Vagina anatomy varies in size, shape, color, and moisture.
For instance, your vagina can be an oval or a more round shape.
It also changes in size during childbirth.
Illustration by Tara Anand for Verywell Health
Together, themucosal tissueand layer of connective tissue produce mucus for a jot down of vaginal discharge called lubrication.
It may change over time.It also can change color during sexual arousal.
Some color changes can suggest infection or a skin condition, like pink to red with ayeast infection.
The vagina continues to stretch as you become aroused, while the cervix begins to retract.
The cervix also changes during the menstrual cycle.
During Childbirth
During childbirth, the vagina provides the passageway through which a baby is born.
When labor begins, you will typically experience vaginal discharge and uterine contractions.
The rupture of membranes, also known as your water breaking, often occurs.
The cervix dilates, opening to allow the fetal head to move into the vagina.
This typically occurs whendilationis more than 4 inches (10 centimeters).
You may experience vaginal dryness if you’re breastfeeding.
Conditions That Affect the Vagina
Some vaginal changes occur with age.
The vagina also can be at risk for infection and muscular or nerve conditions.
This condition can be infectious or non-infectious.
One-third of people with vaginas have at least one form of vaginitis at some time during their lives.
These muscle contractions make the vagina very narrow and can make medical exams and sexual activity painful or impossible.
The vaginal walls become less elastic and more fragile.
Vaginal Prolapse
Vaginal prolapseoccurs when the top of the vagina sags and falls into the vaginal canal.
In severe cases, the vaginal tissue can protrude outside of the body.
About one-third of women will experience some degree of prolapse during their lifetime.
Only 1% to 2% of cancers in the female genital tract are from vaginal cancer.
It occurs mainly in older women; the average age at the time of diagnosis is 67 years old.
When found early, vaginal cancer can often be cured.
Various vaginoplasty procedures are used for different purposes.
Avoid douches, since the vagina naturally cleans itself.
Self-exams are helpful alongside regular pelvic examinations and cervical screenings.
Summary
The vagina is a muscular tube that can adjust in size and function.
It plays a role in sex, urination, menstruation, and childbirth.
The vagina changes with its function, as well as age and other conditions that can affect vaginal health.
Let them know about vaginal odor, unusual discharge, and other symptoms that could suggest infection or illness.
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