Female Body Concerns / Question
Published: May 27, 2004
Dear TeenHealthFX,
Should my girlfriend worry about her hymen after it has been broken? Should she be scared of the bleeding/pain happeneing again? Will she go through any of this again? Thanks for your help.
Signed: Worry About Hymen After It Has Broken?
Dear Worry About Hymen After It Has Broken?,
The hymen is a thin membrane that surrounds the vaginal opening. It only partially blocks the opening, and the first time some women have intercourse, there is some pain and bleeding that occurs because this membrane is being broken. The hymen will not grow back once it has been torn, and thus your girlfriend will not have these problems again due to her hymen tearing.
However, occasionally, there is some mild discomfort and bleeding for women after intercourse. The vagina needs to be sufficiently lubricated (wet) to help the penis slide in and out, and any vigorous and/or prolonged thrusting might lead to some pain for certain women. As women have more frequent sex, the muscles of their vagina begin to relax a bit, and it's easier for the penis to fit inside comfortably, which can also lessen any discomfort associated with intercourse. In addition, the skin inside the vagina is thin and sensitive, and can suffer some little abrasions or cuts during sex, which might bleed a little bit afterwards. With appropriate foreplay and the use of water-based lubricants if necessary, sex should be a pleasurable experience for both parties involved.
Any discussion on sex would not be complete without a talk about safer sex. If you are going to have sex, please practice safer sex by using condoms to prevent STDs and pregnancy. Also, if you are sexually active, a doctor should see you and your partner. 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) 971.6475. 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
One in four teenage girls in the 
