As someone who observes around 35 vaginas daily, I can attest that they come in a wide variety of sizes and forms. The vaginal shape may alter with age and as a result of pregnancy, weight gain, sexual activity, gravity, and hormonal fluctuations; however, could this be a cause for concern?
The vagina is a muscular tube 3 to 4 inches long and only 2 to 3 inches in diameter. During sexual activity, and especially during labor, it enlarges. The vagina might change its form after giving birth vaginally. The vagina may be compared to a tube sock. Putting a cantaloupe into an elastic tube sock that has only ever held a foot can cause the hose to stretch out a little at first. Vaginas have incredible resilience and were designed to withstand the stress of delivery. Most people immediately return to their regular selves. However, the pelvic floor may be injured, permanently altering the form and function of the vagina, in cases of prolonged pushing, enormous infants, repeated deliveries, or substantial vaginal rips (particularly if they don’t heal effectively or are infected).
Postpartum alterations to the vagina
Pelvic muscle recovery after delivery typically takes between 6 and 12 weeks. After that period, if you have any of the following symptoms, pelvic floor injury may have occurred and medical attention is needed.
- Urine leakage
- Difficulty holding in farts or stools
- Relational discomfort
- Menstrual products like tampons and cups leak.
You may get your vagina and pelvic floor back in shape if they did not recover as well as you would have liked following the trials of delivery. Starting with weight reduction (if your body mass index is above 30), Kegels and core strengthening exercises are a good idea. If they don’t help, women might see a physical therapist who specializes in pelvic floor rehabilitation.
If physical therapy doesn’t help, medical attention may be necessary. The best medical professionals to consult if you are worried about your vagina are gynecologists or urogynecologists (a urologist or gynecologist who has had specialized training in pelvic floor reconstruction). The perineal muscles (which connect the vagina to the rectum) might rip after delivery and fail to recover normally in certain women. Sometimes surgical intervention is required.
Vaginal Tightening: What You Shouldn’t Do
If you want to tighten or shrink your vagina, don’t use any “tightening sticks” or “herbal remedies” you bought at the store. The vaginal tissue is irritated, which causes swelling. I have treated individuals who had serious vaginal burns after using these items, and they all needed to be hospitalized. You shouldn’t put anything you bought on Etsy in your vagina.
Seeing a cosmetic surgeon to have your vaginal lips reshaped is OK (though unneeded, in my professional gynecological opinion), if you’re self-conscious about how your labia look from the outside. See a gynecologist or urogynecologist if you have any issues with your vagina’s anatomy or physiology. If you need your pelvic muscles reconstructed, you should consult a urogynecologist who is experienced in pelvic floor reconstruction.
While vaginal laser therapy is promoted as a viable alternative, there is currently insufficient evidence to support its use. It’s advertised as a way to alleviate vaginal dryness and a few of the symptoms of vaginal laxity by encouraging the body to produce more collagen. Vaginal burns have been reported, and it’s important to keep in mind that the FDA hasn’t greenlighted laser therapy for this use. Vaginal laser treatment should only be performed by a gynecologist after a thorough evaluation of your pelvic floor.
The Sexual Process
The size of a woman’s vagina has no bearing on her level of sexual enjoyment. Clitoris stimulation and vaginal frontal pressure both increase sexual responsiveness. Despite the natural stretching that occurs with vaginal birth, studies have revealed no difference in sexual function or pleasure between women who had cesarean sections and those who did not.
Is there such a thing as having a vagina that’s too big? No, if the lady has never had a vaginal delivery or any kind of vaginal surgery. You should see a gynecologist or urogynecologist if you have structural issues related to childbirth-related damage to your pelvic floor. Always treat your vagina gently, don’t hurry into surgery, and never use herbal “tightening” cures.
