A doctor has offered an answer to an age-old question about vaginas.
The vagina is truly a fascinating body part that is misunderstood.
The female reproductive organ serves many functions throughout a woman's life such as pregnancy, menstruation, and puberty.
But for all its wonders, there are still many misconceptions about our lady parts, including the vagina's flexibility during sexual intercourse.
A gynecologist named Dr Michelle Metz has now come forward to set the record straight on whether sex can stretch out a woman's vagina: and the answer is both yes and no.
"The vagina is basically a muscular rubber band that stretches during sex and returns to its original shape and size," Metz told Women's Health.
However, the first time a woman has sex, the size of her vagina will change due to the hymen - an elastic tissue that can stretch as you move - breaking or tearing. This can "sometimes lead to mild bleeding,” Dr Metz revealed, “And the vaginal opening increases in size.”
The vaginal wall can also expand if you get intimate with men with different-sized penises, according to the New York-based board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist.
But the stretch isn't permanent as it goes back to its original shape after the sexy time is over. "It's pretty impossible for sex alone to permanently stretch out the vagina," Dr Metz added.
While your vagina may not stretch forever, you may have some small tears or slight pain due to intercourse. "That's a sign that the vaginal skin stretched a bit too much,' she explained.
This isn't something to be too concerned about, however, the gynecologist advises you to see a doctor if the discomfort persists every time you have sex.
Dr Metz revealed that she uses tools like a graduated vaginal dilator to help her patients get used to a larger and larger diameter. “And sometimes I send patients to a pelvic floor physical therapist," she shared.
Furthermore, the doctor added that if a woman is struggling with sex, then she may have a serious medical condition that needs urgent attention.
"You should definitely consult your ob-gyn because some of those conditions can require surgical correction,” Dr Metz said.
