SexualHealth.com
 The Sexual Health Network is dedicated to providing easy access to sexuality information, education, support, and other resources.
Home Login Home contact us | privacy policy | Fri Sep 05 2008   
Men's Sexual Health
Women's Sexual Health
Love & Relationships
Sexuality Education
Disability & Chronic Condition
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Sexual Health Resources
Shopping


Register to join our community  
Join Our Newsletter:


 
print this page
Question:
Hi I had exprienced foreplay with my boyfriend for the first time and saw a little bit of blood comming from the vaginal opening after foreplay I know I don't have an infection but is there some way to treat it or will it stop on it's own?

Answer:
by Konstance McCaffree:
()
On the information your provided I see that you referred to the foreplay as "rough" and you also talked about painful intercourse. I hope that you will talk to your boyfriend about your feelings as well as getting an answer from me. If the foreplay or various kinds of sex acts you engage in are painful to you (even though they may be seem pleasurable for your boyfriend) you need to let him know. A partner cannot know what we are feeling and if we don't say anything the partner won't change the behavior since they assume it is positive. There are many times when rough foreplay or sex behavior can cause bleeding (and also be pleasurable) so I am not suggesting you stop it if you are enjoying it as well. The bleeding may not continue or happen only at times when the play has been rougher than usual. The reason there is bleeding is that during sexual arousal there is blood flow to the genital area and the blood vessels which are called capillaries are on the surface. They are more likely to be rubbed and slightly opened in rough play. When your body is used to the touching, the skin can get a little tougher and not bleed as often. You can also minimize the bleeding by having your boyfriend (and you) use a water-based lubricant during the sex play. KY jelly or Astroglide or other similar substances (not oil based ones) can be used to keep the skin cells from being rubbed off. Your partner can put it on his fingers for touching, or put it on a latex condom covering a penis. You become protected AND also will find that the lubricant keeps the skin cells from rubbing off so much. The lubrication also creates more pleasure. Thanks for asking the question.

Reviewed by: Patricia Fawver Ph.D. in Sexology

This question appears in the following topics: