I was just wondering if it's true that after a female gives birth, her vagina stays a lot looser then before they gave birth?

The short answer is that the outer and inner vaginal muscles react to the birth by accommodating the size of the baby. That said, a woman might expect some change in tone. However, like most any muscle in the body, it can be exercised to regain control. In fact, after giving birth and later aging, it probably is wise to begin practicing these exercises called Kegel, as maintenance. - Answer provided by Stephen Craig Heelan, M.S., R.M.H.C.I Diplomate American Board of Sexology Practicing Forensic Sexology Forensic Court Services, defray7600@mypacks.net, www.genesisforensicgroup.com.

When a woman gives natural childbirth through the vaginal canal, it does tend to stretch out the vagina. The skin in the vagina has more elasticity when she is in her teens and twenties, and loses some of its elasticity over time. Depending on her age and physical condition, the vagina may return to more of a normal size once it heals following childbirth.
- Answer provided by Krista Bloom, Ph.D. Board Certified Clinical Sexologist, Drbloom@healingcouch.com, www.healingcouch.com.

Yes. Your vagina is stretched a lot, and it takes time for it to go back to its original shape. Actually it never goes back to the original, but it can go to a great place. - Answer provided by Michael Gonzales, Ph.D., mfgonzal@speakeasy.net, www.upasoc.com.

After pregnancy, the vaginal muscle tone can be hard to regain, especially if there were tears during the birthing process. It is helpful to start a regimen of exercise including abdominal crunches, leg lifts and knee reaches as well as several hundred kegel exercises every day. Elizabeth Noble in her book, "Essential Exercises for the Childbearing Year" has a good outline of all the activities that should be done postpartum. - Answer provided by Parvonae Fernandez, M.A., Psy.D., southfloridasexpert@gmail.com, www.myspace.com/southfloridasexpert

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