Comments

1
Asshole, indeed. I pity straight women who have to screw straight men.
2
I'd think investing in a dual action rabbit vibrator-ildo from Babeland might be a really good plan. I don't know if she's practiced penetration or not, but -- seems wise to get used to penetration if that's still a new-ish thing.

Good luck: sorry your last lover was a selfish jackass.
3
It's not normal to still be bleeding several months after first sex. She definitely needs to see a doc.
4
sorry on behalf of decent guys everywhere...
5
Since @3 was an unregistered user, let me just reiterate: you should not still be bleeding. Please see a compassionate doctor soon.
6
Yep. Not everyone who has a dick is one.
7
Consent to sex can be withdrawn at anytime, and being "extremely physically rough despite my protestations" is rape.

It's not just selfish, or being an asshole - it's illegal.

Confidential support and referrals to local resources are available from RAINN:

1.800.656.HOPE
8
Echoing the advice to see a doctor. Bleeding after several months isn't normal. It sounds like some tissues were torn and haven't been able to heal.

It seems like a perfectly reasonable reaction to be afraid that sex will be painful if the only experience she's had was painful, and there may be some residual damage, but I can't see any reason to be nervous that "being past 30 with one terrible sexual experience to my name is even more hard to explain than being an older virgin." NONE. She was an older virgin for a presumably good reason. The fact that the sexual experience was terrible doesn't reflect on her in any way; that the guy was brutal and insensitive isn't her fault. If this happened only a few months ago, it is much the same as being a virgin past 30. In fact, most of the same issues exist, issues which call for slowness and gentleness and sensitivity.

Everyone makes mistakes in sizing up people and people often misrepresent themselves. That she was misled by her last boyfriend doesn't mean her new one will or should look down on her for exhibiting poor judgment.

All she needs to say is that she has little sexual experience (she isn't required to mention how recently she lost her virginity if she doesn't want to), and that her last experience was traumatic and too rough for her, leaving her a bit gun shy. She can say that she wants to take things very slowly and gently and that he needs to listen to her if she tells him to slow down or stop, but that she thinks he's sexy as hell and she looks forward to savoring a slow and anticipation-built approach to the moment where they pull out all the stops and go full steam ahead.

I wish her good luck and I hope she has a great sexual experience that unfolds slowly and in stages.
9
Just because people often forget this when it comes to vaginas: There are a lot of muscles involved down there. Just as having pain associated with an anal intercourse experience can make it hard for a person to voluntarily relax the muscles involved and enjoy it subsequently, the same can happen with vaginas.

Assuming nothing is physically wrong (and I'm with the people suggesting seeing a doctor if the bleeding is still going on), keep in mind that your vagina is a muscular organ and those muscles may tense involuntarily because of the previous unpleasant experience. Extreme cases are part of a condition called vaginismus, but lots of women will have, at one time or another, "nope, fuck this, ain't happening" experiences where their vagina just isn't in the mood to be penetrated.

So follow Dan's advice. Build back up to penetration slowly. Try to associate pleasure with penetration prior to trying intercourse, like with fingers, your new guy's tongue, small toys, etc. Don't push yourself, because you want to avoid any further pain.
10
So sorry for your terrible experience Gun Shy. I agree with Dan and everyone saying you should seek medical care right away. Spotting or bleeding that is not menstruation could be a sign of a sexually transmitted infection or pregnancy as well as trauma. Planned Parenthood would be a great resource if you don't have a gynecologist or nurse practitioner already. Definitely see someone before you attempt vaginal sex again. I also second Dan's advice to take PIV off the menu and stick to oral/manual sex at first. I also like the idea of getting accustomed to vaginal penetration with toys before trying PIV again. Finally, don't be afraid to use plenty of lube, whether with toys or PIV. It might make things a lot more comfortable, especially if you are using condoms (which I hope is the case since this is a new partner). Best of luck!
11
I agree with the see a doctor advice, but once you've been checked, healed up, and are ready for intercourse - use a lot of lube. You can consider using less later as you get more experienced, but err on the side of a lot of lube. The first several times, you may have more difficulty and being over 30, you may have more difficulty lubricating. These things combine to mean - use a lot of lube. It is likely to both make it more enjoyable and less painful. You are less likely to have a host of unpleasant side effects that can come from insufficient lubrication and better odds of it feeling good. It'll probably also make things better for your partner; so win-win.
12
@Dan, +1.

DRF @6, well said. Thank you.
13
When I lost my virginity I bled quite a bit for over a month. The doctor told me my hymen hadn't fully broken and that it would need to be surgically snipped the rest of the way if the bleeding didn't stop (thankfully it did). She definitely needs to see a doctor ASAP and take extra care to keep the wound clean so she doesn't get an infection. This hurts like hell... I wish her the lady parts a speedy recovery.
14
When I lost my virginity I bled quite a bit for over a month. The doctor told me my hymen hadn't fully broken and that it would need to be surgically snipped the rest of the way if the bleeding didn't stop on its own (thankfully it did). She definitely needs to see a doctor ASAP and take extra care to keep the wound clean so she doesn't get an infection. This hurts like hell... I wish her the lady parts a speedy recovery.
15
Dear GS:

If you can't be comfortable talking with your partner...

