Even with a plethora of youth-preserving cosmetic products on the market, some areas of your body will always reveal your true age.
What Happens to Your Vagina as You Get Older?
The aging process for your vagina is similar to that of our skin, limbs, and other body parts, and it is caused by gravity.
It’s very natural to detect changes in the form, color, and size of your vagina at various phases of life, including adolescence, pregnancy, after childbirth, during and after menopause, and just about anytime in between.
Vaginal Development During Puberty
The vagina has its first significant alteration throughout puberty. Estrogen circulates in the bodies of girls and teenagers.
AFAB is an abbreviation for “assigned female at birth.” Between the ages of 10 and 15, causing various sections of the vagina to grow.
Due to hormonal influences, the labia expand and may change color. When this occurs that means the vagina is fully mature, and the ovulation cycle begins.
Your Vagina in Adulthood, Before Delivery of Your First Baby
While female physiology is optimal for pregnancy and birthing between the ages of 20 and 35, not everyone decides to have children during this time period. Pelvic floor (the muscles that support the bladder, intestine, and uterus) strength is at its greatest throughout these years.
The labia minora and majora — the inner and outer vaginal lips — may get bigger and change color. For many, this is also the pinnacle of sexual intercourse and activity.
The beginnings of sexual activity necessitates screening for sexually transmitted illnesses such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, as well as the beginning of pap smears (a screening test for cervical cancer).
During adulthood, it is important to follow a regular schedule with a primary care physician or OB-GYN for an annual pelvic exam and pap smear every three years.
Do You Have Vaginal Changes Following Sex?
Both during and after sex, your body will endure certain temporary modifications. But if you’ve ever been told that penetrative intercourse would stretch out your vagina or that it will start to seem “loose” after sex, that’s fake news.
Sex has no effect on the strength, size, or flexibility of your vagina, no matter how frequently you have it. Physical harm to the region is the only thing that might modify your vagina (yes, this includes vaginal childbirth).
Changes that can occur in the vulva and vagina during sex:
- Your clitoris will swell as a result of increased blood flow caused by stimulation, maybe accompanied by changes in the form of the clitoral hood.
- Sensitivity in the vagina, vulva, and clitoris may rise or decrease before or after orgasm.
- With regular intercourse, your vagina may become stronger over time, allowing her to better grip the penis or finger penetrating her.
Vaginal Changes During and After Pregnancy
Is your vaginal health affected during pregnancy and after childbirth? It does, like most of the rest of your body (albeit not always in the manner you’d anticipate). Some of these changes will be transient, while others will last for months or even years. So don’t worry: your vagina is really strong!
Your Vaginal Health During Pregnancy
It’s common to notice that the color of your vagina has changed, even to blue or purple, as blood flow rises in the area. This can occur as soon as six weeks into a pregnancy.
Varicose veins may also appear on the labia and the inside of your upper thighs (sadly, these so-called ‘spider veins’ do not just affect the legs). Varicose veins can occur during pregnancy due to a combination of pregnancy hormones, increased pressure from an enlarged uterus, and increased blood flow. Fortunately, they normally go away on their own within a few weeks of delivery.
The pH of your vagina changes throughout pregnancy, becoming more acidic. This can cause minor variations in vaginal taste and odor, which are totally normal and, in most cases, cause no concern. The volume and consistency of discharge may also increase.
Nonetheless, keep in mind that yeast infections are prevalent throughout pregnancy. You’ll know you have one if you have a lot of grayish-white or yellowish-white discharge, as well as severe itching. Fortunately, they are simple to treat with over-the-counter medications. Also, with eating more vegetables and fruits can reduce your chances of getting a yeast infection.
Your Vaginal Health After Childbirth
Imagine that your pelvis is a bowl with muscles lining it (the area between your hip bones, sacrum, and pubic symphysis). These pelvic floor muscles strain and rupture during delivery.
Some tears occur naturally; in rare cases, a doctor or midwife may perform an episiotomy, which is a procedure in which an incision is made starting at the vagina and going sideways toward the vulva or down toward the anus (toward the perineum, the space between the vaginal and anal openings) to facilitate an easier delivery.
