The vaginal rugae are small folds or ridges that line the interior walls of the vagina. They resemble fingerprints, but smaller in size. Vaginal rugae help the vagina to stretch during penetrative sex, birth, and any other medical procedure. Without these fleshy ridges, women would be unable to have babies and experience painful sex. These tiny structures also assist the vagina to expel menstrual blood every month, regulate fluid flow and lubrication levels inside it.
We will learn more about the importance of vaginal rugae. Why do they exist? How do they function? What happens if they become damaged? Let's dive right into the details!
Let's start by understanding what these little protrusions mean for reproductive health. During sexual intercourse, the vaginal muscles contract and expand to accommodate the penis. The inner wall of the vagina is lined with numerous ridges called "rugosities". When the penis enters the vagina, it presses against them. This triggers contractions of the surrounding smooth muscle fibers which enhances friction between partners and increases sensations experienced by both parties.
Vaginal rugae promote semen retention within the female body, promoting fertilization when needed.
Vaginal rugae play a crucial role in childbirth too! During labor, they allow for easy passage of an infant through the narrow birth canal while protecting sensitive tissues from damage or tearing. After giving birth, the rugae shrink back to their original shape to prevent bleeding and minimize discomfort caused by excessive tissue stretching.
Vaginal rugae help maintain balance within the pelvic region. They form a natural barrier that prevents unwanted fluids from leaking out of the uterus during menstrual cycles, helping regulate hormones released into the bloodstream during pregnancy and other times when sex hormones are high. They also keep microorganisms from entering the urinary tract and causing infections such as cystitis (bladder inflammation) and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). In short, these tiny folds contribute to overall reproductive health and well-being.
Some women may experience complications related to their vaginal rugae. The most common issue is a painful condition known as vulvar vestibulitis syndrome (VVS), where nerve endings become hypersensitive due to overstimulation or injury. Other causes include STIs, allergic reactions to spermicides or lubricants used during intercourse, or medications taken beforehand. When VVS occurs, it can cause extreme pain upon penetration which makes intimacy difficult if not impossible without treatment. Fortunately, treatments like topical steroids exist for this problem along with alternative therapies like acupuncture or massage therapy which can be helpful in easing symptoms naturally.
We must consider how trauma affects vaginal rugae too! Accidents involving bicycles or horses, for example, may lead to cuts or tears on the outer surface of the vagina. If this happens repeatedly, scar tissue may form making future sexual encounters uncomfortable or even excruciating due to lack of elasticity within the walls of the vagina itself. Such injuries need prompt medical attention to prevent long term damage that might require surgery later down the road.
Vaginal rugae are crucial structures that support female fertility and sexual pleasure while also protecting against infection risks associated with sexually transmitted diseases. They allow for easy passage of an infant through the narrow birth canal during labor and help maintain balance within the pelvic region throughout pregnancy by regulating hormones released into the bloodstream at various stages of development.
They can also become damaged through accidents/injury leading to complications such as vulvar vestibulitis syndrome (VVS). Therefore, it's important for all women to take care of their reproductive health by learning about these tiny folds and seeking professional advice when necessary.