Body & health

Vagina

Alsovaginal canalvaginasbirth canal

Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.

Definition

The vagina is a muscular, elastic canal that connects the vulva on the outside of the body with the cervix and uterus inside.

At a glance

  • The vagina is an elastic, muscular canal linking the vulva to the cervix and uterus.
  • Menstrual blood leaves the body through it, and it serves as the birth canal in vaginal delivery.
  • A healthy vagina is kept slightly acidic by bacteria, mainly lactobacilli.
  • It is self-cleaning, so douching and internal washing are not needed and can upset its balance.
  • Changes in discharge, odour, itching or pain can signal an infection such as bacterial vaginosis or thrush.

In detail

The vagina has several roles: menstrual blood leaves the body through it, it is the birth canal during vaginal delivery, and it is involved in some kinds of sex. Its walls are lined with a moist mucous membrane and can stretch and return to their resting shape.

The vagina keeps itself healthy through a balance of bacteria, mainly lactobacilli, that keep it slightly acidic. It is self-cleaning, so douching and internal washing are not needed and can upset that balance. Changes in discharge, odour, itching or pain can signal an infection such as bacterial vaginosis or thrush and are worth getting checked.

In a sentence

  • The biology teacher explained that the vagina is internal, while the vulva is the outside part.
  • My doctor said the vagina cleans itself and that I could stop using the scented wash.

Where the word comes from

From Latin vagina, meaning a sheath or scabbard. Anatomists adopted the word for the internal canal in the early modern period.

Not to be confused with

  • Vulva

    The vulva is the external genital area; the vagina is the internal canal.

Common questions

Do I need to clean inside my vagina?

No. The vagina is self-cleaning and keeps a healthy balance of bacteria on its own. Douching and internal washing can disturb that balance and make infections more likely. Washing the outside (the vulva) gently with water is usually enough. If you notice a change in discharge or smell, a sexual health clinic or doctor can check what is going on.

Does the vagina stay stretched after sex or childbirth?

The vaginal walls are elastic and return to their resting shape after stretching. Childbirth can affect the pelvic floor muscles around it, which is why postnatal care often includes pelvic floor advice. Anyone with concerns after birth can talk to a midwife, doctor or pelvic health physiotherapist.

Related terms

Sources

  1. Planned ParenthoodWhat are the parts of the female sexual anatomy?
  2. MedlinePlusVaginal Diseases