SMSNA receives and publishes “guest editorials” periodically. The current article was submitted by Mia Barnes, a freelance writer and researcher specializing in women’s health, wellness and healthy living. She is its Founder and Editor-in-Chief Body+Mind Magazine.
First things first — There is no permanently “loose” or “tight” trick. Your vagina is elastic, able to accommodate childbirth and return to its previous shape. While aging and childbirth can weaken the walls of the vagina, it is not a permanent condition. Explore how vaginal makeup can change and how to maintain pelvic floor health for optimal wellness.
First, Understand the Vulva
It is essential to include the vulva when discussing vaginal health. The vulva is the external part of the female genitalia, consisting of the labia, the clitoris and the vaginal opening.
Similar to the vaginal canal, the vulvar tissue can also experience changes such as relaxation and increased lubrication during sexual arousal. Understanding its anatomy and how it responds can help you recognize how your vulva and vagina play key roles in sexual health and comfort.
- Physical changes over time
As you get older, your vagina undergoes natural changes, especially during menopause. When you enter menopause, your estrogen levels will begin to drop. You may notice that your vagina becomes:
That said, the changes will be minimal. To combat these effects, consider using water-based lubricants during intercourse to ease discomfort. Pelvic floor exercises such as Kegels can help strengthen the pelvic floor and improve symptoms or stress urinary incontinence (SUI).
- Child birth
Vaginal birth can indeed cause temporary changes in vaginal elasticity — and that’s natural. Stretching of the vaginal canal during labor is necessary for the baby to pass. Your vagina should return to its pre-natal state over time, although it may not completely return to its previous shape. However, multiple births may lead to more significant changes in elasticity.
If you have concerns about vaginal changes after childbirth, discuss them with your healthcare provider. They can provide the necessary reassurance and guidance.
- Pelvic floor health
Weak pelvic floor muscles can contribute to vaginal relaxation. Your pelvic floor muscles support many organs and are an essential part of your core. They can weaken, which can have the following adverse effects:
- Pelvic pain
- Pain during intercourse
- A persistent urge to urinate
- Random urination, which could also indicate an underlying condition such as SUI
To strengthen your pelvic floor, consider incorporating Kegels into your daily routine. You can also consider neuromuscular electrical stimulation, which uses electrical impulses to stimulate specific muscle groups.
Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding heavy lifting can also help prevent further strain on these muscles. Consult your healthcare provider if you experience symptoms of pelvic floor weakness.
- Sexual arousal
During sexual arousal, your vaginal muscles undergo the following changes:
- Of course it relaxes
- Increases lubrication
This relaxation of the muscles allows for greater elasticity and flexibility in the vaginal canal. These changes are vital for those in penetrative contact. However, if you experience a lack of stimulation or feel tense during sexual activity, your vaginal muscles may tighten. As a result, it can lead to discomfort or difficulty in penetration.
To combat this, prioritize foreplay, communicating with your partner, and exploring relaxation techniques. These tips may help relax your vagina for a more pleasurable sexual experience.
Some women may experience these symptoms due to past trauma. In such cases, seeking support from a therapist or counselor who specializes in sexual health and trauma can be beneficial.
- Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions can contribute to vaginal tightness and discomfort during penetration. An example is Vaginismus. Vaginal discharge is the involuntary contraction of the vaginal muscles. This condition can make intercourse painful or even impossible due to its effect on the elasticity of the vagina.
Seeking medical advice and treatment from a healthcare professional – such as a gynecologist or pelvic floor therapist – is essential. They can help address any underlying problems and develop a customized treatment plan.
- Emotional and Psychological Factors
Your psyche and emotions are all intertwined with sexual activity. These factors can affect arousal levels and the ability of the vaginal muscles to relax during sexual activity:
- Stress
- Worry
- Past trauma
- Negative sexual experiences
To promote vaginal relaxation and comfort, try some self-care practices. You can practice mindfulness, try stress reduction techniques, and connect with your partner. Seeking support from a therapist or counselor can also be beneficial. Remember – taking care of your mental and emotional well-being is essential to sexual health.
Debunking common bay myths
The myth of a “loose” or “tight” vagina oversimplifies the complexity of vaginal health. There are many factors that can affect the elasticity and firmness of the vagina. Additionally, not all people with vaginas engage in penetrative intercourse. Understanding and respecting these diverse experiences can promote inclusive sexual health.
You can always work on addressing the tone of your vaginal and pelvic floor muscles. Consult a gynecologist if you are concerned about the strength of your vaginal muscles. Since sex-related problems are often psychological or emotional in nature, you may want to see a therapist.
Bibliographical references:
- Dominoni, M.; Gritti, A.; Bergante, C.; Pasquali, MF; Scatigno, AL; De Silvestri, A.; Gardella, B. (2022, October 30). Genital perception and postpartum vulvar appearance: cohort analysis of genital body image and sexuality. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9618153/
- Vaginal Atrophy. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15500-vaginal-atrophy
- Cherney, K. (2023, May 9). Premenopause, Perimenopause and 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. (2020, April). Effect of different electrical stimulation protocols on pelvic floor 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
- Huang, YC, Chang, KV (2023, May 1). Kegel exercises. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555898/
- Hwang, Ui-Jae, PhD, PT and Lee, Min-Seok, MD, PhD. (2023, April 19). Relationship between female sexual function, vaginal volume, resting vaginal tone and pelvic floor muscle strength in women with stress urinary incontinence. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10375215/
- (2024, February 16). Painful intercourse (dyspareunia). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/painful-intercourse/symptoms-causes/syc-20375967
- Swimming. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaginismus/
- Liu, M.; Juravic, M.? Matsa, G.? Krychman, ML. (2020, January 31). Vaginal Dilators: Issues and Answers. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32014450/
- Vulva | Definition, Anatomy and Function. https://www.britannica.com/science/vulva
