If you experience severe, sharp pain that persists after sex. The Bottom Line

Many people have hymens that are naturally very stretchy, or their hymen may have already thinned or stretched through physical activities like sports, horseback riding, or using tampons.

To minimize the risk of vaginal bleeding and discomfort during first-time sex:

Here is how to achieve that:

If you are a partner reading this: Never, under any circumstances, examine a woman for “proof” of virginity. Never shame her for not bleeding. And never push her to bleed through force. That is not sex; it is assault.

Storylines often suggest there is a "wrong" way to lose virginity (e.g., casual sex) versus a "right" way (within a committed, romantic bond).

The hymen can be stretched or thinned long before sexual intercourse through activities like sports, gymnastics, horseback riding, or the use of tampons.