This may result in discomfort during sex and increase the chances of vaginal irritation or infection (5). The perception of vaginal tightness during sex is primarily related to the pelvic floor muscles, which are present around the base of the vagina and not actually how wide the vaginal canal is.Īfter menopause, when estrogen is lower, the walls of the vagina become thinner and frailer, which can cause symptoms of vaginal dryness and decreased vaginal secretions (5). When it comes to sexual satisfaction, vaginal size does not affect sexual function (6). After delivery, the vagina and vaginal opening temporarily widen, but 6-12 weeks post-delivery, the vagina returns to its pre-pregnancy size (5).Īs people age, the walls of the vagina become more relaxed, and the diameter of the vagina becomes wider (1). Throughout a pregnancy, the connective tissue of the vaginal walls progressively relaxes, in preparation for the delivery of a baby (5). Increased blood flow is directed to the pelvis, causing a deeper color change to the vulva and vagina (5). The vagina is also influenced by changing hormone levels during pregnancy. During the reproductive years after menarche (the first menstrual period) and before menopause, more layers of tissue are present lining the vagina, due to stimulation from higher estrogen levels in the body (3). The vagina is strongly influenced by hormonal changes throughout the body. An average adult vagina is slightly curved, and can range between 7 to 12 cm in length (1,3,4)-but every body is different, and there’s no such thing as a too small or too large vagina. The vagina can change a lot throughout a person's life (1,5). The vagina is also capable of absorbing some substances-such as medications, hormonal creams, or contraceptives-into the body (3). Underneath the mucosal tissue are layers of smooth muscle tissue, collagen, and elastin fibers, which gives vagina anatomy both structure and ability to stretch (4).įluids are released through the walls of the vagina to keep the area moist, and during times of sexual arousal, to increase lubrication. The surface layers of the vaginal wall are made of mucosal tissue-similar to the tissue that lines your mouth, nose, and digestive tract. The walls of the vagina are composed of different layers of tissue. All of these folds allow the vagina to be stretched and expand like an accordion when pressure is applied to the sides (like when a baby’s head is passing through). The walls and folds of the vagina have many purposes, providing both a barrier and access route between the cervix and the outside world. The walls of the vagina are covered by many folds called rugae (3). From the sides, the vagina offers movable support and pressure, which allow your tampon to stay in place (2,3). During this state, a cross-section of the vaginal canal ( the vaginal lumen) can resemble an “H” or a “W” shape, as the walls flatten against themselves (2). When it is in a relaxed state (not aroused), the walls of the vagina are collapsed against each other, flattened by the pressure of the surrounding organs and tissues within the pelvis. The vagina anatomy is much more than just a tube. How does that tampon stay in there? If the vagina is just a tube, shouldn’t the tampon fall out? It may seem strange that an organ capable of passing an entire baby through it is also capable of holding a small tampon in place for hours. The walls of the vagina can also be used as an administrative route for medications and contraceptives, such as intervaginal hormone creams, the hormonal vaginal contraceptive ring, or vaginal suppository medications. During penis-vagina sex, ejaculate is deposited in the vagina, allowing sperm to enter the uterus through the cervix. The vagina can also act as a route to other parts of the body. The vagina is also used for insertion, such as with a penis, fingers, female condoms, sex toys, tampons, or menstrual cups. The vagina is what babies exit through during birth, and where menstrual blood exits through during your period. This tube is the connection between your uterus and the outside world. The vagina is the tube between the vulva and the cervix. By Nicole Telfer, and Clár McWeeney What is a vagina?
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