As we age, not only does the face begin to wrinkle or the hair turns gray, but so does the vagina. The closer you get to the age of menopause, the vagina function will not be the same as when you were young.
It is possible that women no longer feel the satisfaction of sex as they used to. These changes are natural, but can they be kept healthy? Check out the explanation in this article.
Vagina at the age of 20
In your 20s, levels of the estrogen and progesterone hormones are at their highest. These sex hormones ensure that the vagina is naturally lubricated and acidic so that sexual arousal will be increased. This age is the optimal time for someone to get pregnant. The pelvic floor muscles are also still strong. Additionally, continue to protect yourself against sexually transmitted diseases.
The appearance of the labia at this time will be thinner and smaller than in older women. Miss V's hair does not thin, and we should keep it in normal condition by avoiding perfumed feminine soaps. Also, don't shave excessively. Miss V doesn't need it because she can care for it in her way.
At the age of 20, the vagina can still lubricate well.
Miss V, at the age of 30
Almost the same as in the 20s, in the 30s, the estrogen and progesterone hormones are still produced strongly, so many women get pregnant in this age range, and their libido is still high. However, fluctuations in estrogen during pregnancy and breastfeeding can cause vaginal dryness. In addition, different hormonal birth control methods can cause the same thing.
The color of the vulva is likely to darken, and the thickness of the pubic hair will be the same as at age 20, although the elasticity has decreased. When you have had sex several times, become pregnant, and have given birth. Unfortunately, the pelvic floor muscles will also weaken, along with the vagina will also loosen. Therefore, now is the right time to do Kegel exercises.
Start with Kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles.
Vagina at the age of 40
Most women enter perimenopause in their mid-40s. This condition indicates that the production of the estrogen hormone will slowly decrease, causing menstrual cycles to begin to become irregular and vaginal dryness. Yet some women still conceive and give birth at this age.
Pubic hair is usually thinner, the vulva becomes drier, and the labia appear to sag. Again, the pelvic floor muscles will weaken during vaginal delivery. Therefore, Kegel exercises are still recommended to maintain the health of pelvic floor muscles such as pilates and barre.
When you enter the perimenopausal phase, the vagina's ability to lubricate is lessened, causing dryness in the vagina, as well as decreased sexual desire. Therefore, in addition to the advice to use lubricants during intercourse, it is also recommended for foreplay and trying out new positions in intercourse.
Perform foreplay with clitoral stimulation.
Miss V, at the age of 50
The 50s is a time when women enter menopause with decreasing levels of the hormone estrogen. Still, you should not get discouraged, as several attempts can be made to maintain sexual satisfaction. During this period, the pubic hair is thinner, the vulva is paler, and the skin is thinner.
Estrogen levels are constantly decreasing, which reduces the natural lubrication of the vagina, causing pain to be felt more often or even leading to bleeding during intercourse. Rely on using lubricants and foreplay slowly for smooth intercourse. Stay healthy as this age is also prone to urinary tract infections.
Foreplay slowly to stimulate sexual arousal.
Those are the changes that occur in the vagina with age. The vagina will be at its healthiest and best in your 20s and less moist in your 40s and 50s. If you feel any unusual symptoms, don't hesitate to see a doctor at Fitie, ladies.
References:
Healthline. (2019). How to Keep Your Vagina Healthy in Your 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s. [Online] https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/vagina-changes-20s-30s-40s-50s#20s
Health. (2023). How Your Vagina Changes As You Get Older. [Online] https://www.health.com/condition/sexual-health/vagina-healthy-aging