Your body undergoes many changes as you age and this includes your vagina. These changes can occur because of hormonal variations, skin issues, and chronic illnesses. While you may notice differences in your vagina at any time, these can become more obvious in your 40s and 50s.
Vaginal Health Under 40 vs. Over 40
Vaginal health in UNDER 40
During your 20’s and 30’s your libido may have been on overdrive. If you’re sexually active, especially if you have sex frequently, you may experience urinary tract infections (UTI) as bacteria travel from the vagina to the urethra.
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During your 30s, your inner labia may darken due to hormone changes. If you become pregnant, vaginal discharge may increase and appear milky. It may have a mild odor, but should not be green, yellow, or smell bad or fishy.
After giving birth, your vagina may have lost some of its elasticity and stretch more than usual. Over time, most vaginas will return to almost pre-birth size. Kegel exercises can help by strengthening pelvic floor muscles and restoring vaginal tone.
Oral contraceptives may have caused vaginal changes such as increased vaginal discharge, vaginal dryness, and breakthrough bleeding. These symptoms often resolve on their own. If they persist, consult your doctor.
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Vaginal health OVER 40
Thanks to perimenopause, the timespan just before you stop menstruating, your vagina goes through significant changes in your 40s. As estrogen levels in your body decrease, your vaginal walls become thinner and drier. This is known as vaginal atrophy and may cause:
Having regular sex helps slow the progression of vaginal atrophy by increasing blood flow to the vagina and keeping it elastic. Over-the-counter vaginal moisturizers or applying a vaginal estrogen cream may also help combat vaginal dryness.
8 Ways Your Vagina Changes in Your 40s
1. It Can be More Prone to Infections
Changes in your estrogen levels mean that your vaginal walls are thinner and more prone to tearing. The balance of microorganisms in your vagina can also shift so that you get infections more easily.
2. There may be Dryness
You owe the moisture in your vagina to regular estrogen levels. As these fluctuate in your 40s due to a natural decline in the function of your ovaries, you may get dryer down there than you’re used to. Even though the average age of menopause is 51, many women start to experience vaginal dryness because of perimenopause. Black women tend to experience menopause earlier one to two years earlier than the average.
3. The Hair may Thin Out
It’s common for the hair on your head to get thinner as you age and the same thing can happen to your pubic hair. Apart from thinning hair, you may also see some gray hairs there.
4. The Pelvic Floor may Weaken
If you’ve given birth, you may experience some weakness in your pelvic floor over time. Your pelvic floor is comprised of muscles that support your bladder, vagina, bowels, and uterus but can get damaged during childbirth. Even if you haven’t given birth, your muscles can lose some tone due to a decrease in estrogen that strengthens the muscles in your pelvic floor.
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5. The Discharge may Change
It’s common to have a slight drop in discharge production when you hit your 40s. It may also become a little thinner if you’re approaching menopause. However, this discharge should never have a foul odor or cause itchiness, so talk to your doctor if that occurs.
6. There may be Shrinkage
When your estrogen levels are within range, the hormone maintains a certain plumpness in your vagina, vulva, labia, and clitoris. Any reduction in these levels can mean that your vaginal walls are less supple, your labia may droop, and your clitoris may shrink. Additionally, your vagina may get narrower and shorter.
7. The pH Changes
Studies show that your vaginal pH can increase when you’re in your 40s. Some people may not notice any issues but others may have increased dryness, discomfort during sex, and increased risk of getting a vaginal infection because of the higher pH. If there’s a smelly discharge, though, you need to see a doctor.
8. Sex may Feel Different
Many women report that sex feels different as they age. In your 40s, you may have increased discomfort because of changes in your vagina due to a decline in natural lubrication. This can be attributed to vaginal tissue being thinner and drier.
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How to Deal With Them
Not all of the changes you experience in your 40s will need to be addressed. For example, having less hair isn’t something that might bother you. However, the other issues listed can significantly affect your quality of life if you don’t do anything about them. Fortunately, you can take care of problems like vaginal dryness and painful sex by using lubricants or moisturizers. Certain supplements can also help to balance your vagina’s microbial environment and restore some of its suppleness.
When it comes to your pelvic floor, it’s a good idea to explore exercises like Kegels that can give you back the muscle tone you need. Depending on the severity, you can consult with a pelvic floor physical therapist as well.
When to see Your Doctor
Though you can handle some issues on your own, sometimes you need a doctor. If nothing you’ve tried is working, you should have a discussion with your doctor about an underlying condition to evaluate your hormone levels especially if you’re aged 40-45. However, you may just be experiencing perimenopause and depending on which symptoms, estrogen therapy may be effective. However, other illnesses can affect your estrogen levels as well. This includes polycystic ovarian syndrome, thyroid disorders, and an ineffective pituitary gland. If you have any of these conditions, only medical intervention will make a difference.
Several things can change about your vagina as you age. Sometimes, you can use over-the-counter treatments or supplements to ease your discomfort but more serious issues mean you should get in touch with your doctor.
Medically Reviewed By:
Joyce Idehen, MD
Joyce earned her Bachelor's in Nursing from Prairie View A&M before completing her medical degree at the American University of Antigua. She is the Social Media Manager for Black Girl White Coat, a nonprofit that mentors and motivates underrepresented minorities in medicine.