Although everyone’s vaginal healing period differs, some women say that their vagina feels looser and broader after childbirth, which makes sense given that you’ve just done the miracle of childbirth and pushed a full human being out of your vagina. Fortunately, the vagina is comprised of elastic fibers and will, in most situations, return to its previous shape and size (or near to it) after deliveries.
Throughout peak adulthood, between the ages of 30 and 50, the vagina gradually loses part of its inherent muscular definition. Due to delivery and, well, gravity, the pelvic floor muscles may also lose strength so we recommend exercising. Like any muscle it can strengthen once again.
Women who give birth later in their 30’s or 40’s may notice the vagina takes a bit longer to heal than it does for new mothers in their 20’s.
For example, I we know someone who has given birth in three different decades of their life. In their 20s, 30s, and their 40s and the mom stated that she healed faster in her 40s. She is confident that it was due to having a natural birth and a healthier lifestyle.
Another perk about living a healthy lifestyle and having babies in your 30- to 40-year-old range is the hormone balance. Many medical sources report that this is when most vagina-owners will enjoy the perfect blend of hormones that facilitate better sex and intimacy so it is no surprise more women continue to have babies in this age range.
Before and During Menopause, Vaginal Changes
Perimenopause
Perimenopause is the 5-to-10-year phase preceding menopause. Estrogen levels begin to fall, resulting in pH imbalances and vaginal dryness. The pH shift might result in a few unpleasant side effects: Namely, a higher risk of yeast and bacterial infections.
Sexual enjoyment may also be impacted by vaginal dryness during this phase. Women may have more friction or abrasions during intercourse, which might cause pain during the day.
Thankfully we have solutions to the unpleasant vaginal consequences of perimenopause. Doctors advise taking probiotic supplements and utilizing vaginal moisturizers to relieve pain, as well as using synthetic lubricants to increase sexual pleasure.
Other things that have helped are adding nuts, seeds, avocados, dark chocolate, and maca to your smoothies. If you have not heard of maca- it comes in a powder form and it can improve your fertility, boost your libido, reduce menopause side effects like vaginal dryness and more.
Another solution to reduce the side effects of perimenopause is to enjoy more sexual activity, whether alone or with a partner, is also recommended by health professionals as you will increase blood flow and pelvic floor strength of your vagina improving its natural wetness.
Menopause
The end of our monthly menstrual periods is marked by menopause. The average age for menopause in the United States is 51.7, however for many, especially those that has had a partial and full hysterectomy it begins almost a decade sooner.
Perimenopause manifests itself through vaginal dryness, changes in the frequency or duration of periods, and other bodily changes, as previously stated. Additional indicators of impending menopause include:
- Chills
- Sweating at night
- Sleep issues
- Mood swings
- Hot flashes
- Weight gain
Many females have vulvovaginal atrophy at menopause (VVA). The labia become paler and smoother as a result of VVA atrophy. The vulvar skin will become thinner and more wrinkled, and the mons pubis may droop. Pubic hair may begin to gray or thin, making grooming and upkeep in the vagina area easier.
Other vaginal changes that is not visible to the eye; includes, the vaginal aperture may narrow and the length of the vaginal canal may shorten. At this point, the body is prepared to shut down the reproductive system so you may enjoy the independence of not having periods.
Even if your vagina changes, the principles of safe sex remain the same.
It is critical to maintain safe sex as the vagina changes, especially if you have several partners.
We questioned Dra. Reyes about the significance of safe sex at any age, and she said, “The guidelines remain the same. Gonorrhea, herpes and other STDs don’t care about your age, number of children, or sex partners you have had.” Older women and men are treated with STDs just like young women and men. Many older people were astonished to learn that they were still at risk. Remember, the same person you asked to wear a condom at 26 needs to wear one at 66.
Takeaways
It’s critical to understand that there is no such thing as a “normal” vagina. Your vagina like your face, breasts, hips, and thighs, will unavoidably alter shape, size, and color as you age.
Of course, if you have unexpected vaginal changes, especially if they are accompanied by any worrying or painful symptoms, you should see your health care physician or OB-GYN to rule out disease or infection.
Your connection with your vagina is one of the longest you’ll ever have. Make the most of it by learning about your vagina and be grateful for the blessings she has given you. This could include the birth of your children or a lifetime of sexual pleasure. We hope you will love and celebrate your vagina each step of the way.
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