Have you recently noticed increased tightness during intimacy and wondered why this change is happening? Many women experience variations in vaginal tightness throughout their lives, and understanding these changes is essential for maintaining overall sexual health. This blog will explore the common reasons behind vaginal tightness, what it could indicate about your health, and offer practical tips to manage and improve comfort.

Hormones play a significant role in regulating vaginal tightness. Estrogen, in particular, helps maintain vaginal elasticity and lubrication. Fluctuations in estrogen levels due to menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or menopause can affect how tight or loose the vaginal muscles feel. During the low estrogen phases, such as post-menopause, women may experience increased tightness due to decreased lubrication and elasticity.

The pelvic floor muscles support the uterus, bladder, and bowel. These muscles can become tighter or more relaxed based on various factors, including physical activity, childbirth, and aging. Strong pelvic floor muscles (sometimes called a hypertonic pelvic floor) can lead to a sensation of tightness, while weakened muscles may result in a looser feeling. Regular exercises, such as Kegels, can help maintain the optimal tone of these muscles. You only want to do these under the supervision of a pelvic floor physical therapist after an examination. 

The pelvic floor muscles are crucial for controlling vaginal tightness. When these muscles are too tight, it can lead to discomfort and difficulty with sexual intercourse. Conditions like pelvic floor dysfunction or vaginismus can cause involuntary muscle contractions, leading to increased tightness and discomfort. Understanding the state of your pelvic floor muscles is essential for addressing any issues related to vaginal tightness.

Stress and anxiety are common culprits behind increased vaginal tightness. When stressed, your body tends to tense up, including the pelvic floor muscles. This tension can lead to discomfort and a sensation of tightness during sexual activity. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can help alleviate stress and promote muscle relaxation.

Adequate arousal is essential for natural lubrication and relaxation of the vaginal muscles. Without sufficient arousal, the vagina may feel tighter and less comfortable during intercourse. Foreplay, open communication with your partner, and creating a comfortable environment can enhance arousal and reduce tightness.

Certain medical conditions can contribute to vaginal tightness. Conditions such vaginismus, vulvodynia, vaginal atrophy can cause pain and tightness. If you suspect a medical condition might be causing your symptoms, it's crucial to seek medical advice for proper diagnosis and treatment from a pelvic floor physical therapist. 

Here is a list of pelvic pain conditions that can contribute to tightness:

Women with Vulvodynia have chronic vulvar pain with no known cause. Until recently, doctors didn’t recognize this as a real pain syndrome. Even today, many women do not receive a diagnosis. Women may go years being incorrectly diagnosed. They may also remain isolated by a condition that is not easy to discuss. Researchers are working hard to uncover the causes of Vulvodynia and to find better ways to treat it.

Vulvodynia affects the vulva, the external female genital organs. This includes the labia, clitoris, and vaginal opening.
There are two main subtypes of vulvodynia:

• Generalized vulvodynia is pain in different areas of the vulva at different times. Vulvar pain may be constant or occur every once in a while. Touch or pressure may or may not prompt it. But this may make the pain worse.
• Vulvar vestibulitis syndrome is pain in the vestibule. This is the entrance to the vagina.  Often a burning sensation, this type of vulvar pain comes on only after touch or pressure, such as during intercourse.

When a woman has vaginismus, the muscle walls of her vagina contract or spasm in response to attempted insertion, for example, with a tampon or Penis. This involuntary muscle contraction can be mildly uncomfortable or it may cause searing or tearing pain.

Vaginismus can interfere with normal activities like sex or having a pelvic exam at the doctor’s office.

Painful sex is often the first sign that a woman has vaginismus. The pain occurs only with penetration. It usually, but not always, goes away after withdrawal. Women have described the pain as feeling too small for a man’s penis. The pain has also been described as a tearing sensation or a feeling like the penis is “hitting a wall.”

Many women who have vaginismus also experience discomfort:

• when inserting tampons
• during a doctor’s internal exam

Dyspareunia is painful sexual intercourse due to medical or psychological causes. The pain can primarily be on the external surface of the genitalia or deeper in the pelvis upon deep pressure against the cervix. It can affect a small portion of the vulva or vagina or be felt all over the surface.

Vulvar vestibulitis syndrome (also know as vestibulodynia or vestibular adenitis)  is a subset of vulvodynia that is characterized by severe pain during attempted vaginal entry (intercourse or tampons insertion), tenderness to pressure localized to the vulvar vestibule and redness of the vulvar vestibule.

If you receive radiation therapy to the pelvis, your doctor may recommend that you use a vaginal dilator to improve the elasticity of your vagina. This is important to make follow up examinations easier and more comfortable.

After radiation treatment to the pelvic area, scar tissue begins to form in the vagina and the tissue becomes less elastic and dry. There may be some shrinking of the vagina and vaginal opening. Scarring of the vaginal tissue result in adhesions, or areas where scar tissue forms, sealing the sides of the vaginal together. This can make it difficult for the doctor to perform vaginal exams and makes sexual intercourse difficult and uncomfortable. Your doctors, nurses, and physical therapist can answer any questions or concerns you may have. Don’t hesitate to ask them.

