The Truth Behind Vaginal Tightening

by IntiMD Support April 20, 2022

Myths About The Vagina

For many years myths have been endured about the female genitalia and today women still find it difficult to talk about their bodies. Advocates, doctors, researchers, and people of all representations are working hard to spread the truth, offer education, and empower women through self understanding and vulva/vagina literacy.

The vulva is the external genitalia and the vagina is the muscular canal that extends from the vulva to the uterus.

One of the most common concerns is about vaginal tightening and loosening. Harmful stigmas around vaginas needing to be ‘tight’ to be pleasurable for male partners have played a role in confusion around what is normal.

The Truth About 'Tight' and 'Loose' Vaginas

The truth is that just like all of our body parts, vulvas and vagina’s come in many different shapes and sizes. A ‘tight’ vagina isn’t always good and there is no such thing as a ‘loose’ vagina. Sensations of tension or increased room can be the result of pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, surgery or trauma scars, or normal elasticity changes. The important, unique, and fascinating aspect of the vagina is that it can change its shape and these changes are not permanent.

Elasticity of Vaginas

The vaginal wall is elastic and can expand to allow for penetration and birth. Vaginas do not get permanently stretched out by more intercourse, but elasticity, pelvic floor coordination, relaxation, and lubrication can be improved to increase comfort and pleasure.

Age

Age and childbirth can affect elasticity. As women age and estrogen declines there can be a loss of elasticity or flexibility in the vaginal wall along with thinning and drying. This is a normal process and there are moisturizers, lubricants, dilators (like the VWELL Dialtors), exercises and medical intervention that can support the vagina during this time.

Childbirth

Childbirth can also weaken the pelvic floor, impact the vaginal wall, and cause trauma or scar tissue, which may create a sensation of tightness or loosening in the vagina. After just several days the vagina will begin to return to its normal shape, but pelvic floor therapy may be needed to assist with regaining pelvic floor strength, flexibility, and coordination.

The Pelvic Floor

The pelvic floor muscles that support the pelvic organs as well as bowel, bladder, and sexual habits can become tense, tight, or weak. This can occur over time, due to lifestyle habits such as heavy lifting or coughing, with pregnancy or childbirth, or after surgery or trauma.

Increased tension or the inability to relax the pelvic floor may cause pain and the sensation of tightness. Weakened or torn pelvic floor muscles can also result in pain, lack of bowel or bladder control, or possibly the sensation of the vagina being looser.

Pelvic floor dysfunction can be improved through therapy, medical treatment, and modalities such as dilators, e-stim, and massagers.

If you are experiencing pain or discomfort around your vagina, vulva, anus, or pelvic region, have difficulty using the bathroom or having sex, and/or experience pressure or feelings of something ‘falling out’ schedule a visit with your doctor or pelvic specialist.

Post written by Dr. Cassandra Sharp PT, DPT

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