How the vagina changes over time and what to do if sex becomes less enjoyable
- The average vagina is about 9.6 centimeters (3.8 inches) deep but can stretch to twice that amount.
- Childbirth and menopause can change the depth of a vagina, which may change how sex feels.
- If your vagina feels loose, try Kegel exercises or other exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor.
The average vagina measures seven to ten centimeters (about two to four inches). However, the vaginal canal is impressively flexible and how deep a vagina is at any given time often depends on the person as well as circumstances like sexual arousal, pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause.
How deep is a vagina?
According to a small 2005 study, the average depth of a vagina is 9.6 centimeters (or 3.78 inches). However, it has the ability to stretch when sexually aroused to accommodate a penis.
The vagina can also stretch six inches or wider during childbirth to accommodate the baby's head and shoulders, says Maureen Whelihan, MD, FACOG, a gynecologist at the Elite GYN Care of the Palm Beaches and section chair of American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) District XII.
Does vaginal depth affect sexual pleasure?
Some people may think that having a deeper vagina is more pleasurable because there will be more nerve endings to heighten the sensation.
However, "the current evidence suggests that vaginal length is not associated with sexual satisfaction. Most women are aroused from the clitoris which is independent from vaginal length," says Oz Harmanli, MD, chief of Yale Medicine Urogynecology & Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery and professor at the Yale School of Medicine.
Additionally, a 2010 study involving more than 500 heterosexual women found that the length of the vagina did not seem to affect how sexually active they were.
How does the vagina change over time?
Age and lifestyle has a big impact on how the vagina changes over time. In particular, giving birth and going through menopause are perhaps the two primary events in a person's life that will significantly change their vagina.
Childbirth
Childbirth can affect vaginal depth because the pelvic floor muscles, which support the pelvic organs such as the uterus, bladder, and bowels, get stretched out to support the weight of the baby.
In fact, a 2009 study found that the pelvic floor muscles stretch more than three times their normal size during labor.
The vagina can remain lax after childbirth for up to a year, depending on the size of the baby or the number of babies that were born, says Whelihan.
"The main reason for [feeling loose] could be pelvic floor relaxation and tears as a result of pregnancies, and especially vaginal deliveries," says Harmanli.
Experts say Kegel exercises and pelvic floor exercises can help regain muscle strength in the pelvic floor, which increases sexual arousal and vaginal lubrication.
Menopause
During menopause, estrogen levels drop, which makes the vaginal canal shorter and narrower, says Harmanli.
Postmenopausal individuals may feel like there is less room inside the vagina for intercourse if they don't have penetrative sex for a long time, he adds. However, having regular vaginal sexual activity even after menopause helps maintain the vagina's length and width and reduces dryness.
What if a vagina feels loose during sex?
When it comes to penetrative sex, there is a pervasive myth that having more sex will make the vagina feel "loose" and lead to less pleasurable sex. However, this is not true and is most likely used to shame people for their sexual activity.
A vagina that is perceived as loose might point to a lack of arousal or be reflective of their partner's small penis or inability to maintain a firm erection, says Whelihan.
Therefore, if the quality of your sexual experience has diminished, it's important to communicate with your partner(s) about each other's wants, needs, and openness to try new things.
Insider's takeaway
The vaginal canal is usually about seven to ten centimeters deep. But it can stretch and become deeper during sex or childbirth.
The vagina may also get shorter during menopause, but having regular sexual activity helps maintain its length.
Finally, there's no evidence that having a lot of sex will make the vagina loose. But a vagina may feel loose after childbirth in which case pelvic floor exercises may help restore vaginal lubrication and improve sexual satisfaction.