Answer: by Raven James: (05/31/2006)
It sounds like what your girlfriend is experiencing may have to do with the hymen. The hymen is a fold of tissue that is usually present from birth and remains intact until penetration of first intercourse. Sometimes, the tissue may be broken by using tampons, or during exercise. The tissue can cause painful first intercourse or penetration of fingers, tampons, etc. In some cases, the tissue is too thick to break easily during intercourse and a medical practitioner may need to make a minor incision.
If a woman manually stretches her hymen before intercourse or penetration, she may be able to minimize the discomfort. To do this, she should insert a lubricated finger (using saliva or a water-soluble lubricant, like KY jelly) into the vaginal opening and press dwonward toward the anus until she feels some stretching. After a few seconds, release the pressure and relax. Repeat this several times. Next, she should insert two fingers into the vagina and stretch the sides of the vagina by opening the fingers. Repeat the downward stretching with two fingers as well. Not masturbating has nothing to do with the hymen breaking, and if she cannot stretch it, she may need to visit a medical practitioner. Good luck and be patient with her, as she is probably very sensitive to the issue!Reviewed by: Patricia Fawver Ph.D. in Sexology
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