the beach, and hopes to own a teacup pig and taco truck one day.

5 ways to stop thinking that you are not good enough

Career

Psychologists admit that many people who have achieved serious heights turn to them for help, but at the same time seriously doubt that they deserve it. The misfortune, called the impostor syndrome, spares no one – both a university graduate who was lucky enough to get a well-paid job, and a highly experienced professional who suddenly received a promotion can feel like they have no right to success.

Imposter Syndrome – An inadequate feeling of (chronic) self-doubt despite clear evidence to the contrary. No matter how smart and efficient such people are, they feel like cheaters, and evil beliefs slowly sap their energy and motivation. They tend to think that achievements are the result of coincidence and they are not good enough to move on, competing with others at a higher level. As a result, decadent attitudes sabotage the development of success.

The term “Imposter Syndrome” was promulgated in 1978 by American psychologists Pauline Klance and Suzanne Imes, who discovered that many of their wards could not accept success, explaining their achievements by luck and the ability to pass for smart (th). This is not a diagnosis, but rather an obsessive mood that can manifest itself episodically and almost never means a real lack of knowledge and skills. The reverse situation is more common: an incompetent person does not worry about being incompetent.

Women are less fortunate in this sense – it is much easier for us to succumb to the impostor syndrome than for men. Analyzing in detail the gender tendency to self-criticism, psychologists at Carnegie Mellon University found, for example, that men put forward demands for a pay rise four times more often than women and usually ask for a raise of 30% more.

In short, if you’ve ever felt like you’re not good enough, you’re not alone. Objectively, there are millions of us, and harmful attitudes have stuck to us since childhood (hello to parents). The impostor syndrome is often accompanied by perfectionism, and such a duet turns a person into a workaholic, indifferent to career growth – a godsend for any boss. The good news is that you can try to change your perspective.

Here are five ways to get rid of the belief that you are not good enough:

1. Recognize your talents you start from scratch and got to this career stage thanks to personal talents and experience. Do not associate success with luck, recognize that you have genuine talents, otherwise you would not have what you have achieved.

Take a notepad and pen and write down your accomplishments and strengths in columns. Re-read both lists regularly, especially when you feel dreary. Such a reminder helps to get rid of doubts that you are not good enough and motivates you to unlock your potential.

2. Share with others what you know

It’s easy to forget how far you’ve come and how much you’ve learned – look for opportunities to remind yourself and others of the competence you’ve acquired. Don’t skimp on the knowledge you can share – sharing experiences, blogging, or mentoring will build confidence. In addition to benefiting others, this approach maintains a passion for what you do so that you do not burn out.

3. Get to know yourself

When doubts arise about your own worth, do not ignore the symptoms, but try to understand the causes of their occurrence. Don’t believe the negative internal monologue – talk to yourself (not necessarily out loud) as if you were a close friend. Look into the subconscious, finding out from which mental hole the impostor syndrome sprouts. And be kind to yourself – turn off your inner “strict parent” by beating off your self-criticism with something more compassionate.

4. Accept praise with pleasure

People with impostor syndrome too often ignore kind words, devaluing personal success and achievements, as if unwilling to acknowledge them. Meanwhile, praise is the main weapon of motivation. When others recognize your work as outstanding, accept compliments with joy and no excuses, leaving a simple “thank you” in return.

And if, despite your best efforts, you are still suffering from the insidious syndrome, do not hesitate to seek professional help. Self-distrust undermines the nerves, which can lead to manifestations of anxiety and depression. A competent psychotherapist will help get rid of excessive self-criticism and build a relationship with your own success.

5. Don’t be too serious

Changing activities changes how you feel. Do not forget to distract yourself with your favorite activities, hobbies and entertainment – give yourself permission to sometimes relax so that you do not take work and household tasks too seriously. Learn to enjoy the fruits of your labors – as you get a taste, you will see that you deserve everything you have.

Smirnova Natasha

Tags

• Career
• Psychology

9 reasons why a photo is not sharp

In this article I will tell you the main reasons why a photo is not sharp.

Quick jump:
Where the photo should be sharp
Why the photo is all blurry
Cause 1: Not enough light
Cause 2: Shake
Cause 3: Camera settings
Cause 4: You are too close
Why the photo is partially blurred – not there
Reason 5: Automatic focus selection
Cause 6: Too wide aperture
Technical problems
Cause 7: A problem with the autofocus itself
Cause 8: Back focus and front focus
Cause 9: Weather conditions

BONUS: Why photos are blurry when shooting with a long lens

Sometimes blur is the photographer’s idea, and we will not consider this case. Beautiful blur in itself can be the main point of the picture, as at the beginning of this article.

