Good day bloggers. On behalf of Women’s health awareness month, we are creating awareness about various health concerns. We will talk about the most neglected part yet very important one. You guessed it right, it’s vaginal health.
The vagina is a part of the female reproductive system and serves as a channel for menstrual blood, sexual intercourse, and childbirth. It is a muscular tube that stretches and contracts to accommodate various activities. The elasticity of the vaginal walls is important for sexual pleasure and childbirth. However, factors like age, childbirth, hormonal changes, and certain medical conditions can affect the vaginal muscle strength and flexibility, leading to vaginal laxity.
Vaginal laxity, also known as a loose vagina, is a common concern among women, especially those who have given birth or are experiencing menopause. It is characterized by a loss of tone and tightness in the vaginal walls, resulting in a reduced sensation during sexual activity and decreased sexual satisfaction for both partners.
The elasticity of vaginal muscles can stretch and return to their usual shape at a young age. Certain conditions like age and after childbirth may cause a loose vagina. Despite the myths, sex does not have a lasting impact vaginal structure.
The pelvic floor muscles are specialized tissues which surround the vagina. These muscles may lose their elasticity over time, causing a loose vagina.
Weak pelvic muscles can cause urinary incontinence (urine leaks from the body with the slightest pressure, or even on sneezing). Pelvic floor exercises tighten and tone up the muscles of the vagina.
Conditions that cause structural changes in the vagina
1. During sexual activities, the muscles of the vagina can relax and it can cause a widening of the area and secretion of lubricant. This change in the vagina enables penetrative sex.
These muscles relax slowly and steadily. That is the reason foreplay can be very important. After sex, the vagina regains its usual shape and tension.
Does penetrative sex cause a loose vagina?
There is no evidence that sexual activities cause a loosening of the vagina over time. The vagina is often relaxed during, and after sex. This is similar to yawning or eating, a wide-open mouth gets closed after yawning or eating. The hymen is a thin membrane lining around the vagina. Having penetrative sex for the first time can move the hymen and vagina it slightly more open.
The vagina is a muscle, and it changes over time, so, as it was assumed earlier is a sign of cheating. A loose vagina isn’t a sign of cheating. No two female bodies are the same, and sex with a new partner will be a very different experience. Bodies also change due to age, weight loss or gain, and illness.
Trying a different sexual position can improve sexual satisfaction for both partners.
2. Childbirth can affect the integrity of the vagina.
The female body invites many changes during pregnancy and delivery. These include:
Swelling in the legs or feet, weight gain or loss, breast size and shape change stretch marks on the skin
Stretching of vaginal muscle happens during vaginal delivery. After childbirth, the vaginal muscles do change and, it may take time to adjust to this feeling.
After childbirth, a woman may feel less satisfaction during sex, but it usually returns in due course of time. Damage to vaginal muscle during childbirth can also cause changes to the vulva and vagina. This damage will alter the feeling of the vagina. Changes to the body are noticeable for women who become pregnant after the age of 30-35. Younger women, however, may regain the body tone of pre-pregnancy more quickly.
3. Process of ageing
The body changes as it ages internally and externally. Skin and muscle gradually become loose or less firm. Vagina’s pelvic floor muscles lose their firmness and become loose. During menopause, levels of the hormone estrogen drop considerably. Due to this, the vaginal lining becomes dry and less elastic. The vagina shrinks in size after menopause. Also, there may be discomfort, possibly during sexual intercourse due to dryness. Regular sex during menopause can keep the tissue in the vagina thick.
During perimenopause and menopause too, due to hormonal changes, the lining of the vaginal wall changes and dryness sets in.
While there are various ways to address vaginal laxity, it is important to consult a medical professional to determine the underlying cause and to recommend the appropriate treatment. Here are some general tips that can help maintain a healthy vagina:
Practice good hygiene: Maintaining good hygiene is essential for vaginal health. Clean the external genital area with mild soap and water and avoid using harsh chemicals or perfumed products that can disrupt the natural pH balance of the vagina.
Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help keep the vaginal tissues hydrated and maintain their elasticity.
Exercise pelvic muscles: Pelvic floor exercises, also known as Kegels, can help strengthen the pelvic muscles and improve vaginal tone. These exercises contract and relax the muscles that control the flow of urine. Regular practice can also help prevent urinary incontinence and improve sexual function.
Use lubricants: Using a water-based lubricant during sexual activity can help reduce friction and discomfort, especially for women experiencing vaginal dryness.
Quit smoking: Smoking can damage the blood vessels and tissues in the vaginal area, leading to decreased blood flow and tissue damage. Quitting smoking can improve overall vaginal health and reduce the risk of vaginal infections.
Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight can put pressure on the pelvic muscles and lead to vaginal laxity. Maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise and a balanced diet can help prevent vaginal looseness.
In conclusion, vaginal laxity is a common concern among women, but it is essential to consult a medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. Maintaining good hygiene, staying hydrated, exercising the pelvic muscles, using lubricants, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight are some general tips that can make a healthy vagina.
Add comment