The idea that penis-in-vagina (PIV) sex causes the vagina to become “loose” or stretched-out is a myth (meaning it is made-up) that goes back hundreds of years. You may have heard that having PIV sex more than one time, or having sex with multiple partners, will cause your vagina to permanently stretch. This is a false and unscientific rumor, usually spread to shame people with vaginas for having and enjoying sex. Let’s dive into the science of vaginas to understand why the “loose” vagina myth is untrue.
The vagina is an elastic canal made up of muscle and ligaments that that connects the internal reproductive organs (uterus, cervix, ovaries, and fallopian tubes) to the vulva (external anatomy including the labia, clitoris, vaginal opening, urethra, and Bartholin’s glands). Vaginas are SUPER stretchy, and when a person is sexually aroused, the vagina relaxes to accommodate fingers, a penis, or a sex toy. After sex, the muscle moves back into place, like a rubber band. It is NOT possible to permanently loosen or stretch the vagina by having PIV sex or other forms of penetrative sex. The only events that may change vaginal elasticity in a permanent way are childbirth and perimenopause, a lowering in estrogen hormone levels that typically doesn’t happen until a person is nearing middle age.
If you look at your vulva in the mirror right after sex, you may notice an enlargement or swelling of the clitoris and labia due to sexual arousal and friction. This swelling is totally normal, and should go away within a few hours of having sex. Your labia minora and labia majora grow larger during puberty, so this could be another reason you are noticing changes in the way your vulva looks. Overall, it is normal to notice changes in the way your vulva looks during your teens and early 20’s. This doesn’t mean your vagina has been permanently loosened due to sex. However, if you are experiencing pain during or after sex, or if you notice swelling that does not go away after a few hours, you should contact your health care provider (HCP).