Rubber Vagina

Rubber Vagina

Medically Reviewed by Carol DerSarkissian, MD on June 28, 2020
© 2015 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
The vagina is an elastic, muscular canal with a soft, flexible lining that provides lubrication and sensation. The vagina connects the uterus to the outside world. The vulva and labia form the entrance, and the cervix of the uterus protrudes into the vagina, forming the interior end.
The vagina receives the penis during sexual intercourse and also serves as a conduit for menstrual flow from the uterus. During childbirth , the baby passes through the vagina (birth canal).
The hymen is a thin membrane of tissue that surrounds and narrows the vaginal opening. It may be torn or ruptured by sexual activity or by exercise.
CDC: "Trichomoniasis - CDC Fact Sheet" and "Bacterial Vaginosis - CDC Fact Sheet."
WebMD Medical Reference: "What's Normal, the First Time?"
WebMD Blog: "Can a Vagina Be Too Big?"
WebMD Medical Reference from eMedicineHealth: "Vaginal Prolapse."
© 2005 - 2022 WebMD LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Originally Published: Feb. 5, 2016
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Douches? Electric toothbrushes? No, thank you!
Rarely a day goes by that you’re not confronted by advertisements for vagina-related hygiene products swimming across your Instagram feed. Sold in packages covered in flowered designs and girly colors, they're presented as goods that can make your vagina cleaner than it was yesterday. On the outside, the messages seem innocent enough. Douches, for example, are labeled as simple feminine sanitary products, despite the fact that, like a lot of products and substances, they should never, ever come into contact with your vagina.
"The vagina can be sensitive and temperamental, often affected by everyday routines including diet, medications, stress, fragranced body and laundry soaps, douching, and sex," Dr. Sherry Ross M.D. , an OB-GYN, tells Bustle. "Some of the common offenders may surprise you." From scented lubricants to old sex toys, some items can carry risk for your vaginal health if you start to use them downstairs.
Always talk to your doctor or a qualified medical professional if you have any questions about your vaginal health. Here are 10 things that doctors would love for you to keep out of your vagina.
Experts say there is no circumstance that calls for you cleaning your parts with a douche. "Douching is an aggressive treatment and alters the normal vaginal microbial population — which is a complex ecosystem — killing both the good and bad microbes," Dr. Felice Gersh M.D., an OB-GYN , tells Bustle. Your reproductive system doesn't need to be "cleaned out." Douches leave your pH levels out of whack and mess up the vagina's balance of bacteria, leaving you at risk of a yeast infection. A 2018 study of 1,435 Canadian women published in BMC Women’s Health also found that people who reported using douches were three times more likely to get a yeast infection , seven times more likely to have bacterial vaginosis, and two and a half times more like to get a UTI than non-douching people.
There are other serious, and potentially longer-lasting, issues that can arise after douching. Using douches increases your likelihood of contracting pelvic inflammatory disease or endometrial infections, according to a study published in Sexually Transmitted Infections in 2020. There's also a potential connection between douching and ectopic pregnancies in people who are pregnant, according to a study published in Journal of Obsterics & Gynecology in 2018. The Office on Women’s Health also suggests that consistent douching might be linked to l owered fertility .
From grapefruits to cucumbers, there are all kinds of creative ways people have tried to incorporate fruits and vegetables in the bedroom, but many of them are harmful to your vaginal health. Many fruits and veggies still carry some kind of pesticide on them, according to the Environmental Working Group’s 2020 analysis of data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. But no matter how many times you've scrubbed that organic cucumber, it probably still carries some bacteria. Using produce for penetration could lead to pieces breaking off inside you, which would be uncomfortable and potentially dangerous . Further, it can also result in a bacterial imbalance, which can lead to bacterial vaginosis or a yeast infection.
Simply using a dildo that's made of rubber won't hurt your vagina right off the bat. But over time, rubber and plastic sex toys are susceptible to small cuts and other damages, which can eventually lead to microbes making themselves at home. They can easily move from the toy into your system, and give you an infection.
Low-quality plastic is no better. Toys containing phthalates, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), parabens or anything with a “ chemical/toxic/rubbery smell ” should not be considered body safe, sexologist Dr. Laura Deitsch previously told Bustle.
So how do you play safely? Invest in a phthalate-free toy that is made of silicone, good-quality plastic, or stainless steel. Additionally, make sure you're properly cleaning your sex toys after each use to avoid any bacteria build-up.
"Warming gels and scented lubricants, rubber products such as diaphragms and condoms, spermicides such as foams, creams, and jellies can all cause irritation," Dr. Ross says. A 2013 study of American women published in Obstetrics and Gynecology found that people who used scented commercial lubricants, petroleum jelly, or oils as lubes were more likely to get bacterial vaginosis . Always read the ingredients and do a spot test (check to see if the object or cream causes irritation when applied to an unobtrusive patch of skin) if you can.
