It turns out, vaginal sizes vary and can change, how come?

The vagina is a woman's reproductive organ which functions as an outlet for blood during menstruation and a birth canal for the baby during childbirth. Just like other body organs, the vagina also has variations in shape, size and depth. Apart from that, the size of the vagina can also change over time.

Get to know the size and appearance of the vagina

A study published in the International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology said that the average depth of the vagina is about 3.77 inches, equivalent to 9.6 centimeters (cm), but the appearance of the vagina can vary greatly.

In fact, the depth of the vagina (from the opening to the tip of the cervix) can reach 7 inches or 17.7 cm.

The vagina is a tube that connects the uterus, cervix, and the outermost part of the sex organs, such as the vulva. In the vagina there is mucosal tissue consisting of special cells that secrete lubricating fluid. This helps the vaginal walls to stretch.

The outermost part of the female genitalia that can be seen by the naked eye is the vulva. These parts of the vulva include the mons pubis (genital hump), labia majora (outer lips), labia minora (inner lips), urethral opening (urethra), clitoris, and vagina. These organs work together to support the process of urination and sexual reproduction.

The size and appearance of the vulva can vary from woman to woman. The vulva may be the same color or darker than the rest of the body.

Likewise with the labia majora, the color, size and shape of the labia majora will be different for each woman depending on the fat tissue content. The length of the labia majora can be around 2.7-4.7 inches or 7-12 cm.

The size of the vagina can change

The depth and size of the vagina can change under certain conditions. The vagina can stretch to accommodate the insertion of a tampon or penis.

When you are excited, more blood will flow to the vagina. This causes the vagina to elongate and the cervix to lift slightly. This is what allows the penis or sex toy to enter the vagina.

The average penis size when erect is about 33 percent longer than the average vaginal depth. While the size of the vagina and penis can vary, these organs usually adapt to each other.

A study found that the average erect penis length was more than 5 inches or 13.12 cm. Some women may feel uncomfortable if their sexual partner has a larger than average penis.

This allows the penis or sex toy to go deeper and almost touch the cervix, which can be painful or uncomfortable.

Meanwhile, the size of the clitoris ranges from around 0.1-1.3 inches or 5-35 millimeters (mm). However, the size of the clitoris can get bigger or swell when a woman is aroused.

Vaginal changes over time

Research has not found a difference in vaginal depth in women who have given birth and those who have not. The appearance of the vagina will not change, because it is located on the inside. In fact, research has found no relationship between a woman's vaginal depth and her age.

However, the labia may appear smaller over time. This is because the amount of estrogen in the body decreases with age, which can reduce fat and collagen.

The vagina can also change color, becoming lighter or darker with hormonal changes over time.

Some women may feel that something has changed in the vagina after giving birth. While the tissue in the vagina stretches to help the baby come out, this is not permanent.

The study found no difference in vaginal size between women who had given birth and those who had not.

If a woman who has given birth feels that her vagina is different, usually the doctor will recommend doing Kegel exercises. This exercise involves squeezing and releasing the muscles used to control urination to help strengthen the pelvic floor.