contraceptives—into the body (3).
How the vagina changes with age
The vagina can change a lot throughout a person’s life (1,5). 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 is strongly influenced by hormonal changes throughout the body. 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 also influenced by changing hormone levels during pregnancy. Increased blood flow is directed to the pelvis, causing a deeper color change to the vulva and vagina (5). Throughout a pregnancy, the connective tissue of the vaginal walls progressively relaxes, in preparation for the delivery of a baby (5). After delivery, the vagina and vaginal opening temporarily widen, but 6-12 weeks post-delivery, the vagina returns to its pre-pregnancy size (5).
As people age, the walls of the vagina become more relaxed, and the diameter of the vagina becomes wider (1). When it comes to sexual satisfaction, vaginal size does not affect sexual function (6). 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.
After 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). This may result in discomfort during sex and increase the chances of vaginal irritation or infection (5).
How the vagina changes during the menstrual cycle
The vagina also changes in response to hormonal fluctuations of the menstrual cycle. Around mid-cycle, when estrogen is highest, vaginal tissue becomes thicker and fuller (5).
The cervix, at the top of the vagina, moves and changes shape throughout the cycle. Before and after the fertile window, the cervix is low and can be felt in the vagina, with a firm texture, and the hole in the center of the cervix is closed. During the fertile window, the hole in the cervix opens to facilitate the entrance of sperm into the uterus (7), the cervix rises higher in the vagina, and is softer when touched (8).