It’s easy to be confused about sex. There are so many mixed messages and myths around sex, it can be hard to know what’s true and what’s not. Before you decide to have sex, it’s important that you know the facts.
Here are some important facts about contraception, pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and having sex.
Is having too much sex bad for you? Nope! But remember: it’s not a competition to see how many times you can have sex. Sex is about being intimate with someone you care about. If this isn’t your plan, then you might need to think about what sex means for you.
Is it possible that his penis won’t fit inside me? The vagina is a muscle that can expand and contract. Under tension, it tightens and might need to be relaxed. The vagina can fit comfortably around the penis whatever its size. Just take your time, try to relax and use extra lubricant if you think it might help.
When I go to the bathroom after sex, my vagina stings. Is there something wrong with me? Probably not. Sometimes the thrusting motion during sex can rub the outer lips of the vaginal area, making it sensitive when you are urinating. In some cases, burning when you go to the bathroom can indicate a bladder infection, urinary tract infection, or an STD, so it’s important to have a check-up with a doctor if you’re concerned.
Does sex hurt? Sometimes sex does feel uncomfortable. It could mean you don’t have enough lubrication or you need to try a different position. It could also mean your partner is going too fast, using too much pressure, or that you’re nervous. It could be a combination of all of these. If you’re hurting, stop and talk to your partner. Try some more lubrication, a different position or ask your partner to go slower. If that doesn’t help, then stop. Sex shouldn’t be painful. It’s important to talk to your partner about these issues and work out ways to make sex more comfortable. If you find that sex still hurts, you might want to go to your doctor to see if he/she can see if there is a medical reason for your pain.
Will a condom protect me from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)? A condom will protect you from some STDs, but not all of them. There are some STDs that can be transmitted by skin–to-skin contact, like genital warts, HPV and genital herpes and a condom will not provide 100% protection against these. Check out the Intro to STDs fact sheet for more information.
Acknowledgement: This fact sheet was originally developed by youth and staff at ReachOut.com, a website that helps teens get through tough times.
