Stretches to help expand vagina

OK, it's not like you're a biology expert or anything, but eight pounds of flesh is supposed to be coming out of that in a few months? It just seems a bit. And sometimes mildly terrifying. How exactly does this work? Does your vagina stretch during pregnancy , making things a little more roomy come delivery time? Well, not exactly.

Back to Health A to Z. Vaginismus is when the vagina suddenly tightens up just as you try to insert something into it. It can be painful and distressing, but it can be treated. Vaginismus is the body's automatic reaction to the fear of some or all types of vaginal penetration. Occasionally, you can get vaginismus even if you have previously enjoyed painless penetrative sex.

Even though vaginal dilators have been around for decades, they still elicit lots of attention and a few quizzical looks even from healthcare professionals whenever we display our wares at medical conferences. They are a set of tubes that gradually increase in diameter from about a half-inch to about an inch and a half. They are usually made of high-quality plastic, but may also be made of silicone, which gives them a softer, more flesh-like quality. Both types are washable with soap and water.

These days, we look at our vaginas — or more correctly, vulvas — much more than women or men used to. And as we get older or after childbirth, many of us are shocked to find the area has changed. First things first. Just as everyone has a different body shape, eye colour, or preference for sexual partner, there is also enormous variation in vaginas and vulvas, regardless of age. The vagina and vulva lose thickness and the colour of the vulva can change from pink to a paler or darker hue.