The vagina is one of the body’s most flexible organs. This means that it can stretch to accommodate things that come in during an examination and when having intercourse, as well as things that come out during the birth of a baby. Because the vagina is elastic, it can return to its original shape.
Vaginal laxity is a condition where the vaginal walls become loose and lose their elasticity. This can happen due to a variety of factors, including childbirth, aging, hormonal changes, and medical conditions. During childbirth, the vaginal muscles stretch to accommodate the baby’s head, which can cause damage to the vaginal tissue and lead to laxity over time.
Vaginal elasticity changes begin around the age of 40. This is because the level of the hormone oestrogen begins to decline as a woman enters the perimenopause stage. Because of the lack of oestrogen, your vaginal tissue will be thinner, drier, less acidic, and less stretchy. When you reach menopause, these changes may become more pronounced.
The vagina may become a little loose due to factors mentioned above, but overall, the muscles in the vagina are able to expand and contract again. Women who have had more than one vaginal birth are more likely to experience vaginal muscle weakness. However, regardless of whether you’ve had children or not, ageing can cause your vagina to stretch to a certain extent.
Symptoms of vaginal laxity may include a sensation of looseness or sagging in the vagina, decreased sexual sensation or satisfaction, and urinary incontinence or difficulty controlling the urine. Women with this condition may also experience vaginal dryness or irritation, which can lead to discomfort during intercourse. In some cases, vaginal laxity may also contribute to a prolapse of the bladder or other pelvic organs.