From bleeding monthly to birthing babies, there’s no denying that the vagina is a mysterious and wondrous thing.
A self-cleaning organ with the ability to shape-shift, the vagina is incredibly elastic and can stretch to accommodate small children, tampons, penises, and even sex toys when aroused.
That said, have you ever wondered about your vagina size and vaginal depth? Or what affects vaginal size? If so, keep reading — in this post, we’re exploring your most beautiful organ to uncover the size and depth of the vagina.
We’ll also tell you some other incredible things about the vagina to show you just how awesome your lady bits truly are.
Class is in session!
Female Anatomy 101: The Basics
Before we dive into the mystifying depths of the vagina, it’s first important to grasp a basic understanding of female anatomy.
So, let’s take it back to basics — what is the vagina?
If you’re rolling your eyes because you obviously know what’s under the hood, then you just may be surprised to discover that the proper term for what you likely call your vagina is actually your vulva.
Yep, it’s true — the vulva is the exterior part of your genitalia, whereas your vagina is the tube that connects your vulva and your cervix. In other words, your vagina is the connection between your uterus and the outside world.
How Long Is the Birth Canal?
Despite what many people may think, the vagina is not a never-ending space that disappears into nothingness. In fact, the birth canal is actually not that long.
According to a small study from 2005, the average depth of a vagina is about 9.6 centimeters. Other sources, however, suggest that the vaginal canal may range in length between three to seven inches — which is roughly the length of your hand.
That said, it’s important to keep in mind that everyone comes in different shapes and sizes, so the length of the birth canal may vary from person to person.
In addition, the vagina can change shape in certain situations, like during vaginal deliveries in childbirth, or during sexual arousal.
Does the Vagina Get Deeper During Sex?
When a woman gets sexually aroused, nerves inside the vaginal wall release two neurotransmitters: nitric oxide (NO) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). These itty-bitty molecules cause the arteries to widen, allowing more blood flow into the tissue.
This causes the vagina to elongate and the cervix — or the tip of the uterus — to lift up ever-so-slightly, ultimately creating a longer vaginal canal.
That said, if you feel a penis poking your cervix, it could be a sign that your body isn’t turned on enough to allow for full penetration. Consider setting the mood with a little foreplay or a personal lubricant, like Sex Stuff.
Super slippery and unbelievably gentle, this pH balancing lube is formulated with aloe to support the vaginal environment and is completely free of ingredients like glycerin and parabens that can disrupt and harm the vaginal microbiome.*
What’s not to love?
How Does the Vagina Change for Childbirth?
During delivery, tiny tots travel through the cervix and are delivered through the vagina. The vaginal opening stretches greatly to allow a baby to pass through it.
Some women may notice a slight difference in their lady bits following the birth of their little one, but more often than not, the vagina returns to its pre-baby shape about six months to a year after delivery.
If you want to care for your vagina and improve its muscle strength following the arrival of your small bundle, try doing Kegel exercises. Many women claim that these exercises can be very effective at strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, which may help the vagina feel tighter.
In addition to sex and childbirth, fluctuating hormones — especially estrogen — due to your monthly period or menopause can also affect your vaginal canal depth.
Can the Vagina Get Permanently Stretched Out?
This is a huge myth that many folks believe to be true.
To be clear, it’s not possible for anything to permanently stretch out your vagina. Like Elastigirl from the Incredibles, the vagina’s superpower is elasticity, giving it the ability to expand and snap right back— much like a rubber band.
If you feel your vagina is becoming loose or you aren’t enjoying your sex life due to vaginal looseness, you may want to consider reaching out to your gynecologist or a healthcare professional specializing in intimate health.
How Should I Care for My Vagina?
There are a number of things you can do to take care of your vagina, such as:
Tip #1: Say NO to Douching
When it comes to supporting the health of your nether regions, whatever you do; don’t douche.
Why? Because your vagina is a self-cleaning organ that is fully capable of keeping itself clean. It does this by balancing healthy bacteria and pH levels — no douching, soaps, lotions, or potions required.
To promote cleanliness and support your vagina, we recommend swapping your soaps out for our fragrance-free pH Balancing Cleanser. This clean formula is made with gentle ingredients and is completely free of sulfates, parabens, and fragrances — so it won’t irritate your sensitive skin.
It also matches acidic vaginal pH levels to support a healthy and happy vaginal flora.*
Tip #2: Rock Cotton Undies
When it boils down to your underwear selection, your nether regions have a preference: cotton.
Unlike satin or silk, cotton lets air in and absorbs moisture. In other words, it’s the ultimate undie material to keep your vagina happy, healthy, and dry.
Tip #3: Keep Yeast in Check
Dealing with pesky high yeast levels or a vaginal infection? Ditch the itch sooner rather than later with The Killer — boric acid suppositories designed to balance pH and maintain healthy yeast levels so you can feel fresh and smell your best whole supporting healthy vaginal flora.
Made with a single, fast-working ingredient (just boric acid), The Killer is free of essential oils, fragrance, and other irritating additives that may be harmful to the vaginal environment*.
For optimum vaginal health, we recommend pairing The Killer with Good Girl Probiotics to support the urinary tract while balancing vaginal pH and bacteria.*
Tip #4: No Glove, No Love
To protect yourself against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), always use condoms with new partners.
In addition to providing protection, condoms can also help keep your vagina’s pH level balanced during sex. And when the bad vaginal bacteria isn’t running amok, your risk of developing a pesky infection decreases — so why wouldn’t you use a condom?
A Final Word
The average depth of the vaginal canal is between three and seven inches, but it can stretch to about twice that amount to accommodate a baby. The vaginal may also get shorter during menopause, but doing Kegal exercises and partaking in regular sexual activity can help maintain its length.
To keep your most beautiful organ healthy, it’s important to refrain from douching and using soaps that contain irritating chemicals. Stick with our pH Balancing Cleanser to gently wash your delicate nether regions without disrupting vaginal flora.*
We also suggest swapping your satin undies for cotton undies to let your vagina breathe and practicing “no glove, no love” when it comes to new sexual partners. Lastly, if you suffer from recurrent yeast infections, opt for boric acid suppositories — like The Killer — to support healthy yeast levels.*
Whether you’re dealing with bloating, acne, or questionable smells down there, you can always count on us to have just what you need. From the best vaginal supplements, multi-vitamins, and female-friendly products on the market to the coolest community around — at Love Wellness, you’re never alone.
Check us out and experience natural solutions for natural problems.
Sources:
Anatomy of the Vulva - Health Encyclopedia | University of Rochester Medical Center
How deep is the average vagina, and does it elongate when something's in it? | Go Ask Alice!
Condom Fact Sheet In Brief | CDC
Kegel exercises: A how-to guide for women | Mayo Clinic
UNDERWEAR: THE FABRIC OF OUR LIVES | Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest, Inc.