But when you come home and sort through the photos and see that everything is blurry, or you can’t get sharpness from your camera right on the shooting, this can be very frustrating.

Let’s figure it out.

WHERE THE PHOTO SHOULD BE SHARPNESS

Let’s remember the basics of photography 😉

The sharpness in the photo should be where your semantic center is.
That is, the place that conveys what you want to show the viewer as much as possible should be in sharpness.

In a portrait, in most cases, sharpness is brought to the eyes, if there is no other idea of ​​the photographer. Because it is there that the viewer will subconsciously look in the first place.

In a portrait – focus on the eyes
Photographer: Viktoria Savostyanova

When shooting close-up objects – flowers, objects, food – the focus should be on them, on the most important, and not on the background.

Don’t let your most important subject, the one you want to direct the viewer’s eye to, be out of focus. The viewer simply will not look there 🙂

Landscapes usually have a large depth of field. This means that both the foreground and distant plans are in sharpness.

Mountains in Kyrgyzstan
Photographer: Viktoriya Savostyanova

WHY THE PHOTO IS ALL FLUSH

Reason 1: not enough light

Not enough light , which means that the shutter speed becomes too long for handheld shooting, and the picture is “blurred”.

What can be done:

• Add light. To do this, come closer to the light source, go outside, turn on additional lamps.
• In manual settings – raise the ISO or open a larger aperture. To do this, you need to understand the manual settings of the camera and shoot not in AUTO mode.
• Place the camera on a stand or tripod. Under such conditions, the photo will be sharp at any shutter speed. You can also connect a shutter cable or remote control to completely eliminate the chance of moving when you press the shutter button. This is how landscape painters and night sky photographers usually shoot.

Very fast shutter speed, because there was a strong wind, from which the flowers were “smeared”
Photographer: Viktoria Savostyanova

Reason 2: stirring

It may also be that you are just do not hold the camera firmly enough , and again the shake effect appears.

What you can do:
Try keeping your elbows close to your body or resting them on something and don’t move the camera after focusing.
Only if you need to complete the composition, you can slightly move the camera in one perpendicular plane so that the sharpness does not go astray.
And hold your breath. I’m not kidding 🙂

Feel like a hunter with a photo gun. I always do this.

You see, I tightly pressed my elbows and held my breath? 😉
In the photo: Victoria Savostyanova takes pictures of stupas in Indonesia, on the island of Java

Reason 3: camera settings

check the button on the side of the lens.

Normally there is a manual focus/auto focus switch on the lens. He is signed as MF/AF.

Very often beginner photographers get scared when the camera suddenly stops focusing and everything is blurry. Most of the time, they just hit that switch by accident, and you need to switch it back to AF.

If you don’t know where to find the focus settings in the camera menu, check the manual for your camera, because the menus look different in different models and brands.

You need AF-S autofocus, single.

I recommend single point focusing on the center point (see your instructions) for easy focusing.

However, if your shooting does not require speed and you can move the focus point around the frame with the multi selector, you can select this mode.

In any case, it’s better not to leave the choice of the focus area up to the camera, because it may not guess what you have in mind 🙂

This may be a focus on the eyes, or maybe on sweets. I chose the eyes because my main semantic center is the girl’s emotion.
Photographer: Viktoria Savostyanova

Reason 4: You are too close

Minimum focusing distance

If autofocus is working correctly, check if you are too close to the subject.

There is such a thing as minimum focusing distance for each lens.

And if for a wide-angle it will be close enough, 20-40cm, then for a telephoto lens this distance can grow up to a meter or one and a half. And closer the lens simply will not be able to focus.

But the macro lens, although it is a telephoto lens, is specially designed to focus much closer. And then you get very small objects in a large image.

If the camera can’t focus, try taking a step back

Why the photo is partially blurred – not where it should be

If the focus is not where you aim it, there are two options.

Reason 5: automatic focus selection

Perhaps you have in the settings the automatic focus point selection mode , that is, it is not you who chooses, but the camera.

Multi-point autofocus zone

What to do: in this case, switch the focus area to single point, center, or select using the multi selector.

In smartphones, the same story happens – if you do not focus by pressing your finger on the screen to the point where you need it, the camera will focus automatically. And not necessarily guess.

