Changes in the vagina can be a concern among new mothers. But before you worry too much, let's find out whether the vagina can stretch out permanently and whether it is realistic to narrow it.
During childbirth, the vagina needs to expand up to 9 cm in diameter. At the same time, the pelvic floor muscles - those that hold the vagina and uterus together - stretch to three times [1] their size! So it’s no wonder the tissues take up to six months to recover [2].
In some cases, if the pelvic floor muscles become damaged or stretched beyond a certain point, their ability to hold the vagina and other pelvic organs may diminish. Some symptoms include [3]:
- a sensation of a widened vagina;
- flatulence sounds from the vagina during sex;
- external changes in the vagina, such as a shift in the opening and visibility of the back wall (it looks like a soft bulge).
All of the above are signs of pelvic organ prolapse. Other symptoms can also include urinary and gas incontinence, sensation of a foreign body in the vagina, and pain during intercourse.
In the initial stages of prolapse, a woman may not notice there is a problem, except for embarrassing sounds during intercourse or loss of sensation [4]. In any case, you should talk to your doctor even if your only symptom is discomfort during sex. Your gynecologist will determine whether or not there is prolapse. If so, in the early stages, the doctor may suggest pelvic floor muscle training or using a pessary. In cases of severe prolapse, surgery may be recommended [5].
