In case you don't have one, vaginas are amazing, multi-functional organs that are extremely resilient. As women progress through different stages of life, the vagina naturally adapts to changes in age, hormones, and overall health. Prioritizing vaginal health is essential to every woman’s wellness journey—but why is it so important?
Vaginal health plays a key role in many aspects of a woman’s well-being, from menstruation and sexual fulfillment to pregnancy and menopause. Understanding how to care for your vaginal health through every phase of life is the first step toward a more comfortable, empowered, and healthy you.
Puberty and Its Impact on Vaginal Health
As girls enter puberty, rising estrogen levels trigger significant changes in the vagina. The vaginal microbiome begins to shift, and the vagina itself grows in both length and width. A protective layer of mucus develops on the walls, helping to support the balance of healthy yeast and bacteria that are vital to vaginal health.
During this crucial time, it’s important for young women to learn about their bodies and understand how to care for their vaginal health. Unfortunately, sexual education can often be uncomfortable, inadequate and awkward, leading to feelings of embarrassment or shame. This is why topics like vaginal health are sometimes avoided—especially with teens.
By normalizing these conversations early, we can encourage young girls to understand the strength of their bodies and the importance of all areas of their health (including vaginal).
Reproductive Years: Vaginal Health and Hormonal Changes
During a woman's reproductive years, the vagina adapts to prepare for hormonal cycles and or potential sexual activity, pregnancy, and childbirth—which is a lot of changes to process.
Hormonal fluctuations during each stage impact discharge, menstruation, and lubrication, offering important insights into a woman’s internal health. While every woman’s experience is unique, prioritizing your health is always a safe bet (despite the fact that not many people talk openly about vaginas, reproduction, menstruation, etc.).
During Pregnancy & After Childbirth: Adapting to New Demands
When pregnancy occurs, the body undergoes remarkable changes to both protect the developing baby and prepare for childbirth. These adaptations include:
- Increased blood flow to the reproductive organs to support growth and nourishment
- Higher vaginal mucus production to form a protective barrier against infection
- A more acidic vaginal pH, providing extra defense against harmful bacteria
- Heightened sensitivity in the vaginal area, due to increased blood supply
As labor approaches, the body continues to prepare:
- The vaginal walls become more elastic to accommodate stretching during delivery
- The perineum (the area between the vagina and anus) expands, allowing more room for childbirth
- Vaginal discharge increases, and swelling in the vaginal area may occur
Post-pregnancy, the vagina generally returns to its pre-pregnancy state, though some women may notice some change. Pelvic floor exercises like Kegels can help strengthen the muscles responsible for bladder control and enhance sexual satisfaction.
Given the immense physical demands placed on the body during pregnancy and childbirth, self-care is vital. Women should prioritize managing stress, staying hydrated, eating a fiber-and probiotic-rich diet, and attending regular gynecological check-ups to maintain optimal vaginal health during and after pregnancy.
Perimenopause and Menopause: Navigating Changes
Perimenopause is the early stage of a woman’s transition into menopause, typically beginning in her 40s, though timing can vary. During this phase, hormonal fluctuations significantly impact the vagina and reproductive system. Periods become unpredictable in timing, duration, and flow. Hot flashes may occur, and the vagina often experiences an increase in dryness. For some women, libido may also decrease.
As menopause officially begins—defined by 12 months without a period—estrogen levels drop, causing the vaginal walls to thin and reducing natural lubrication. This can lead to dryness, discomfort, and itchiness, especially during sex. Thankfully, MENO Vaginal Moisture can help.
While these hormonal changes can feel distressing, it's important to remember that many women continue to enjoy fulfilling, comfortable sex during and after menopause.
Post-Menopause
In the post-menopausal stage, the vagina's tissues may continue to thin, losing elasticity and moisture. The reduced estrogen levels can sometimes increase the likelihood of discomfort and infection, making vaginal care even more important in later years.
From puberty to post-menopause, a woman’s vagina will adapt and evolve throughout her life (aren't women amazing?). Never forget, you’re in control of your body at every age—and the more you know about your vaginal health the more you’ll reap the benefits.
A note on sex and gender: Sex and gender exists on spectrums, and this article uses terms like “male” or “female” to refer to sex assigned at birth. Learn more.