Any body art, including and especially tattoos, can cause severe irritation in the vulvar region . And the glue and substances used in vajazzling pose a unique threat — adding glue to freshly waxed skin could create a serious infection risk, by trapping bacteria. The 2018 BMC Women’s Health study revealed that people who’d vajazzled were more likely in general to report some kind of issue down there than people who’d left their vulvas undecorated. Hospitals in the UK also reported a spike in genital injury admissions in 2015 due to vajazzling.
"Even everyday rituals can disrupt pH balance and irritate all areas of the vagina," Dr. Ross says. Shaving your pubic hair is one of them, as is dyeing it.
"It’s most important to use a clean razor when shaving the bikini area," Dr. Ross says. Old razor blades carry unwanted bacteria that can cause razor burns , bumps, and irritation to the sensitive skin around the vulva. You should also avoid all products containing alcohol or astringents , she says, in case they irritate the skin. Putting Vaseline on your vag after shaving, or a thin layer of coconut oil, is considered safe and soothing. The skin around your pubic hair is much more sensitive than you might think, so dyeing it in the first place may cause irritation.
Tea tree oil is a totally natural product. Therefore it is safe for all parts of the body, right? Nope. "It can do more harm than good," Dr. Ross says.
Tea tree oil is an antifungal to yeast, so some say it's good to use in the case of a yeast infection. But the vulva is a very sensitive area, and the risks of irritation when using this method are great. Tea tree oil has astringent effects on skin, so you could experience discomfort or burns. Talk to your OB-GYN about other alternatives to taking care of a yeast infection.
This includes condoms, sex toys, fingers, penises, toilet paper, etc. When fecal bacteria from your anus is pushed towards your vagina, it could easily lead to a urinary tract infection (UTI). No matter what it is, if it's been in your butt , thoroughly wash it before you put it in or around other intimate areas.
People have been known to use electric toothbrushes for their vibrating pleasure . But while they might do the trick on your clitoris (you know, if you're running super low on options), there are risks to using them internally. Electric toothbrushes are household products that weren't made to be inside you, and with all the bacteria from your mouth living on them, they could easily cause irritation or, worse, fissures and infections on or in your vulva or vagina.
You should keep all oil-based lubes — including Vaseline or coconut oil — out of the bedroom and your vagina. They are difficult to wash out of the vagina, and synthetic lubes are usually made of glycerin, which is made of sugar compounds; microbes feed on that sugar, which can upset your vagina’s balance of bacteria, putting you at risk for a yeast infection. "Maintaining a healthy microbiome of the vagina is important for the overall health of the reproductive organs," Dr. Gersh tells Bustle. Further, oil and latex aren’t compatible, meaning it could break your condom, landing you with an unwanted pregnancy or an STI. Instead, opt for silicone- or water-based lubes, which won't interfere with condoms.
When in doubt about lube (or anything else), ring up your OB-GYN or a nurse who works at the office. They'll be able to give you a solid idea of what's worthy of your vagina's time — and what’s not.
Aslan, E., & Bechelaghem, N. (2018). To 'douche' or not to 'douche': hygiene habits may have detrimental effects on vaginal microbiota. Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology : the journal of the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , 38 (5), 678–681. https://doi.org/10.1080/01443615.2017.1395398
Biju, S.S., Ahuja, A., Khar, R.K., Chaudhry, R. (2005). Formulation and evaluation of an effective pH balanced topical antimicrobial product containing tea tree oil. Pharmazie, 60(3), 208-11.
Brotman, R. M., Klebanoff, M. A., Nansel, T. R., Andrews, W. W., Schwebke, J. R., Zhang, J., Yu, K. F., Zenilman, J. M., & Scharfstein, D. O. (2008). A longitudinal study of vaginal douching and bacterial vaginosis--a marginal structural modeling analysis. American journal of epidemiology , 168 (2), 188–196. https://doi.org/10.1093/aje/kwn103
Brown, J. M., Hess, K. L., Brown, S., Murphy, C., Waldman, A. L., & Hezareh, M. (2013). Intravaginal practices and risk of bacterial vaginosis and candidiasis infection among a cohort of women in the United States. Obstetrics and gynecology , 121 (4), 773–780. https://doi.org/10.1097/AOG.0b013e31828786f8
Crann, S. E., Cunningham, S., Albert, A., Money, D. M., & O'Doherty, K. C. (2018). Vaginal health and hygiene practices and product use in Canada: a national cross-sectional survey. BMC women's health , 18 (1), 52. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-018-0543-y
Farage M. A. (2019). Sensitive Skin in the Genital Area. Frontiers in medicine , 6 , 96. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2019.00096
Gondwe, T, Ness. R, Totten, P.A. et al (2020) Novel bacterial vaginosis-associated organisms mediate the relationship between vaginal douching and pelvic inflammatory diseaseSexually Transmitted Infections 6: 439-444.
