SMSNA periodically accepts and publishes 'Guest Editorials'. The current article was submitted by Mia Barnes, a freelance writer and researcher specializing in women's health, wellness, and healthy living. She is the founder and editor-in-chief of Body+Mind Magazine.
First, let me get the important thing out of the way. There is no such thing as a “loose” or “tight” vagina. The vagina is elastic and can accommodate childbirth and return to its original shape. Aging and childbirth can weaken the vaginal walls, but it is not a permanent condition. Learn how the composition of your vagina can change and how to maintain pelvic floor health for optimal wellness.
First, understand the vulva.
When discussing vaginal health, it is important to include the vulva. The vulva is the external part of the female reproductive system, consisting of the labia, clitoris, and vaginal opening.
Like the vaginal canal, the vulvar tissue can also undergo changes during sexual arousal, such as relaxation and increased lubrication. Understanding the anatomy and how it responds can help you recognize the important roles the vulva and vagina play in your sexual health and comfort.
- Natural changes over time
As you age, your vagina undergoes natural changes, especially during menopause. As you enter menopause, your estrogen levels begin to decline. You may notice changes in your vagina, such as:
However, the changes will be minimal. To counteract these effects, consider using a water-based lubricant during sex to ease discomfort. Pelvic floor muscle exercises, such as Kegels, can help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and improve symptoms or stress urinary incontinence (SUI).
- delivery
Vaginal birth can actually cause temporary changes in vaginal elasticity, which is normal. The vaginal canal stretches during labor to allow the baby to pass through. The vagina should return to its pre-birth state over time, but it may not return to its original shape completely. However, multiple births can cause greater changes in elasticity.
If you have concerns about changes in your vagina after giving birth, talk to your healthcare provider. They can provide the reassurance and guidance you need.
- Pelvic Floor Health
Weak pelvic floor muscles can contribute to vaginal relaxation. The pelvic floor muscles support many organs and are an essential part of the core. They can become weak, which can lead to side effects such as:
- Pelvic pain
- Pain during intercourse
- Persistent urge to urinate
- Incidental urination, which may indicate an underlying condition such as SUI
To strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, consider incorporating Kegel exercises into your routine. You may also consider neuromuscular electrical stimulation, which uses electrical pulses to stimulate specific muscle groups.
Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding heavy lifting can also help prevent further strain on these muscles. If you experience symptoms of pelvic floor muscle weakness, talk to your healthcare provider.
- sexual awakening
During sexual arousal, the vaginal muscles undergo the following changes:
- It relaxes naturally
- Increases lubricity
Muscle relaxation allows the vaginal canal to become more elastic and flexible. These changes are essential for those who engage in penetrative sex. However, if you are not aroused or feel tense during sexual activity, the vaginal muscles may become tense. As a result, discomfort or difficulty in penetration may occur.
To overcome this, prioritize foreplay, communication with your partner, and exploring relaxation techniques. These tips can help relax your vagina for a more enjoyable sexual experience.
Some women may experience these symptoms due to past trauma. In such cases, it may be helpful to seek support from a therapist or counselor who specializes in sexual health and trauma.
- Medical condition
Certain medical conditions can contribute to vaginal tightness and discomfort during penetration. One example is vaginismus. Vaginismus is an involuntary contraction of the vaginal muscles. This condition can make intercourse painful or even impossible due to its effect on vaginal elasticity.
It is essential to seek medical advice and treatment from a healthcare professional, such as an obstetrician or gynecologist or a pelvic floor therapist. They can help address underlying issues and develop a customized treatment plan.
- Emotional and psychological factors
Your mind and emotions are both intertwined with sexual activity. These factors can affect your level of arousal and your ability to relax your vaginal muscles during sexual activity.
- stress
- unrest
- Past trauma
- negative sexual experiences
Try some self-care practices to help you relax and feel more comfortable. You can practice mindfulness, try stress-reduction techniques, and communicate with your partner. Seeking support from a therapist or counselor can also be helpful. Remember, taking care of your mental and emotional well-being is essential to your sexual health.
Debunking Common Quality Myths
The myth of a “loose” or “tight” vagina oversimplifies the complexity of vaginal health. There are many factors that can affect vaginal elasticity and tightness. Furthermore, not everyone with a vagina has penetrative sex. Understanding and respecting these diverse experiences can help promote comprehensive and inclusive sexual health.
You can always work on relieving tension in your vagina and pelvic floor muscles. If you are concerned about the strength of your vaginal muscles, consult your gynecologist. It is also a good idea to see a therapist, as sexual problems are often psychological or emotional in nature.
references:
- Dominoni, M.; Gritti, A.; Bergante, C.; Pasquali, MF; Scatigno, AL; De Silvestri, A.; Gardella, B. (2022, October 30). Postpartum genital perception and vulvar appearance: a cohort analysis of genital body image and sexual orientation. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9618153/
- Vaginal Atrophy. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15500-vaginal-atrophy
- Cherney, K. (May 9, 2023). Premenopause, premenopause, menopause. https://www.healthline.com/health/menopause/difference-perimenopause
- Stress urinary incontinence. https://www.laborie.com/patients/conditions/stress-urinary-incontinence/
- Li, Wenjuan, PhD; Hu, Qing, BS; Zhang, Zhujuan, PhD; Shen, Fengxian, PhD; Xie, Zhenwei, PhD. (April 2020). The effect of different electrical stimulation protocols for pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation in postpartum women with extremely weak muscle strength. https://journals.lww.com/md-journal/fulltext/2020/04240/effect_of_different_electrical_stimulation.59.aspx
- Hwang, YC, Chang, KV (2023, May 1). Kegel Exercises. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555898/
- Dr. Hwang, Eui-Jae, PT, and Dr. Lee, Min-Seok, MD (April 19, 2023). Relationship between female sexual function, vaginal volume, vaginal resting tone, and pelvic floor muscle strength in women with stress urinary incontinence. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10375215/
- (February 16, 2024). Painful intercourse (dyspareunia). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/painful-intercourse/symptoms-causes/syc-20375967
- Vaginismus. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaginismus/
- Liu, M.; Juravic, M.; Mazza, G.; Krychman, ML (January 31, 2020). Quality dilators: Issues and answers. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32014450/
- Vulva | Definition, Anatomy and Function. https://www.britannica.com/science/vulva