Vaginal rugae

The rugae contribute to the resiliency and elasticity of the vagina and its ability to distend and return to its previous state.

The cross section of the vagina normally forms a shape that resembles the letter 'H' due to these structures.

[9] The appearance and presence of vaginal rugae change over the life span of females and are associated with hormonal cycles, estrogens, childbirth, puberty and menopause.

[12] Other small structures or protrusions can be Gartner's duct cysts, patches of endometrial tissue, and benign tumors.

[15] The absence of vaginal rugae seen in the normal vagina of a healthy woman may be an indication of a prolapsed bladder (cystocele) or rectocele.

By the third week postpartum, the vagina has become much smaller and the rugae begin to reform on the vaginal walls.