This article is part of our comprehensive series on vaginal elasticity. For a complete overview of every topic, we recommend starting with The Complete Guide to Vaginal Elasticity.
Changes in your body rarely happen overnight. More often, they begin with subtle whispers—small shifts you might dismiss or feel unsure about. A decline in vaginal elasticity is no different. It's a gradual process, but your body provides clues along the way. Learning to recognize these signs is the key to taking early, effective action to restore strength, tone, and confidence.
If you've felt that something is "different" down there but couldn't quite put your finger on it, this guide is for you. Here are seven of the most common signs that your vaginal elasticity may be declining, what they mean, and the first steps you can take.
1Decreased Sensation During Intercourse
This is often the first and most-discussed sign. You or your partner may notice less friction or a feeling of "looseness" during sex. This happens when the pelvic floor muscles, which contribute to the gripping sensation, have weakened. The vaginal walls themselves may also be less toned, reducing the sensory feedback that makes intimacy pleasurable.
What to do: This is a direct call to action to begin a targeted exercise routine. Learn about the best exercises to improve vaginal elasticity now.
2Tampons Feel Less Secure or Slip Out
Do you find that tampons, which once stayed put for hours, now feel like they're slipping, especially during movement? This is a classic sign of reduced pelvic floor muscle support. The muscles that form the "walls" of the vaginal canal are no longer providing the snug fit required to hold a tampon securely in place.
3Passing Air From the Vagina ("Queefing")
While this can happen to any woman occasionally, a noticeable increase in passing air from the vagina—especially during activities like yoga, stretching, or even just changing positions—can be a sign of laxity. It occurs when the vaginal canal doesn't seal as effectively, allowing air to enter and then be expelled. This is directly related to the tone of the surrounding muscles.
4Leaking Urine When You Cough or Sneeze
This common issue, known as stress urinary incontinence (SUI), is a hallmark of a weakened pelvic floor. The same muscles that support the vaginal walls also support the neck of the bladder. When they lose their strength, they can't provide the "squeeze" needed to keep the urethra closed during moments of abdominal pressure (like a cough, laugh, or jump), resulting in leakage.
5A Feeling of Heaviness or Dragging in the Pelvis
This sensation can be a sign of mild pelvic organ prolapse, where the weakened muscles and connective tissues are no longer providing adequate support for the bladder, uterus, or rectum. This allows one or more of the organs to "sag" downwards into the vagina, creating a feeling of pressure or heaviness. This is particularly common after childbirth and after menopause.
"I tell my patients to listen to these 'small' symptoms. Leaking urine isn't just an inconvenience; it's a direct message from your pelvic floor that it needs strengthening. Addressing it early can prevent more significant issues like prolapse down the line."
— Dr. Emily Carter, OB-GYN
6Changes in Your Orgasms
The rhythmic contractions of the pelvic floor muscles are what produce the physical sensations of an orgasm. When these muscles are weaker, the contractions can feel less intense, shorter in duration, or harder to achieve. If you've noticed a decline in the quality of your orgasms, diminished muscle tone could be a contributing factor.
7Difficulty "Bearing Down"
Reduced elasticity and tone can affect bowel movements. Some women find they need to "splint"—or apply manual pressure to the perineum (the area between the vagina and anus)—to help complete a bowel movement. This indicates that the back wall of the vagina is not providing enough firm support.
Recognizing these signs is not a cause for alarm, but a call to empowerment. Your body is providing feedback, and by listening, you can begin a journey of restoration. The first and most critical step is to start strengthening the muscles that form the foundation of your pelvic health.