Contents:
- Medical Video: What pregnancy and birth did to my vagina and breasts
- Get to know the size and appearance of the vagina
- Vaginal size can change
- Vaginal changes from time to time
Medical Video: What pregnancy and birth did to my vagina and breasts
The vagina is a female reproductive organ that functions as an outlet for menstrual blood and the birth pathway of the baby during labor. Just like other organs, the vagina also has variations in shape, size and depth. However, variations in the size of the vagina are usually not seen, even by your sexual partner.
Get to know the size and appearance of the vagina
A study published in the International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology says that the average depth of the vagina is about 3.77 inches, equivalent to 9.6 centimeters (cm), but that the appearance of the vagina can vary greatly.
In fact, the depth of the vagina (from opening to the end of the cervix or cervix) can reach 7 inches or 17.7 cm.
The vagina is a channel that connects the uterus, cervix, and the outer part of the sex organs, such as the vulva. In the vagina there is a mucous tissue consisting of special cells that secrete lubricating fluid. This helps the vaginal wall to stretch.
The outer part of a woman's genitals that can be seen by the naked eye is the vulva. This part of the vulva includes the mons pubis (pubic hump), labia majora (outer lip), labia minora (inner lips), urethral opening (urethra), clitoris, and vagina. These organs work together to support the process of urination and sexual reproduction.
The size and appearance of the vulva can vary by woman. The vulva may have the same or darker color than other body parts.
Likewise with the labia majora, the color, size and shape of the labia majora will be different for each woman depending on the content of the fat tissue. The length of the labia majora can be around 2.7 to 4.7 inches or 7-12 cm.
Meanwhile, the size of the clitoris ranges from 0.1 to 1.3 inches or 5-35 millimeters (mm). However, the size of the clitoris can be bigger or swollen when the woman is aroused.
Vaginal size can change
The depth and size of the vagina can change under certain conditions. The vagina can stretch to adjust the insertion of the tampon or penis.
When you are excited, more blood will flow to the vagina. This causes the vagina to lengthen and the cervix to rise slightly. This allows the penis or sex toys to enter the vagina.
The average size of the penis at erection is about 33 percent longer than the average depth of the vagina. While the size of the vagina and penis can vary, these organs can usually adjust to each other.
One study found that the average erect penis length was more than 5 inches or 13.12 cm. Some women may feel discomfort if their sexual partners have a penis that is bigger than average.
This allows the penis or sex toy to enter deeper and almost touch the cervix, which will be painful or uncomfortable.
Vaginal changes from time to time
Research has not found differences in vaginal depth in women who have given birth and those who have not. The appearance of the vagina will not change, because it is located inside. In fact, the study found no relationship between the depth of the vagina of a woman of her age.
However, the labia may appear smaller over time. This is because the amount of estrogen in the body decreases with age, which can reduce fat and collagen.
The vagina can also change color, become brighter or darker with hormonal changes over time.
Some women may feel that something has changed in the vagina after giving birth. While the tissues in the vagina stretch to help get the baby out, and this is not permanent.
The study found no difference in vaginal size between women who had given birth and those who had not.
If a woman who has given birth feels her vagina is different, doctors usually recommend doing kegel exercises. This exercise is done by squeezing and releasing the muscles used to control urination to help strengthen the pelvic floor.
