How deep is the vagina? Doctors give us the details
There’s a whole lot of discussion surrounding penis size — but, as is often the case when it comes to women’s sexual health, I’ve heard approximately zero discussions about the size and depth of the vagina. HelloGiggles spoke with Miami-based OB/GYNs Sarah and Joanna Bedell to get the 4-1-1 on the topic, because women’s bodies are complex and it’s in our best interest to know as much about our reproductive organs as possible. So how deep is the vagina?
First things first: The length of the average vagina is approximately seven centimeters (or just under three inches). This can vary depending on several factors such as age, height, weight, and whether or not a woman has given birth, according to the Bedells.
If you’re anything like me, you may have expected the vagina to be a little deeper than that, in order to accommodate the aforementioned penises during intercourse. Citing an observational study published in the Netherlands nearly two decades ago, the Bendells said that when a woman is aroused, the anterior vaginal wall lengthens by about one centimeter and the uterus rises about 2.4 centimeters.
"This study demonstrated that there are several factors that allow for vaginal lengthening during arousal, including engorgement (a normal response to dilated blood vessels in the area) of the vaginal wall and a tenting or lifting of the uterus," the Bedells explained. "Additionally, during intercourse, the vagina lengthens further in order to accommodate an erect penis."
The depth of our vaginas isn’t measured during gynecological exams because it doesn’t impact sexual performance, risk of infection, or the ability to have children. The Bedells told HelloGiggles that the vaginal canal consists of several muscles, ligaments, and elastic tissue.
"These elements help maintain the vagina’s shape, but their relative flexibility allows for stretching to accommodate intercourse and vaginal births," they explained.
Is there anything vaginas can’t do? (That’s obviously a rhetorical question.)
