I am an 18-year-old virgin and have been trying to have sex with my boyfriend for the last couple weeks. The first time we tried to have sex, he could penetrate me only an inch or two before I would feel a sharp stretching pain and we had to stop. We have tried twice after that, both times with plenty of foreplay and lubricant, yet the same thing happened. He has been able to get in a little farther but at a certain point I still feel that same sharp stretching pain. It is more than just a little discomfort, it is about a 7 out of 10. Is this a normal pain to feel since I am a virgin? I am wondering if I should just bear the initial penetrative pain if it is just for the first time. Is there anything I can do to minimize the pain? I really want to have sex with my boyfriend but it is just so painful.

This is quite normal for some women. Unfortunately, the only thing you really can do is just push past the pain. Each time from then on will be less painful.

Now, I do want to caution you. Pregnancy is always a possibility. Are you trying to conceive? Remember that there is no form of birth control that is 100% effective.