Picture of the Vagina

How deep is a vagina? What to know

A woman’s vagina is a sex organ as well as part of the birth canal. Just as women can have different sized breasts, hands, and feet, the size and depth of vaginas can also vary.

According to one study, the average depth of a vagina is about 3.77 inches , which is 9.6 centimeters (cm). Other sources suggest that the average range of size may be about 3 to 7 inches (approximately 7.6–17.7 cm)

However, these variations in size are not usually apparent, even to a sexual partner.

A report in the BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology said that the average depth of the vagina is about 3.77 inches (9.6 cm), but that vaginal depth and appearance can vary widely.

In fact, the depth of the vagina (from the opening to the tip of the cervix) can measure anywhere up to 7 inches (17.7 cm).

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The vagina is the canal to the cervix, which separates the uterus and the vagina.

Several types of tissue line the inside of the vagina, including the mucosa. The mucosa is made up of specialized cells that secrete a lubricating fluid, which helps the vaginal walls to stretch.

The exterior portion of the female genitals is the vulva. The vulva includes the labia minora and majora — the lip-like parts of the female genitals.

The appearance of vulvas varies widely. The skin may be the same color or darker than the rest of the body. The labia majora, which are the external “lips,” can vary from around 2.7 to 4.7 inches (7 to 12 cm) in length.

The clitoris ranges from about 0.1 to 1.3 inches (5 to 35 mm) in size but swells and enlarges if a woman is aroused.

The vagina’s size and depth changes in certain situations. It can stretch to accommodate the insertion of a tampon, a finger, or a penis.

During arousal, more blood flows to the vagina. This causes the vagina to elongate and the cervix, or tip of the uterus, to lift up slightly, allowing more of a penis, finger, or sex toy to fit in the vagina.

While a vagina expands during arousal, a large penis or sex toy can still cause discomfort when having sex.

The vagina will not change in appearance, as it is internal. In fact, research has found no link between the depth of a person’s vagina and their age.

However, the labia may appear smaller over time. This is because the amount of estrogen in the body decreases with age, which can reduce fat and collagen.

The genitals may also appear to change color, becoming lighter or darker with hormonal changes over time.

Some women may find that their vagina feels different following childbirth. While the tissues in the vagina do stretch to accommodate a baby, this is not permanent.

Research has found no difference in vaginal length between women who had given birth and those who had not.

If a person thinks their vagina feels different after childbirth, a doctor may recommend Kegel exercises, which involve squeezing and releasing the muscles used to control urination to help strengthen the pelvic floor.

The average erect penis is about 33 percent longer than the average vagina. While both penis and vagina sizes can vary, these organs can usually accommodate each other.

A 2015 study found the average erect penis length to be just over 5 inches (13.12 cm). Some women may report discomfort if their sexual partner has a penis that is larger than average.

It may be painful or uncomfortable if an object such as a penis or sex toy hits the cervix. Having adequate lubrication and communicating any discomfort to a partner can help keep sexual activity pleasurable.

Tips for keeping the vagina healthy include:

• avoiding douching or using highly fragranced bath products, tampons, or feminine hygiene sprays
• changing out of wet clothing and swimsuits as quickly as possible to reduce the risk of infection
• changing pads and tampons frequently
• using protection during sexual activity
• refraining from wearing clothing that is too tight, which can contribute to irritation and excess sweat
• urinating after sex to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs)

The depth and appearance of vaginas vary greatly between individuals. Usually, the depth of the vagina is between 3 and 7 inches.

The vagina is an organ that is designed to accommodate both childbirth and sexual activity. However, if a woman is experiencing pain during sex due to what she perceives as a shallow vagina, she should talk to her doctor.

Doctors can investigate any underlying causes for the pain, and may refer someone to a specialist. A specialist may recommend pelvic floor therapy or sex therapy, which can make sex more pleasurable regardless of vaginal depth.

Last medically reviewed on January 12, 2020

• Fertility
• Pregnancy / Obstetrics
• Sexual Health / STDs
• Women’s Health / Gynecology

How we reviewed this article:

Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

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  http://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/how-deep-average-vagina-and-does-it-elongate-when-somethings-it
• Lloyd, J., Crouch, N. S., Minto, C. L., Liao, L.-M., & Creighton, S. M. (2005, May) Female genital appearance: ‘Normality’ unfolds. British Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 112(5), 643–646
  http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1471-0528.2004.00517.x/full
• Martin, R. D. (2015, April 20). Does size matter for women? Retrieved from
  https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/how-we-do-it/201504/does-size-matter-women
• Prause, N., Park, J., Leung, S., & Miller, G. (2015, September 2). Women’s preferences for penis size: A new research method using selection among 3D models. PLoS One, 10(9), e133079
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4558040/
• Sexual arousal in women. (2016, June 20)
  https://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Goodsex/Pages/Sexualarousalinwomen.aspx
• Vaginal yeast infections. (2012)
  https://www.publichealth.va.gov/docs/womens-health-guide/vaginal-yeast-infection.pdf
• Veale, D., Miles, S., Bramley, S., Muir, G., & Hodsoll, J. (2015, June). Am I normal? A systematic review and construction of nomograms for flaccid and erect penis length and circumference in up to 15 521 men. BJU International, 115(6), 978–986
  http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bju.13010/abstract

