Many women complain that their vaginas are “too tight” or “too loose,” and many men raise the issue about lovers. Notions of vaginal tightness and looseness are fraught with mythology. Here’s the rare truth.

First, let’s review the myths. Many people believe that (1) the virgin vagina is extremely tight, (2) that loss of virginity permanently loosens it, (3) that frequent sex loosens it more (so don’t be promiscuous, girls!), and (4) that childbirth loosens the vagina even more and for a long time after, possibly forever. All wrong.

In this article:

• Myths About Vaginal Tightness and Looseness
• Why the Vagina May Feel Tight
• How the Vagina Relaxes for Comfortable Sex
• Red Flag: Tightness Plus Pain
• Sex Does NOT Permanently Stretch and Loosen the Vagina
• The Effects of Aging and Childbearing
• How to Re-Tighten a Loose Vagina