Have you ever looked ‘down there’ and wondered if your vaginal age is in line with your actual age? Does it look the same as other women your age? Many women spend thousands of dollars over the years to preserve their youthful appearance, but mostly on what is noticeably obvious to others. Usually not their vaginas. Your vagina may rarely be seen by others, or maybe quite a lot – but most likely somewhere in between.
As a woman ages, her body goes through many changes. This includes her vagina. Vaginas are a soft tissue canal, and the vaginal opening is part of the vulva, which also includes the clitoris, labia and pubic mound. The internal vaginal canal connects the vulva to the cervix and uterus. Throughout a woman’s lifetime, the vagina looks and feels different. Since vaginal health is important for your overall health, every woman should be aware of what is normal for each age.
As OB/GYNs and experts in female vaginal health, here is what you can expect your vagina to be like at every age and stage of your life.
Your Vagina From Late Teens Through Your 20s
A woman’s vagina is at its peak in the late teens to 20s with a surge of the sex hormones estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Estrogen keeps a woman’s vagina lubricated, elastic and acidic which helps it remain in optimal vaginal health.
The vagina is surrounded by two sets of skin folds known as the inner labia and outer labia. The outer labia contain a layer of fatty tissue. In late teens and into a woman’s 20s, the outer layer thins and may appear smaller.
Another noticeable truth for many women is that her sex drive is usually at its strongest during her 20s. If sexually active, especially if sex is frequent, she may experience urinary tract infections (UTI) as bacteria travel from the vagina to the urethra. To help minimize the risk of developing a UTI, it’s recommended to urinate as soon as possible after sex to help force bacteria out of the vagina.
A common saying among OB/GYNs is that the female vagina is self-cleaning. As it cleans itself, it produces a white or clear discharge. Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle affect the amount of discharge the vagina produces. Unless you’re having symptoms such as pain during sex, itching, a foul-smelling discharge or burning, your vagina needs little maintenance in your 20s, other than a daily washing of your vulva with very mild soap and water.
Your Vagina in Your 30s
During your 30s, your inner labia may darken due to hormone changes. If you become pregnant, vaginal discharge may increase and appear milky. It may have a mild odor, but should not be green, yellow or smell bad or fishy.
After giving birth, your vagina may lose some of its elasticity and stretch more than usual. Over time, many vaginas will return to almost prebirth size. For some, the vagina may stay more stretched than it was before giving birth. Kegel exercises can help by strengthening pelvic floor muscles and restoring vaginal tone.
Oral contraceptives may cause vaginal changes such as increased vaginal discharge, vaginal dryness and breakthrough bleeding. These symptoms often resolve on their own. If they persist, consult your gynecologist. You may need to try a few different oral contraceptives until you find one that works for you.
Your Vagina in Your 40s
During your 40s, you may begin perimenopause, which is the time before you stop menstruating. Perimenopause causes your vagina to go through significant changes. As estrogen levels in your body decrease, your vaginal walls become thinner and drier. This is known as vaginal atrophy and may cause:
- Vaginal irritation
- Vaginal burning
- Painful sex
- Vaginal itching
- Vaginal discharge
- Burning during urination
- Vaginal shortening of the canal.
Having regular sex helps slow the progression of vaginal atrophy by keeping it elastic and increasing blood flow to the vagina. Over-the-counter vaginal moisturizers or applying a vaginal estrogen cream may also help combat vaginal dryness. See your gynecologist for advice on improving vaginal atrophy.
Another change during your 40s is that you may notice your pubic hair may thin or turn gray or white.
LEARN ABOUT VAGINAL REJUVENATIONYour Vagina in Your 50s and Beyond
By age 50, most women have stopped menstruating and her estrogen levels are quite low or depleted. Her vulva may appear smaller. Vaginal atrophy is a widespread problem for many women in their 50s.
Low estrogen may change the acidity in your vagina. This may increase your risk of infection due to bacteria overgrowth. Low estrogen doesn’t only impact your vagina, it can affect your urinary tract. Atrophy may occur in your urethra and lead to urine leakage, overactive bladder and urinary frequency. See your gynecologist if you are experiencing any of these problems.
Hormone replacement therapy helps reduce the symptoms of vaginal and urinary atrophy. There are several options available to help reduce menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, anxiety, etc. Discuss hormone replacement therapy with your gynecologist if you are experiencing any of these menopausal symptoms.
Vaginal Prolapse
Menopausal women are at risk of vaginal prolapse, especially if they have given birth vaginally or had prolonged labor. Vaginal prolapse occurs when all or part of the vaginal canal falls into the vaginal opening. Vaginal prolapse often involves other organs such as the bladder, rectum and uterus.
Vaginal prolapse symptoms may include vaginal discomfort, a heavy sensation in the pelvis and pain in the lower back. Vaginal prolapse treatments are pelvic floor exercises, insertion of a supportive device to hold the prolapsed area in place, or if prolapse is more bothersome or severe, surgery may be the best option.
So, What is Your Vagina’s Age?
Most likely your vagina is right on track with your own age. If you’re in your 20s, 30s, 40s, or 50s and beyond, you can typically expect your vagina to be similar to others your age. However, there are many exceptions, and if you notice something unusual or abnormal with your vagina, seek an evaluation by your OB/GYN. Keeping your vagina in peak health improves your overall health.
The vagina is an incredible and important part of a woman. It not only provides sexual pleasure, but it is the provider of life. Even so, as you age, your vagina will as well. Having an aging vagina is a completely normal part of life. Some women come to love their vaginas more than ever as they age. Women often say they feel more freedom during sex as they get older and become wiser.
How to Keep Your Vagina Healthy
Just as you take care of your own emotional and physical health, make sure you also pay attention to your vaginal health.
For optimal vaginal health, make sure you:
- Get regular gynecological checkups, including a cervical screening and pelvic exams
- Practice safe and responsible sex
- Perform Kegel exercises
- Do not put any harmful cleansing products in your vagina, such as douches or scented deodorants.
No matter your age, consult your gynecologist if you have:
- Painful sex
- Vaginal burning or pain
- Any unusual vaginal discharge – yellow, green, or white, like cottage cheese
- Vaginal discharge with a foul odor
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Vaginal itching that persists
- Any other vaginal health concerns or questions.
Our OB/GYNs are here to help you through every stage of life. Call us at 770.720.7733 to schedule and appointment or simply schedule an appointment online.
