For some women, the first sexual intercourse can be synonymous with pain, while for others not. It was more like bleeding. Why ? Can you prevent pain when losing your virginity?
Bleeding, pain… The first sexual intercourse, the one where one says “losing one’s virginity” can be feared for these effects which vary according to the women but can occur. Why can we have pain? Because of the tearing of the hymen? Is it mandatory? Explanations and advice from Dr François-Xavier Aubriot, gynecologist.
The hymen is a very thin membrane that partially closes the opening of the vagina. It has no physiological function. Each woman has her own hymen since its size and shape depend on each woman. The hymen can break during the first sexual intercourse but this is not always the case.
“A little pain can appear during the first sexual intercourse. It mainly depends on the partner, how he does it and if it’s his first sexual intercourse too”, says Dr. François-Xavier Aubriot, gynecologist. The pain can be linked to a lack of lubrication in the vagina, because there has not been enough foreplay, because the woman is stressed… Depending on the women, tearing of the hymen can also be more or less painful during the first sexual intercourse.
This pain is not systematic, each sexual intercourse is unique and each woman is different. Due to a somewhat awkward penetration, pain is possible.
To avoid pain during the first sexual intercourse, some solutions exist. “The most important thing is not to neglect the preliminaries and to approach this moment gently. Partners must favor dialogue. During this first sexual intercourse, it may be necessary to use lubricants to facilitate penetration. Some women also suffer from vaginal dryness which makes this moment painful. It is essential that this first relationship goes well”, explains Dr. Aubriot. The gynecologist also recalls the importance of protecting yourself and wearing a condom.
Pain after first intercourse is not abnormal, it is felt by many women. Often she is related to the stress of the woman who contracts the muscle of her vagina during penetration. However, if the pain continues during intercourse
following sexual intercourse, do not hesitate to talk about it with your gynecologist.
Men do not feel pain the first time they have sex. However, they may have some difficulty maintaining their erection and may ejaculate quickly.
Some women experience pain the first time they have sex after giving birth. Again, no generalization. “The pain depends on each woman’s perineum, the scar and the presence of a episiotomy. Poor or incomplete healing can cause pain during sex. It is necessary to wait until the healing of the sutures is complete. For patients who have gave birth with a caesarean, no pain is felt during intercourse”, explains Dr. Aubriot. To find a fulfilling sexuality after giving birth, the most important thing is to take your time, to talk to your partner and not to put pressure on yourself.
Thanks to Dr. François-Xavier Aubriot, gynecologist and author of the book Endometriosis (published by Mango) and Désir d’enfants, 100 essential tips.