In mammals , the vagina is the elastic, muscular part of the female genital tract. In humans, it extends from the vulva to the cervix. The outer vaginal opening is normally partly covered by a membrane called the hymen. At the deep end, the cervix neck of the uterus bulges into the vagina. The vagina allows for sexual intercourse and birth. It also channels menstrual flow menses , which occurs in humans and closely related primates as part of the monthly menstrual cycle.
Vaginas 101
Lopsided Vagina: 9 Different Labia Shapes, Colors, and Sizes
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. Other sources suggest that the average range of size may be about 3 to 7 inches approximately 7. In fact, the depth of the vagina from the opening to the tip of the cervix can measure anywhere up to 7 inches 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.
23 Vagina Facts You’ll Want to Tell All Your Friends
Vaginas — or more accurately, vulvas, and all their components — come in different shapes, sizes, and colors. They even have different smells. And unless your normal involves pain or discomfort , everything is likely fine.
One of the most consistent corrections HuffPost Women gets comes any time one of our writers uses the word "vagina" to refer to a woman's entire genital area, as opposed to the more anatomically accurate "vulva. Look, we get it. There is a difference between the vagina and the vulva and indeedy, loyal readers, we know what it is. There's a very good argument to be made for why terminology matters, especially when it comes to issues as important as women's bodies, their personal authority over those bodies and their sexual health.