Vagina 16

Vagina 16
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dimensions and shape of the human vagina

^ Jump up to: a b c d e f Barnhart, K. T.; Izquierdo, A.; Pretorius, E. S.; Shera, D. M.; Shabbout, M.; Shaunik, A. (2006). "Baseline dimensions of the human vagina". Human Reproduction . 21 (6): 1618–1622. CiteSeerX 10.1.1.485.8802 . doi : 10.1093/humrep/del022 . PMID 16478763 .

^ Jump up to: a b Anne A. Lawrence. "Notes on Genital Dimensions" . Archived from the original on March 24, 2006 . Retrieved 2012-05-13 .

^ Jump up to: a b Pendergrass, P. B.; Reeves, C. A.; Belovicz, M. W.; Molter, D. J.; White, J. H. (1996). "The shape and dimensions of the human vagina as seen in three-dimensional vinyl polysiloxane casts". Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation . 42 (3): 178–182. doi : 10.1159/000291946 . PMID 8938470 .

^ Jump up to: a b Pendergrass, P. B.; Reeves, C. A.; Belovicz, M. W.; Molter, D. J.; White, J. H. (2000). "Comparison of vaginal shapes in Afro-American, Caucasian and Hispanic women as seen with vinyl polysiloxane casting". Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation . 50 (1): 54–59. doi : 10.1159/000010281 . PMID 10895030 . S2CID 37395321 .

^ "The Social - How much do you know about vaginas?" . TheSocial.ca . Archived from the original on December 14, 2017 . Retrieved 1 January 2018 .

^ . Pendergrass, P. B.; Belovicz, M. W.; Reeves, C. A. (2003). "Surface area of the human vagina as measured from vinyl polysiloxane casts". Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation . 55 (2): 110–113. doi : 10.1159/000070184 . PMID 12771458 . S2CID 27781106 .

^ Barnhart, Kurt T.; Izquierdo, Adriana; Pretorius, E. Scott; Shera, David M.; Shabbout, Mayadah; Shaunik, Alka (2006). "Baseline dimensions of the human vagina" . Human Reproduction . 21 (6): 1618–1622. doi : 10.1093/humrep/del022 . PMID 16478763 . Retrieved 27 January 2020 .

^ Ding, Jing; Song, Xiao-Chen; Deng, Mou; Zhu, Lan (3 June 2016). "Which factors should be considered in choosing pessary type and size for pelvic organ prolapse patients in a fitting trial?". International Urogynecology Journal . 27 (12): 1867–1871. doi : 10.1007/s00192-016-3051-3 . PMID 27260324 . S2CID 1593002 .

The dimensions and shape of human vagina are of great importance in medicine and surgery ; there appears to be no one way, however, to characterize the vagina 's size and shape. [1] In addition to variations from individual to individual, the size and shape of a single person's vagina can vary substantially during sexual arousal and intercourse . [2] Carrying a baby to term, or parity , is associated with a significant increase in the length of the vaginal fornix . [1] The potential effect of parity may be the result of a stretching and elongation of the birth canal at the time of vaginal birth . [1]

There are a number of studies that have been done into the dimensions of the human vagina, but it has not been as intensively researched as penis size . [1]

A 1996 study by Pendergrass et al. using vinyl polysiloxane castings taken from the vaginas of 39 Caucasian women, found the following ranges of dimensions: [3]

A second study by the same group showed significant variations in size and shape between the vaginas of women of different ethnic groups. [4] Both studies showed a wide range of vaginal shapes, described by the researchers as "Parallel sided, conical, heart, [...] slug" [3] and "pumpkin seed" [4] shapes. Barnhart et al., however, weren't able to find any correlation amongst the race and the size of vagina. They were also unable to characterize the vaginal shape as a "heart, slug, pumpkin seed or parallel sides" as suggested by the previous studies. [1] [5] A 2003 study by the group of Pendergrass et al. also using castings as a measurement method, measured vaginal surface areas ranging from 66 to 107 cm 2 (10.2 to 16.6 sq in) with a mean of 87 cm 2 (13.5 sq in) and a standard deviation of 7.8 cm 2 (1.21 sq in) [6]

Research published in 2006 by Barnhart et al., gave the following mean dimensions, based on MRI scans of 28 women: [1]

A 2006 U.S. study of vagina sizes using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) on 28 volunteers between 18 and 39 years old, with heights ranging from 1.5 to 1.7 metres, and weights between 49.9 and 95.3 kilograms, revealed a greater than 100 percent variation between the shortest (40.8 millimetres) and the longest (95.0 millimetres) vagina length. [7]

Given the large range in vaginal dimensions noted in studies such as the above, many fitted vaginal devices, for example pessaries , do not adhere to a "one-size-fits-all" principle. [8]

Lawrence, citing Masters and Johnson 's Human Sexual Response (1966), states that pages 73 and 74 of that book show that typical vaginal depth in Masters and Johnson's participants ranged from 7–8 cm (2.8–3.1 in) in an unstimulated state, to 11–12 cm (4.3–4.7 in) during sexual arousal with a speculum in place. [2]

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.

