Like the rest of your body, your vagina changes as you age. It is a part of the natural process, like your hair turning grey or your eyesight weakening. We have put together 5 ways your vagina changes as you age.
- Pubic hair changes as you age:
The body begins to change when people age. As increasing age, the person becomes weak internally and also physically. The early ’20s to early 30s are some of the best and healthy years of your reproductive organ. However, after some time, you may start noticing some changes down there or anywhere. When you grow old, your body starts having wrinkles, and your hair starts changing colors. Your hair becomes dull, white, and weak, but the thing is your appearance not only changes from your head. But also the hair in your vaginal area becomes thin, grey, and old. It can be excellent for some people who do not like body hair and shave regularly.
As stated by Care for Womens Medical Group, estrogen plays a significant role in controlling the growth of pubic hair. During menopause, there is a decrease in the amount of estrogen available in the system, leading to a slowdown in hair growth. This could result in women noticing less pubic hair or thinner pubic hair as they age. Additionally, as you grow older, the pigment cells inside each hair follicle gradually die, and the production of melanin, which gives hair its color, reduces. Consequently, pubic hair may turn gray or white as melanin production slows down.
But many people are not that lucky, because hair growth becomes normal for them more. They start growing hair in unusual and unwanted places. However, there are many treatments available for removing unwanted hair through laser and creams.
- Your vagina becomes dull and wrinkled:
When you age and hit your 50s, the skin of your whole body begins to feel and appear dull and wrinkled. The change specifically also depends on how the person takes care of her health and skin. Since your skin begins to change, your vaginal area also changes.
When you grow old, your entire body is growing old with you physically, internally, and mentally. You go through different bodily changes, from puberty and first periods to pregnancy and your last periods.
After the pregnancy, the body changes drastically, your hormone level misbalance causing you many infections. The change in the vagina becomes inevitable. It becomes thin, and the color (which is pinkish in younger ages) changes to dark and purple-ish color. It would not remain firm like it used to be. However, ladies, you can start taking care of your vagina by eating good food and doing lots of Kegels to keep your vagina muscular and firm.
- Dryness becomes a regular thing:
If you ask the biggest problem of growing old, besides wrinkled and loose skin, blurry vision,
Constant pain in the whole body, I would say that it is vaginal dryness. YES! It can be a huge problem if your sexual life is still very active, but your reproductive part is not.
When most of the women go through menopause, their hormones level disrupts. The amount of estrogen level (which is essential for the sexual development of women) decreases, which causes dryness and tightening of the vagina.
According to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the vulva, vagina, and cervix undergo changes due to the natural aging process. Particularly, after and around the time of menopause, the body produces less estrogen. Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining the vagina’s lubrication, elasticity, and thickness. When estrogen levels are low, it can lead to thinning, drying, and inflammation of the vaginal walls, a condition known as vaginal atrophy.
The dryness and tightening of the vagina can be trouble for a lot of women as it results in painful and less pleasurable sex and urinary infections too sometimes. However, this will not be the biggest problem if you managed to keep your vagina firm and strong because now many ways can solve the issue. Many synthetic lubricants are now available that you can use during intercourse to avoid any pain.
- The effects pregnancy left on your vagina:
Many events might turn your life and affects you, but physically the most important events for a female’s body are her pregnancy and menopause. Females who are going to be mothers for the first time should know everything about pregnancy. From big round abdomen to large chest size, pregnancy also affects your vaginal area, and even after you pop your child out, it still would be affecting your vagina in some way.
During pregnancy, many people observe issues like discharge. It is one of the noticeable things where the fluid comes out of the vagina due to the increased level of hormones (Progesterone and Estrogen). Another noticeable thing is you get many vaginal infections (such as yeast, Trichomoniasis, and BV). With the baby inside, it is normal for your vagina to swell and dilate. However, people should keep in touch with their gynecologist if they have issues because pregnancy can be risky and scary.
- Pelvic muscles weaken along with your vagina:
Pelvic muscles are essential, especially for females who carry a child inside her womb. Many women who become pregnant in their 20s are lucky because the 20s are the best age when your body is the healthiest and has good pain endurance. However, as you age, your pelvic muscles weaken, and you might also experience prolapse.
Prolapse is when your bladder, uterus, and rectum collapse on the vagina.
