Female Body Concerns / Question
Published: December 3, 2002
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I haven't started my period yet, and I am afraid to have my boyfriend finger me. I don't want my cherry to pop all over his fingers.
Signed: Don't Want Cherry To Pop
Dear Don't Want Cherry To Pop,
You cannot control when or if your "cherry" or hymen will pop. The hymen, a membranous fold that covers the vaginal opening can sometimes be broken or stretched through vigorous exercise or by using a tampon. It is not necessarily broken just by sexual intercourse or by fingering.
If you are uncomfortable with your boyfriend "popping your cherry" perhaps you are not comfortable with the situation in general. This is a level of intimacy in any relationship and you should be comfortable emotionally and physically sharing your body with someone. You should reevaluate your feelings and examine if this is something you really feel comfortable doing. Any sexual activity for the first time may involve discomfort and bleeding. Knowing that this is a natural part of the experience is important.
Since you have concerns and are thinking about becoming sexually involved with someone, you should talk to your doctor or visit your local teen health center. A local teen health center can see you at little or no cost with absolute confidentiality. You can get information and if you decide to become sexually active, learn to practice safer sex. If you live in northern New Jersey and would like help finding a doctor you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973.971.6475. You can also check out Planned Parenthood, to locate your local Planned Parenthood center.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Teens with untreated depression are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors, leading to higher rates of teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