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With the help of an expert, we're opening up the conversation about intimate health
What makes a normal vagina, or vulva for that matter, has been a topic of discussion for decades. Even though a huge proportion of the world's population has one, conversations about vaginas are often confined to doctors' offices and discreet groups of friends.
If you see a vagina or vulva that doesn't look like your own, or you feel that yours has changed in appearance recently, it may be concerning and you may start to wonder if your vagina is still normal. The good news is, even if it's changed or looks different to another one, is probably completely fine.
While the world has changed so much in the way we speak about intimate subjects, conversations around vaginal health - including topics like vaginal dryness and other vaginal discomfort issues - are still held in private. It's important to start demystifying our genitals for everyone's sake and have open and honest conversations about vaginal health with ourselves, our doctors, our friends, and partners.
First thing's first, there's no such thing as a normal vagina - or vulva for that matter. Much like every other part of the human body, everyone's genitalia looks different.
In general though, Ashfaq Khan, consultant gynaecologist at Harley Street Gynaecology (opens in new tab) says, "Both vagina and vulva should feel soft as vaginal skin is usually well moisterized. There shouldn't be any abnormal discoloration."
What's the difference between a vulva and vagina? "If you're wondering whether you have a normal vagina, you're probably thinking about the vulva, which is the correct name for the external genitalia," says Lynn Enright (opens in new tab) , author of Vagina: A Re-Education. "This includes the pubic mound, the inner and outer labia, clitoris, urethral opening and the vaginal opening."
Whereas, "our vagina is inside our bodies and it's the muscular tube that leads from the vulva to the uterus."
This confusion is very common, though, she says, despite efforts in the body and sex positivity movement to educate. "We're not comfortable with the word 'vulva'. It's not a word we hear very often and its lack of popular usage definitely relates to society's struggle to address female sexuality on the whole."
We instead use the word 'vagina', even though it's technically incorrect. "It's still such a taboo to say 'vulva' as we don't like to talk about female genitalia except in relation to male sexuality," Enright says. "The vagina is something that a penis can go into, and a baby can come out of, so we've become more comfortable with that word."
Diagram of the vulva, courtesy of Vagina: A re-education
Whether you're referring to the vulva or the vagina, everyone's looks different. "There is actually a great variation," Enright reveals, "The range of what vulvas look like is similar to what faces look like. Everyone looks slightly different. But we're just not told that. It's perfectly normal for your vulva to look different and there is a variation from woman to woman."
In fact, a 2019 project (opens in new tab) by photographer Laura Dodsworth for the BBC highlighted just how different vulvas are from woman to woman. The project showcased photos of 100 vulvas to show the range of 'normal' among women.
Aside from the advice offered by gynaecologist Dr Ashfaq Khan, there are some other things you should expect to see when looking at your vulva.
Diagram of the clitoris and surrounding vulva, courtesy of Vagina: A Re-education
Diagram of the hymen, courtesy of Vagina: A re-education
Yes, you may notice that your vulva looks different when you start to experience menopause symptoms . "Skin becomes thin due to lack of estrogen, as a result, the vulva can become sensitive, shrink and wrinkle. The vagina can also bleed easily during intercourse, causing pain during sex . In general, the skin can become sore, sometimes painful," Dr Khan says. "There may also be some skin color changes with pigmented spots on the vulva."
This happens because of the reduction in estrogen production, Enright explains. "Estrogen is quite essential for our skin and the tissues over our body," she says. "You make less estrogen when you're older, which means your skin becomes dryer all over."
It doesn't just affect the vulva and vagina, however. Even when you first start to experience symptoms of perimenopause , you may notice changes. "The skin around the urethra becomes thinner, meaning urinary stress incontinence can happen," Enright says. "We have to realize again that our vulva is just another part of our body. Like the rest of our body, the skin around the vulva ages."
Popular menopause treatments like hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help relieve symptoms of vaginal atrophy and urinary incontinence. If this is something you're experiencing, visit your doctor.
And of course, there are the more visible, external differences when it comes to vulvas during menopause as well. "Hair might go white, and there might be less hair there the older we get. It's a completely natural part of aging," she says.
Vagina: A re-education by Lynn Enright: $16.81 (opens in new tab) / £7.79 (opens in new tab) | Amazon
Lynn Enright is a journalist and the author of the book, Vagina: A re-education. Lynn's book dispels common myths around vaginas and what a 'normal vagina' is.
While everyone's vulva and vagina is different, there are some red flags to look out for when it comes to intimate health. These are the major ones, according to consultant gynaecologist Dr Ashfaq Khan:
"Always visit your doctor if you are diagnosed with an HPV infection or have an abnormal cervical cancer test result, and if you notice any warts or other similar, visible infections," he adds.
Why have vaginas been such an out-of-bounds topic for so long? Male genitalia is well documented - in TV, books, and in our culture in general. Yet female genitalia is kept much more hush-hush, leaving many women wondering what really is normal.
"Ask the average woman to draw you a vulva and she'll more than likely struggle," says Enright. "Ask her to draw you a penis, and she'll sketch you a broadly accurate, if rudimentary, representation with minutes."
Enright has a theory as to why this is. "We live in a society where straight, cisgender men have more privilege, are more dominant, and have been the ones running the medical profession for centuries. That has made a difference."
She explains, "Medical diagrams [of vulvas and vaginas] are quite neat and symmetrical. And then, in porn, vulvas are quite neat and symmetrical. I think girls can get a shock when they really look at their own vulva for the first time and realize it looks different to the ones they see in porn - even porn for women - or medicine. That happens because they're not empowered with the information in the first place."
As with all aspects surrounding our vaginas and vulvas, the main way to tackle the stigma is to talk about them. This way we can make sure that younger generations understand what is normal. "Talk about it with whoever you can feel comfortable talking about it with. It might be a medical professional, it might be a friend, it might be a feminist group. Educating ourselves and eradicating shame are two ways we can tackle the lack of information or the misinformation that has surrounded the vulva," Enright says.
Amy Hunt is an experienced digital journalist specialising in homes, interiors and hobbies. She began her career working as the features assistant at woman&home magazine, before moving over to the digital side of the brand where she eventually became the Lifestyle Editor up until January 2022. Amy won the Digital Journalist of the Year award at the AOP Awards in 2019 for her work on womanandhome.com.

