Females: Pain/Burning During Or After Penetration / Question
Published: October 24, 2002
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I am a 17 year old who has sex with her boyfriend without a condom and uses birth control. Me and my boyfriend both got tested for STDs when we began to have unprotected sex. When we first began to have sex we could do it almost all day without any pain or discomfort and that was like a year and a half ago. Lately though we could go at it and sooner or later it would begin to hurt so we would stop. Then to add salt to the wound, it would also hurt when I would urinate after sex. Could you please tell me what is wrong with me?
Signed: Uncomfortable Lover
Dear Uncomfortable Lover,
TeenHealthFX is glad to hear that you are using birth control and have been tested with your boyfriend for STDs. We urge you though to reconsider using a condom if you are going to continue to have sex. Even though it sounds like you both are careful about your sexual health and are aware of the risks associated with having sex, condoms are really the only way to be sure to protect yourself against infection.
As far as pain with and after intercourse goes, we can tell you that although what you are experiencing is not uncommon, sex should be a pleasurable experience. You can take a look at our answer to Does Sex Hurt for more information on this subject, but what you really need to do is see a doctor who can diagnose the problem and help you to feel better.
Even though it may be embarrassing to talk with your doctor, these are important issues for you and your health. Doctors are accustomed to listening to all sorts of symptoms - they are trained to listen to your concerns and to try to discover what your health issues are. Telling the truth about what is going on in your body is essential in order for your doctor to help you. If you live in northern
Signed: TeenHealthFX
About 44% of rape victims are under age 18. Three out of every twenty victims (15%) are under age 12. 