According to the leva Pelvic Health System, the aging process itself results in a general loss of muscle mass and strength throughout the entire body. Additionally, menopause can further contribute to muscle weakening due to hormonal shifts. The decline in estrogen levels during menopause can lead to thinning, dryness, and reduced resilience in pelvic tissues, making the pelvic muscles more susceptible to becoming weak.
If the person is in the late 20s and 30s, they should start working out because health is wealth, and with pregnancy and menopause comes difficulties, which person can avoid by taking precautionary steps and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
You can avoid weakening your pelvic muscles by doing the Kegel exercise. Kegel is the best exercise as it strengthens your pelvic muscles, which increases the blood flow to your reproductive organs, keeping them sexually active and indirectly increasing your sexual desires.
In summary, we discussed the five ways your vagina change as you age. We knew people wanted to see the reason, and we provided you with some supported evidence. We hope you can learn more about your vaginal anatomy.
What Happens To Your Vagina And Vulva As You Age?
As women age, their bodies undergo numerous changes, including those that occur in the vagina and vulva. The vagina and vulva are essential parts of the female reproductive system, and their functions and appearance can vary over time. Understanding the changes that occur in these areas as women age is crucial for their overall health and well-being. In this paper, we will explore the various transformations that happen to the vagina and vulva as women age and discuss the potential impact on their physical and emotional health.
Before delving into the changes that occur in the vagina and vulva as women age, it is essential to understand the anatomy and functions of these body parts. The vulva refers to the external genitalia of the female reproductive system, including the labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, and vaginal opening. The vagina, on the other hand, is a muscular tube that connects the cervix (lower part of the uterus) to the vulva. The vagina serves as a passageway for menstrual blood, sperm, and babies during childbirth.
One of the most noticeable changes that occur in the vagina and vulva as women age is the decrease in estrogen levels. Estrogen is a hormone responsible for maintaining the health of the reproductive organs in women. As women enter menopause, which typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, their bodies produce less estrogen, leading to several changes in the vagina and vulva.
One of the most common effects of low estrogen levels is vaginal dryness. Estrogen helps to keep the vagina lubricated, and as its levels decrease, the vagina may become drier. This can make sexual intercourse uncomfortable or even painful. Vaginal dryness can also lead to itching, irritation, and an increased risk of vaginal infections. To alleviate these symptoms, women may use over-the-counter lubricants or seek medical treatment from a healthcare provider.
Another consequence of reduced estrogen levels is thinning and weakening of the vaginal walls. This condition is known as vaginal atrophy and can result in decreased elasticity and tone of the vagina. As a result, women may experience a decrease in sexual satisfaction and a higher risk of urinary incontinence. Vaginal atrophy can be treated with estrogen therapy, vaginal moisturizers, and regular sexual activity.
As women age, the vulva may also undergo changes, such as a decrease in the production of natural oils and collagen. This can lead to thinning and sagging of the skin around the vulva, making it appear less plump and full. Additionally, the labia majora may lose elasticity, resulting in a visibly smaller and flatter appearance. These changes are a normal part of the aging process and do not typically cause any health concerns. However, some women may feel self-conscious about these changes and may seek cosmetic procedures to improve the appearance of their vulva.
Apart from physical changes, women may also experience emotional and psychological effects as they age. The changes that occur in the vagina and vulva can affect a woman’s body image and self-esteem. Some women may feel less attractive or feminine due to the changes in their genitalia. This can lead to a decrease in sexual desire and satisfaction, causing strain in intimate relationships. It is essential for women to communicate openly with their partners and healthcare providers about any concerns they may have regarding their genitalia.
In addition to the natural aging process, other factors can also impact the health and appearance of the vagina and vulva. These include pregnancy and childbirth, hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, and certain medical conditions like diabetes and autoimmune disorders. It is crucial for women to maintain good hygiene practices, such as regular cleansing and wearing breathable underwear, to prevent infections and maintain the health of their genitalia.
In conclusion, the vagina and vulva undergo various changes as women age, primarily due to the decrease in estrogen levels. These changes can result in physical discomfort, emotional distress, and impact a woman’s sexual health and well-being. It is essential for women to be aware of these changes and seek medical advice if they experience any concerning symptoms. Maintaining good hygiene and having open communication with healthcare providers and partners can help women maintain a healthy and positive relationship with their genitalia as they age.