When shooting with a smartphone camera in the “Portrait” mode, blurring is artificial and far from ideal. Often there are parts of the image that are in focus, which would be out of focus when shooting with natural blur. And set.

The ability to use the manual settings of a DSLR or mirrorless camera, different focal lengths gives you much more control over the result and even more creative freedom.

Reason 6: very open aperture

Or you are shooting at a shallow depth of field , you want a lot of blur and open the aperture wide, and you just don’t get the sharpness where you want.

Shooting at very wide apertures – f/1.4, f/2, f/2.5 – requires practice and not a millimeter of shift once you’ve focused.

Shallow depth of field gives good blur, but it is difficult to control without experience.

What to do: stop down to f / 3.5-f / 4 and shoot with a little less blur or practice, shoot a lot, throw a lot, until you can get in focus where you want.

Technical problems with focusing

Cause 7: The problem is in the autofocus itself

It may be, unfortunately, that the autofocus does not work at all, and then the camera will not focus, and the photos will turn out to be completely blurred.

But before assuming this, it’s still worth doing all the steps above to check the focus.

If all else fails, you need to switch the lens to manual focus mode and try to focus manually using the focusing ring on the lens.

If the focus is set and the photo is obtained, then the problem is really in the autofocus – either the camera or the lens.

You can attach another lens and check autofocus. If it works, then the problem is with the lens. If it doesn’t work, the problem is in the camera.

Cause 8: Back focus and front focus

If you’re shooting wide open and you’re sure you’ve got the focus right, but it jumps slightly forward and back a little every time, then you need to check camera.

Often this is very noticeable in portraits, when you carefully focus on the eyes for the whole shooting, and at home on the big screen you see that the sharpness has run away to the ears, the eyes are slightly blurred, and all photos can go wrong 🙁

Print back and front focus test sheet with a special scale and shoot it at an angle.

Lens calibration test sheet.
These sheets may look different, but there will always be a scale on them.

If you are focusing at zero and the sharpness goes forward or backward on the scale, you need to align the camera and lens.

Adjustment done at the service center. It’s not a big deal, usually alignment solves this problem.

Some cameras even have such settings in the menu, and the lens can be adjusted (sharpened to the camera) without going to the service center.
Here you need to read the instructions or google your camera model.

And now the most amazing explanation!

Reason 9: The weather

Sometimes the weather is just to blame. Can you imagine?

When you shoot distant objects with the same telephoto lens, particles in the air, fine fog or rain can prevent you from getting perfect sharpness.
But they will add charm to your picture.

Forest on Dragobrat, Ukraine
photographer: Victoria Savostyanova

Personally, I do not like the sharpness of the “gouge-eye” at all, as it is now often done in processing.

Some photographers like “ringing sharpness”. To do this, you must very carefully select and test the lens and carefully select the shooting conditions and manual settings.

But to be honest, most of your viewers or customers won’t even notice the difference. Therefore, if you are looking for the perfect super-sharpness, know that you are doing it only for yourself 🙂

But as for me, it is much more important whether the picture is catchy or not. And even if it is slightly blurred, but at the same time there will be “something” in it that is difficult to explain in words, then why not? Leave. Especially if people and vivid emotions and memorable moments are depicted there.

I don’t want to put this in a separate section, you already know this, but I’ll remind you in one line:

wipe the camera lens, whether it’s a DSLR or a smartphone 😉

photographer: Hector Alejandro telephoto lens

These are additional hints for those who are already well versed in manual settings.

The minimum shutter speed for handheld photography is considered to be 1/60s. This is assuming you have a firm grip on the camera.

However, there is one very important nuance. If you shoot handheld on a telephoto lens, that is, on a telephoto lens with a focal length of from 50mm and above, especially 135mm, 200mm, and you get blurry photos, you need to reduce the shutter speed.

On a full frame camera for a 135mm lens it will be 1/135 sec, for a 200m lens it will be 1/200 sec and so on.

If you have a crop sensor, then it is desirable to know the crop factor of your sensor, usually it is 1.3 or 2.3 or even 6, but this is already for soap cameras.

On such a camera, the focal length of your lens must be multiplied by this crop factor, and this will be the actual focal length.

You can even search the Internet for tables where the focal lengths of lenses with different crop matrices have already been calculated.

Accordingly, the number will also change in the excerpt. That is, instead of 200mm on a camera with a crop factor of 1.5, you will get a focal length of 300mm.