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.