Female Body Concerns / Question
Published: December 8, 2003
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I was wondering if when after you have had sex twice does it still hurt after that? And can you bleed again if the hymen closes? And can the hymen close?
Signed: Can The Hymen Close?
Dear Can The Hymen Close?,
Some women experience some pain the first few times they have sex, due to a variety of reasons. The hymen is a thin tissue that surrounds the vaginal opening. Almost all women are born with an opening in their hymen. If women did not have that natural opening there would be no way for menstrual blood to come out. The first time a woman has intercourse, she may have some discomfort because of the hymen stretching or tearing. This is sometimes referred to as having the "cherry popped." However, not everyone experiences this pain as some women who have them tear through the use of tampons or due to physical exertion such as horse back riding. And, bleeding from intercourse can happen even after the hymen is torn (though, the hymen is the most common natural cause for bleeding), but it has nothing to do with the hymen, but rather with some other type of irritation or scraping. Persistent bleeding after intercourse can be the sign of a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or other medical condition, and so it should be checked on by a doctor.
Sometimes women are very nervous the first few times they have sex and this can cause the vaginal opening not to loosen up enough and getting the penis in might hurt. Trying to push the penis in before the vagina is sufficiently lubricated, or wet, can cause some pain. Saliva or water-based lubricating jelly (NOT VASELINE OR OTHER OIL-BASED LUBRICANTS IF YOU ARE USING A CONDOM, WHICH YOU MOST DEFINITELY SHOULD BE) can help lessen the dryness. FX has actually answered a lot of questions on this topic, so for more information you can check out Does Sex Hurt?
As relationships continue and mature, and partners become more comfortable and relaxed with one another, the pain of having intercourse should lessen a bit. Without the pressure on you to experience sex, you can focus on what a sexual relationship means to each of you. In doing so, you'll be more relaxed, which most likely will lead to a positive and pain-free experience.
If you are going to have sex, please do so safely by using condoms to prevent STDs and pregnancy. Also, if you are sexually active, you and your partner should be seen by a doctor. If you live outside of Northern New Jersey, please call your local Planned Parenthood. If you live in Northern New Jersey, please call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at (973) 889.6350. Both Planned Parenthood and Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health can see teens on a low/no cost basis, confidentially and without your parent's permission for sexual health reasons.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Girls are more likely to intentionally abuse prescription drugs than boys.