During or after menopause, vaginal dryness and the thinning and weakening of vaginal walls can cause pain or stinging during penetration, especially if you’re not having regular sex or using vaginal moisturizers. The vagina narrows and shortens and the tissues become more fragile, vaginal dilators or vaginal trainers are part of the solution for many women who’ve reached this point. 

Pudendal neuralgia is pain related to the pudendal nerve, which is the main nerve running between your pubic bone and your tailbone. You might feel this type of pain as perineal (between your ‘sit bones’), or as deep pelvic pain.

Vaginal stenosis is often a side effect of radiotherapy and/or genital surgery. It is the narrowing and/or loss of flexibility of the vagina, often accompanied by other changes such as the dryness and loss of resilience of scar tissue.

Vaginal atrophy, also called atrophic vaginitis, is thinning, drying and inflammation of the vaginal walls due to your body having less estrogen. Vaginal atrophy occurs most often after menopause, but it can also develop during breast-feeding or at any other time your body’s estrogen production declines. For many women, vaginal atrophy makes intercourse painful — and if intercourse hurts, your interest in sex will naturally decrease.

The use of vaginal dilators or vaginal trainers should only be started after you have a complete exam, after your gynecologist makes the diagnosis of vaginal agenesis, and when you understand all of your options and have time to make a decision that’s right for you. Your gynecologist should review the following instructions with you. Monthly follow-up with your gynecologist is recommended while you are dilating.

You might also know this as coitophobia, this is the fear of sexual intercourse. Many people with genophobia are able to be in romantic relationships, and may really quite enjoy activities such as kissing and cuddling but are afraid to have actual penetrative intercourse. Dilator therapy at home can help with the fear of penetration. 

Erotophobia can be described as the Fear of Sex or erotocism. This may also be the actual fear of sexual intercourse which is known as Genophobia, but each person may experience different elements with their own triggers. It is also possible that people suffering from this issue may have a fear of intimacy or possibly sexual intercouse. Dilators can be the first step in helping with penetration fear. 

It's important to recognize that variations in vaginal tightness are normal and can be influenced by various factors, including hormonal changes, stress levels, and sexual activity. Occasional tightness that resolves on its own is usually not a cause for concern. However, persistent or severe tightness warrants attention.

Persistent tightness accompanied by pain, discomfort, or difficulty with penetration may indicate an underlying health issue. If you experience these symptoms, it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider to rule out conditions such as vaginismus, pelvic floor dysfunction, or infections.

If tightness is interfering with your sexual health and overall well-being, seeking medical advice is crucial. A healthcare provider can conduct a thorough evaluation, including a pelvic exam, and recommend appropriate treatments or therapies to address the issue.

What happens when you use a VuVa™ Neodymium Magnetic Dilator? How do I use VuVa™ Dilators? Soft tissue lengthens, relaxing muscles and ligaments. As the tissue relaxes, the Neodymium magnets increase blood flow to the painful area calming nerves. VuVa™ Dilators are the only patented dilators available with Neodymium magnets. VuVa™ Dilators can be used in the privacy of your own home to relax muscles to allow for comfortable intercourse. 

Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness can help reduce muscle tension and promote overall relaxation. Incorporating these techniques into your daily routine can alleviate stress and prevent the pelvic floor muscles from becoming overly tight.

If you're experiencing persistent vaginal tightness or discomfort, seeking medical advice is essential. A healthcare provider can assess your symptoms, conduct necessary tests, and recommend treatments or therapies to improve your comfort and sexual health.

Open communication with your healthcare provider about any concerns regarding vaginal tightness is crucial. Don't hesitate to share your symptoms, experiences, and any changes you've noticed. Your healthcare provider can offer valuable insights, conduct necessary evaluations, and provide appropriate treatments.

Building a trusting relationship with your healthcare provider is essential for addressing intimate health concerns. Find a provider who listens, understands, and respects your needs. Feeling comfortable discussing your sexual health will ensure you receive the best care and support.

Healthcare providers can connect you with additional support and resources, such as pelvic floor therapists, support groups, and educational materials. Accessing these resources can empower you with knowledge and strategies to manage and improve your vaginal health.

Understanding the reasons behind vaginal tightness and its impact on your sexual health is essential for every woman. By recognizing common factors, distinguishing between normal variations and potential health concerns, and seeking appropriate advice, you can maintain and improve your vaginal elasticity and comfort. Prioritize your sexual health and don't hesitate to seek support from healthcare providers for a comfortable and fulfilling intimate life. For more insights and personalized advice, consider booking a consultation with our expert team. Take charge of your sexual health today!

This blog is written by the inventor of the VuVa Magnetic Dilator, Tara Langdale. She has helped over 150,000 women with pelvic floor dysfunction since 2014.