TeenHealthFX - Answers - Normal To Bleed During Sex?

Female Body Concerns / Question
Published: January 7, 2004

Dear TeenHealthFX,

I would like to know if its normal to bleed the first few times you have sex. Will it ever go away? Do you know anybody that this has happen to? I would like to know how did things turn out so that I have an idea of what I should do. It's my first time ever having sex and nobody but me and my boyfriend know about it. In the meanwhile while I wait for your respond me and my boyfriend have made the decision to give it a break for at least a month. Get back to me as soon as possible.

Signed: Normal To Bleed During Sex?

Dear Normal To Bleed During Sex?,

It is normal to bleed the first time you have sex. Often, a woman's hymen breaks during her first experience with sexual intercourse, and this can cause some pain and blood. You might continue to bleed a tiny bit the next couple of times you have sex, but the bleeding should not go on much longer than that.

If you continue to bleed during intercourse, you will need to see a doctor. If you do not have a doctor and you live in Northern New Jersey, please call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at (973) 971.6475. If you live elsewhere, get in touch with your local adolescent health center or clinic, or Planned Parenthood.

It's possible that tearing inside your vagina causes this bleeding. When you decide to have intercourse again, we recommend that you use lots of lubricant. In addition, we hope you are both taking care of yourselves and each other by having sex safely.

Signed: TeenHealthFX