James, A., Power, J. & Waling, A. (2020) Conceptualising the continuum of female genital fashioning practices,Health Sociology Review,29:3,294-311,DOI: 10.1080/14461242.2020.1811749
Martino, J. L., & Vermund, S. H. (2002). Vaginal douching: evidence for risks or benefits to women's health. Epidemiologic reviews , 24 (2), 109–124. https://doi.org/10.1093/epirev/mxf004
Mertas, A., Garbusińska, A., Szliszka, E., Jureczko, A., Kowalska, M., & Król, W. (2015). The influence of tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) on fluconazole activity against fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans strains. BioMed research international , 2015 , 590470. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/590470
This article was originally published on Feb. 5, 2016

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Published: 09:01 BST, 22 November 2017 | Updated: 17:44 BST, 22 November 2017
The flexibility of the vagina is impressive – it can stretch to accommodate a penis as well as rather large babies.
But can sex have an effect? It's a question that's been debated repeatedly over the years. And if so, is it permanent?
Now gynecologists have set the record straight: and the answer is yes and no.
'The vagina is basically a muscular rubber band that stretches during sex and returns to its original shape and size,' Dr Michelle Metz told Women's Health .
An exception is however, the very first time you have sex as this will cause a change in the size of the vagina.
The hymen – a membrane that surrounds or partially covers the external vaginal opening – will break or tear which can sometimes lead to mild bleeding. And 'the vaginal opening increases in size,' explained Dr Metz.
The vaginal wall can also stretch if you have sex with men with different-sized penises, according to the New York-based board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist.
The vaginal wall can also stretch if you have sex with men with different-sized penises partners – but this is not permanent say experts (stock image)
The vagina does stretch during sex.
Intercourse with a larger penis will stretch it further.
But it returns to its original shape and size after intimacy is over.
The very first time you have sex can cause a permanent change in the size of the vagina.
Width of vaginas can vary from woman to woman and that is completely normal.
The average diameter is between 2 and 3.5cm.
Childbirth can permanently change the shape of the vagina.
Experts say women should not get anxious about the issue.
You can do pelvic floor muscle exercises to strengthen the muscles in your vaginal wall to improve sexual function.
However, this isn't permanent – the vagina generally bounces back into shape after intimacy is over.
'It's pretty impossible for sex alone to permanently stretch out the vagina,' said Dr Metz.
Yet while your vagina may not expand forever, you may experience some soreness or small tears like paper cuts down there from intercourse.
'That's a sign that the vaginal skin stretched a bit too much,' she explained.
Referring to the line 'wide-set vagina' from the 2004 comedy Mean Girls, women's health expert Dr Lauren Streicher explains that it's not an actual medical term.
'No gynaecologist has ever used this word,' said the Chicago-based associate professor of clinical obstetrics and gynaecology.
However, she said that the width of vaginas can vary from woman to woman and that is completely normal and nothing to worry about.
The 2004 comedy film Mean Girls, starring Lindsay Lohan, referred to 'wide-set vagina'
Your vagina might look wider than it did before giving birth, according to Dr Suzy Elneil, consultant in urogynaecology at University College Hospital, London.
'The vagina can feel looser, softer and more "open",' she said. It may also look and feel bruised or swollen. This is normal, and the swelling and openness should start to reduce a few days after your baby is born.
Your vagina will probably not return completely to its pre-birth shape, but this shouldn't be a problem. If you're worried, talk to your health visitor or GP.
'Body parts are different sizes in different people,' she told Women's Health.
'Someone who has had vaginal births before is going to be different from an 18-year-old virgin.'
According to women's health expert Dr Jennifer Wider, the average diameter of the vagina is between 2 and 3.5cm.
She urged women not to get anxious about the issue.
'While most women worry more about the appearance of their labia, some worry that they are too loose,' she said.
You can do pelvic floor muscle exercises to strengthen the muscles in your vaginal wall.
These are carried out to improve bladder control issues and improve sexual function.
She's had a strong opinion on the recent trends for women cleaning their vaginas with cucumbers and Vicks' Vaporub.
Now Dr Jen Gunter, who is also a prominent critic of Gwyneth Paltrow's controversial Goop website, has hit out at men who complain about the natural smell of their partner's genitals which she describes as a 'form of abuse'.
Writing in her latest blog newsletter, the Canadian gynecologist revealed she once dumped a boyfriend for complaining about the smell of her genitals.
Dr Gunter has urged women not to feel ashamed and feel they have to resort to buying harmful products that create artificial odours.
She says they upset the vagina's natural pH balance and leave you at a greater risk of infections like gonorrhoea and even HIV.
Dr Gunter urged women to not fall into the same trap.
She said: 'I realize this may border on TMI [too much information], but honestly if it happened to me I bet it has happened to other women.
'The continued proliferation of the what will they insert next, the products on drug store shelves, and the interest in these posts tells me that I'm probably right.
'If you think you have a medical condition, see a doctor. If your partner insinuates that an artificial smell is preferable to the smell of a normal vagina they are the one who has an issue.
'Telling women how they can be better is a classic wa
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