It’s all about vaginal muscles…
Female genitals are such a complicated part of women’s body. They enable women to have one of the greatest gifts of nature- a childbirth. Vaginal health is also very important in sex life. Indeed, it is influences overall woman’s well-being.
However, due to various factors many women often forget to take proper care of their feminine parts. One of the most widespread problems occurs with vaginal muscles. In this article we’re going to discuss how and why these muscles change. Additionally, you can also find about the outcomes of such changes.
Weak pelvic floor
Very often women complain about weak pelvic floor muscles.
The pelvic floor muscles connect the tailbone and pubic bone and support the bladder, uterus and anus.
Contraction of the pelvic floor muscles lift and tighten the internal vaginal muscles, and relaxing pelvic floor muscles allows the passage of urine and feces. Therefore, the pelvic floor muscles play a significant role in overall health.
There are various sexual difficulties associated with the weak pelvic floor symptoms, like reduces vaginal sensitivity and discomfort. In severe cases, it can lead to uterus and bladder sliding down, prolapsing and pushing the vagina.
It is very rare among young women at early 20s, because at that age vaginal muscles are able to stretch and contract back after some time.
However, with aging vaginal muscles become weak, especially after several child births. These muscles lose elasticity. Women after 40 and those who have children usually face such problem.
Childbirth itself is a huge stress for vaginal muscles. During this process they stretch heavily. Though, when women have childbirth at older age, this is an additional stress for muscles too. Normally, after approximately 6 months after giving a birth, the vaginal muscles contract back. Though, they might not return exactly to the previous state. Being a little stretched after several deliveries is normal.
Moreover, with aging vaginal muscles are not as flexible as before. When a woman reaches her 40s, the level of estrogen decreases in her body. Slowly, the organism enters perimenopausal stage. As a result, the muscles lose the ability to contract back to the previous state.
Moreover, obesity and the associated straining of chronic constipation can also be the reason for weak pelvic muscles.
Symptoms of loose pelvic floor muscles
The first noticeable symptom of loose vaginal muscles is the difficulty with urine retention. A woman can have urine leakage when laughing, coughing and sneezing if she has weak pelvic floor muscles. In fact, due to these symptoms, many women feel embarrassed and can’t share their problem with someone.
Another noticeable symptom of a weak pelvic floor is uncontrollably breaking wind from either the vagina or anus when bending over or lifting something.
Reduced vaginal sensation, heaviness and discomfort in vagina can also be the indicators of a weak pelvic floor muscles.
Women with stretched vagina do not have the same feelings during sexual penetration. Therefore, it is harder for them to reach an orgasm during intercourse.
How to check if your vaginal muscles are in trouble
If you still have hesitations, try these methods to check whether you have this problem.
First method is taking a selfie of your vagina. If your vaginal orifice is visible without spreading out the labia, then muscles are loose.
Second method is trying to insert three or more fingers into vagina at the same time. If you do not have difficulty with it, then you need your muscles to be toned.
Another method is checking whether you can feel your pelvic muscles. You can check it by stretching your vaginal muscles while your finger is inside, try to squeeze your fingers with your vaginal muscles.
You can also pretend that you really want to pee. Imagine that you are passing urine and try stopping the flow in midstream, but do not do that while actually urinating.
Exercises for pelvic floor
Before starting to exercise your pelvic muscle, it’s necessary to mention that they are beneficial for minor symptoms. If the urine leakage is severe, please consult with a professional right away.
These exercises aim to strengthen pelvic floor muscles, which hold vaginal muscles. The main rule in performing them is consistency.
Kegel exercises
You’ve probably heard about kegel exercises. They are truly popular and are beneficial for women’s health. They help to tighten the pelvic floor muscles. Moreover, they can help to make physical pleasure during love-making stronger and easier to achieve.
For this exercises you need to know the right muscles. Above we mentioned about stopping urine flow while thinking about urinating. Muscles that tighten during this process are the ones we need.
First, take a comfortable position for this exercise. Usually, women prefer lying on their backs. Then tight your pelvic floor muscles and hold them in this state for 5 seconds. Then relax for 5 seconds. Repeat 5-10 times, 3 sets a day. When you feel that your muscles got used to this exercises, increase the holding time to 10 seconds. Importantly- do not tighten abs or butt while exercising.
Vaginal coins
This exercise is not for you if you’re pregnant, recently have had a gynecological surgery or if you have vaginal infection. Consult with your doctor first.
To start, take a vaginal coin (tampon sized object) and insert it into your vagina. Then, you need to tighten your muscles to hold the coin. Keep it there for 15 minutes twice day. After you prosper in doing this exercise, increase the weight of the coin.
Squats
Stand up straight with your feet slightly wider than shoulder width. Then, crouch, bending your knees. At the same time move the buttocks slightly back. After, bend down until your thighs are parallel to the floor. Return to the starting position. Repeat 15 times.
Vaginismus
Vaginismus is a sudden painful contraction of the muscles surrounding the vagina. It usually occurs in response to touching the vulva or vagina. This can impede sexual intercourse and lead to a woman’s feeling of fear and even disgust for it.
Other possible causes of vaginismus are: trauma to the vagina or ulceration, dryness or contraction of its mucosa, as well as inflammation of the vagina or bladder. Vaginismus is rare desease, which needs proper treatment. Talk to a doctor if you think you notice the symptoms of vaginismus.
Pelvic floor- friendly diet
In order to strengthen your pelvic floor and keep your vulva healthy, you need to follow a healthy eating plan. The first main product to consume is pure water. Water is a source of life, it moisturizes, and keeps the organism fit. Moreover, it has positive effect on pelvic muscles as well. Next, it’s necessary to eat low acid fruits and vegetables. For instance, melon, bananas, carrot. Thus, these products help to supply your pelvic floor with inevitable nutrients without irritating it.
Final Words
Vaginal muscles have tendency to change over time, especially when a woman goes through various stages of her physical development. Starting from periods, commencement of sexual life, pregnancy, birth giving, and then menopause.
Luckily there are ways to treat the vaginal muscles weakening by performing the exercises above and have a well-balanced diet.
Do not underestimate the importance of your vaginal muscles’ health. Even though it may seem that they do not cause much trouble at the beginning, the condition may become worse. Keep all of your body muscles in tone including your vaginal muscles.
Recommended Article: Essential foods for feminine health
Nice post. I was checking constantly this blog and I am impressed! Very useful info specifically the last part 🙂 I care for such info a lot. I was looking for this particular info for a long time. Thank you and good luck.