Picture of the Vagina

The vagina is an elastic, muscular canal with a soft, flexible lining that provides lubrication and sensation. The vagina connects the uterus to the outside world. The vulva and labia form the entrance, and the cervix of the uterus protrudes into the vagina, forming the interior end.

The vagina receives the penis during sexual intercourse and also serves as a conduit for menstrual flow from the uterus. During childbirth, the baby passes through the vagina (birth canal).

The hymen is a thin membrane of tissue that surrounds and narrows the vaginal opening. It may be torn or ruptured by sexual activity or by exercise.

Vagina Conditions

• Vaginitis: Inflammation of the vagina, commonly from a yeast infection or bacterial overgrowth. Itching, discharge, and change of odor are typical symptoms. Vaginitis is treated with antibiotics or antifungalmedication.
• Vaginismus: Involuntary spasm of the vaginal muscles during sexual intercourse. Emotional distress about sex, or medical conditions, can be responsible. Depending on the cause, it can be treated with medicine, counseling or some other types of therapy.
• Genital warts: Genital warts may affect the vulva,vagina, and cervix. Treatments can remove vaginal warts, which are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).
• Trichomoniasis: Infection of the vagina by a microscopic parasite called trichomonas. Trichomoniasis is transmitted by sex and is easily curable.
• Bacterial vaginosis (BV): A disruption in the balance of healthy bacteria in the vagina, often causing odor and discharge. Douching, or sex with a new partner can cause BV. BV is treated with antibiotics.
• Herpes simplex virus (HSV): The herpes virus can infect the vulva, vagina, and cervix, causing small, painful, recurring blisters and ulcers. Having no noticeable symptoms is also common. The virus is transmitted sexually. It can be treated, but not cured.
• Gonorrhea: This sexually transmitted bacterial infection most often infects the cervix. Half the time, there are no symptoms, but vaginal discharge and itching may occur. It can cause pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. It is treated with antibiotics.
• Chlamydia: The bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis causes this sexually transmitted infection. Only half of women will have symptoms, which may include vaginal discharge or pain in the vagina or abdomen. It can cause pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics.
• Vaginal cancer: Cancer of the vagina is extremely rare. Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge are symptoms.
• Vaginal prolapse: Due to weakened pelvic muscles (usually from childbirth), the rectum, uterus, or bladder pushes on the vagina. In severe cases, the vagina protrudes out of the body.

Vagina Tests

• Pelvic examination: Using a speculum, a doctor can examine the vulva, vagina, and cervix. The strength of the pelvic muscles can also be tested.
• Papanicolaou smear (Pap smear): During a pelvic exam, the examiner swabs the cervix and vagina. Pap smears screen for cervical or vaginal cancer.
• Bacterial culture: A swab of the cervix and vagina during a pelvic exam may be cultured in a lab. This can identify bacterial infections.
• Colposcopy: A microscope is used during a pelvic exam to examine closely the vulva, vagina, and cervix. Colposcopy can help identify cancer or other problems.
• Vaginal biopsy: In the rare case of a suspicious growth in the vagina, a small piece of tissue (biopsy) may be sent to check for cancer.

Vagina Treatments

• Antimicrobials: Antifungal medications can treat yeast infections, and antibiotic drugs can treat bacterial infections. Antiviral medicines treat infections from the herpes virus.
• Wart treatments: A variety of methods can be used to remove vaginal warts, including freezing, chemicals, burning with a laser, or cautery.
• Vaginal pessary: A small plastic or rubber device is placed inside the vagina to keep in place prolapsing pelvic organs.
• Kegel exercises: Exercising the pelvic muscles (as when stopping your urine stream) may improve or prevent vaginal prolapse and urinary incontinence.
• Estrogen: The genital organs of women both inside and out respond to estrogen. Estrogen treatment may be useful to revitalize these structures in postmenopausal women.
• Surgery: In rare cases of vaginal or cervical cancer, surgery is required to remove the tumor. Surgery may also treat vaginal prolapse.

Show Sources

CDC: “Trichomoniasis – CDC Fact Sheet” and “Bacterial Vaginosis – CDC Fact Sheet.”

WebMD Medical Reference: “What’s Normal, the First Time?”

WebMD Blog: “Can a Vagina Be Too Big?”

WebMD Medical Reference from eMedicineHealth: “Vaginal Prolapse.”