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Woman & Home is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s why you can trust us .
With the help of an expert, we're opening up the conversation about intimate health
What makes a normal vagina, or vulva for that matter, has been a topic of discussion for decades. Even though a huge proportion of the world's population has one, conversations about vaginas are often confined to doctors' offices and discreet groups of friends.
If you see a vagina or vulva that doesn't look like your own, or you feel that yours has changed in appearance recently, it may be concerning and you may start to wonder if your vagina is still normal. The good news is, even if it's changed or looks different to another one, is probably completely fine.
While the world has changed so much in the way we speak about intimate subjects, conversations around vaginal health - including topics like vaginal dryness and other vaginal discomfort issues - are still held in private. It's important to start demystifying our genitals for everyone's sake and have open and honest conversations about vaginal health with ourselves, our doctors, our friends, and partners.
First thing's first, there's no such thing as a normal vagina - or vulva for that matter. Much like every other part of the human body, everyone's genitalia looks different.
In general though, Ashfaq Khan, consultant gynaecologist at Harley Street Gynaecology (opens in new tab) says, "Both vagina and vulva should feel soft as vaginal skin is usually well moisterized. There shouldn't be any abnormal discoloration."
What's the difference between a vulva and vagina? "If you're wondering whether you have a normal vagina, you're probably thinking about the vulva, which is the correct name for the external genitalia," says Lynn Enright (opens in new tab) , author of Vagina: A Re-Education. "This includes the pubic mound, the inner and outer labia, clitoris, urethral opening and the vaginal opening."
Whereas, "our vagina is inside our bodies and it's the muscular tube that leads from the vulva to the uterus."
This confusion is very common, though, she says, despite efforts in the body and sex positivity movement to educate. "We're not comfortable with the word 'vulva'. It's not a word we hear very often and its lack of popular usage definitely relates to society's struggle to address female sexuality on the whole."
We instead use the word 'vagina', even though it's technically incorrect. "It's still such a taboo to say 'vulva' as we don't like to talk about female genitalia except in relation to male sexuality," Enright says. "The vagina is something that a penis can go into, and a baby can come out of, so we've become more comfortable with that word."
Diagram of the vulva, courtesy of Vagina: A re-education
Whether you're referring to the vulva or the vagina, everyone's looks different. "There is actually a great variation," Enright reveals, "The range of what vulvas look like is similar to what faces look like. Everyone looks slightly different. But we're just not told that. It's perfectly normal for your vulva to look different and there is a variation from woman to woman."
In fact, a 2019 project (opens in new tab) by photographer Laura Dodsworth for the BBC highlighted just how different vulvas are from woman to woman. The project showcased photos of 100 vulvas to show the range of 'normal' among women.
Aside from the advice offered by gynaecologist Dr Ashfaq Khan, there are some other things you should expect to see when looking at your vulva.
Diagram of the clitoris and surrounding vulva, courtesy of Vagina: A Re-education
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