5 Things That Happen To Your Vagina As You Age

May 22, 2015

Did you know that your vagina and the area surrounding it age as you grow older? In fact, the vagina undergoes many changes, especially after a woman hits menopause.

Here are five things that age does to your vagina.

1. Your Vagina Wrinkles With Age
As you hit menopause, your estrogen levels drop, causing the fatty pads in your labia (the inner and outer folds of your vulva) to shrink. At this point of time, your body also has lesser collagen, which means that your vagina can actually show signs of sagging. Not just that, it also shrinks your clitoris.

2. Discoloration Of Your Vulva
With age, you experience various spots of discoloration on your face and also your vagina. In fact, age can cause the skin of your vulva to grow darker or lighter—either way is normal.

3. The Color Of Your Vaginal Discharge Changes
Most women have a vaginal discharge that is white in color. However, as you start getting older, your normal vaginal discharge may take on a yellowish hue. This is not something that needs medical attention, unless you are also experiencing discomfort.

However, if it is greenish in color, or has a fish-like odor, speak to your doctor to negate chances of STDs or other infections.

4. It Gets Itchy
With age your levels of estrogen drop, resulting in various changes to your lady parts—one common and most uncomfortable symptom being vaginal itching. The walls of your vagina start getting thin and lose elasticity as well as moisture. This condition is also known as vaginal atrophy.

Almost 20 to 50 percent of women complain of itching and burning in their vagina. This gets worse when you have sex; and in fact, having intercourse can actually aggravate the condition, causing pain. Speak to your doctor about any medicated lubricants that can help in rehydrating your privates.

5. Your Vagina Loses Its Squeeze
The vagina has a huge support system consisting of tissues, tendons and muscles. But as you grow older, your pelvic floor starts to loosen, causing a heavy feeling in your vagina and surrounding area, leading to occasional bladder leakage. To help keep your vagina tight, try practicing kegel exercises.

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