Your vulva is a dynamic part of your body, evolving with you through every stage of life. Understanding these changes is crucial as it empowers you to take proactive steps to keep your intimate health thriving. From the effects of hormonal shifts to collagen loss and pelvic floor health, here's what to expect and how to support your vulva at every age.
Your 20s: Peak Elasticity & Strength
In your 20s, estrogen levels are at their highest, keeping the vulva and vagina generally well-lubricated, elastic, and structurally strong. This decade is often one of exploration and potential vulnerability to infections and irritation.
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Protect Your Vulva: It's crucial to practice safe sex, use barrier protection, and consider HPV vaccination to prevent infections and protect your vulva.
Be Gentle: To maintain the natural pH of your vulva, it's important to avoid harsh soaps, scented products, and bubble baths, which can cause irritation.
Moisturize if Needed: Lubricant is for everybody! If you need an extra boost, use pH-friendly lubricant like SUTIL during sexual activity.
During and After Childbirth
For those who give birth, vaginal and vulvar tissues experience significant stretching and sometimes trauma.
- Strengthen Your Pelvic Floor: Childbirth weakens pelvic muscles, leading to incontinence. Kegel exercises can aid recovery.
- Give Yourself Time to Heal: Postpartum healing varies, but it's essential to prioritize comfort and avoid penetrative sex until fully healed.
- Use Lubrication: Hormonal shifts can cause dryness, making a high-quality lubricant essential for comfort. Look for formulas that are pH friendly and free from parabens and glycerine. We recommend SUTIL a made in Canada formula.
Your 30s: Small Shifts Begin
Even if you haven't given birth, your 30s bring subtle hormonal changes and the potential onset of perimenopause.
- Pelvic floor care: Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles helps prevent incontinence and enhances sexual function.
- Watch for Dryness: Birth control pills may cause vaginal dryness. pH-friendly vaginal moisturizers and lubricants can help.
Your 40s: Perimenopause Kicks In
Perimenopause, the transition into menopause, often begins in the 40s and can last four to eight years. This stage brings significant hormonal fluctuations, particularly a decline in estrogen.
- Vaginal Dryness & Sensitivity: Estrogen supports vaginal lubrication and elasticity. Without it, dryness and discomfort can increase.
- Higher Risk of Infections: A shifting pH balance can make the vulva susceptible to bacterial and yeast infections.
- Hormonal Support Options: Some opt for low-dose birth control or hormone replacement therapy to manage symptoms.
- Moisturize & Lubricate: Regular use of vaginal moisturizers and lubricants can make a big difference.
Your 50s & Beyond: Menopause and Vulvar Atrophy
Menopause marks a significant drop in estrogen and testosterone levels, leading to several notable changes in vulvar and vaginal health.
- Collagen & Elastin Loss: These proteins keep skin supple and elastic. Without them, the vulvar skin becomes thinner and more fragile.
- Testosterone Decline & Libido: A lower libido is common due to decreased testosterone levels, but topical testosterone therapy can help.
- Vulvar-Vaginal Atrophy (VVA): Reduced estrogen leads to vaginal dryness, thinning, and potential discomfort during intercourse.
- Changes in Pubic Hair & Skin: Pubic hair may become sparser, thinner, and gray due to reduced melanin and hormone shifts.
- Urinary Tract Infections & Incontinence: The bladder is affected by estrogen loss, leading to increased UTIs and urgency incontinence.
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse Risk: Weakening of the pelvic floor can lead to the descent of the uterus, bladder, or bowel into the vaginal space.
Luckily, many of these changes can be managed with a combination of treatments:
- Non-Hormonal Treatments: Vaginal moisturizers, lubricants, and pH-balanced washes help combat dryness and irritation.
- Hormonal Treatments: Localized estrogen therapy (creams, tablets, or rings) can restore vaginal tissue health.
- Testosterone Therapy: Available in creams or patches, this may help restore libido for some.
- Pelvic Floor Therapy: Physiotherapy and targeted exercises can prevent prolapse and incontinence.
How to Maintain a Healthy Vulva for Life
✔ Avoid soap! Harsh soaps strip moisture and disrupt your natural microbiome.
✔ Stay Hydrated & Moisturized – A well-hydrated body supports vaginal tissue health.
✔ Do Your Kegels – Functional pelvic floor muscles prevent incontinence and support sexual function.
✔ Check in With Your Doctor or Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist – Regular check-ups help catch issues early.
✔ Prioritize Sexual Wellness – Use lubricants and communicate with partners. Regular orgasms are good for your pelvic floor health!
✔ Consider Hormonal Support – If symptoms of menopause impact your daily life, talk to a healthcare provider about treatment options.
Aging is inevitable, but suffering through discomfort is not. Understanding the natural changes that occur in the vulva and vagina empowers you to take control of your intimate health. Whether you're in your 20s, navigating perimenopause, or embracing postmenopause, your vulva deserves care, attention, and respect. Show it some love—because a healthy, happy vulva contributes to your overall well-being.