Given that you aren't a teen, treat your age as an advantage: act like an adult that expects respect. In your thirties you should expect it most anywhere, even in your own body.

Peace
16
Any decent guy would happily go slowly and gently. I know I would. And it wouldn't be the least bit of a turnoff either. I'd be proud to give a woman her first (pleasurable) sexual experience.
17
I'd incline more to liken his reaction to drawing from a deck of cards than to the coin flip that is presented, but don't disagree with anything stated in Mr Savage's answer, assuming the usual forms of logic apply.

People seem to be inferring that the new man will be much more experienced than she is; what if he isn't? Is hers a case requiring someone who's navigated the situation much more often?
18
Damn girl just suck his dick n take it in the ass instead,
19
Nothing wrong with messing around without intercourse, or with going slow, or with letting the lady lead while she gets comfortable. All of that sounds fun, actually. Best of luck to her.
20
I challenge Dan's comment in that the way the guy reacts will be a solid indicator of whether he'll be humane in the sack. People lie to get laid. Men and women.

Just, saying if the guy you're dating does the same thing, it doesn't mean the whole world out there is like that.
21
@7 Agreed that she should seek help, b/c no should mean no. Though not a virgin, I had a similar experience with a much older guy when I was 20. It started out consensual, but I asked him to stop. It took him a minute to stop and then I was crying, b/c it took him so damned long to get off of me. Any normal guy would have lost his boner when he saw me crying, but not this asshole piece of shit. After I stopped crying he wanted to keep going- what happened after that was a blurry grey line, b/c in some ways I gave in and didn't say no a second time. Not quite rape, but you would think that saying no, stopping in mid-intercourse and crying would have been enough to keep him from trying to finish. I don't know if this letter writer was raped or if she may have implied in some way that her partner could continue- not enough details. But even if she wasn't raped, she experienced sexual trauma and should seek professional help from a mental health professional.
22
@9 & @10 +1

Lube, and be careful of vaginismus and a "classically conditioned" response developing. You may want to use a dildo / vibrator for a while even if you don't use one so you get used to the sensations of penetration. There are specially designed small sizes (narrow) that then steadily get wider avail. from physicians in order for you to get used to the sensations of penetration and stretch so penetrative penis-in-vagina will feel good.

Definitely see a gynecologist -- some women have particularly thick hymen tissue / small opening which may need to be surgically addressed in a simple procedure called a hymenectomy. Some women need to use the vaginal dilators (sized dildos) even after this and for a few, penis-in-vagina sex is never comfortable, but that's quite a small %.

You also may have something like vaginal or cervical polyps. Planned Parenthood is sliding scale if you don't have insurance, and if you are rich, go to your in-network gyn and donate some money to planned parenthood!
23
Don't forget to wrap each other in plastic wrap and wear rubber gloves, dental dams and condoms on every appendage for a romantic experience.
24
Definitely get to a doctor before you try any kind of penetration (even just fingers) with this new guy! If you've still got some unhealed tissues, you don't want to reopen any wounds.

Good luck - and I wonder if it would help you to find a place where you can read other people's experiences of losing their virginity. It definitely isn't fun for everyone.
25
"unless he's some sort of Jekyll & Hyde freak who becomes a totally different person during vaginal intercourse—which seems highly unlikely"
Dude, did you even WATCH season 2 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer?
26
@25, you win the Internet for the week
27
@25, delightful!
28
@ 21, thank you - you articulate what I was trying to say earlier far better than I did @7.

I am worried that the LW is not only inexperienced with sex, but also unsure and unaware about their own rights to say no at any time during sex.

Dan has previously been awesome about identifying this issue, and my hope is that the LW reviews the archives to find his advice.
29
I have to disagree with Dan's assumption that a nan who sounds sympathetic necessarily will be. I agree with @20. People lie. "Trust me. I'm nothing like that guy," is exactly the kind of lie I'd expect from a freak. Now, on the other hand, if the new guy suggests going slow and taking p-in-v off the table for a while, and if he sticks to that plan and actually IS gentle and not rushing to fuck right away--that you can trust.
30
Captain Obvious here: If you are still occasionally bleeding "a few months" later, you have a wound that is remaining open. You really need to see a doctor about this, to either stitch a rent closed or to finish breaking your hymen (surgically, this time) as someone else mentioned.

In any case, no PIV intercourse until you get that wound taken care of, are properly healed up, and aren't bleeding at random anymore!

Seriously: make that doctor's appointment TODAY. Sorry to sound alarmist, but the longer you leave the injury open, the more likely you are to develop scar tissue, which will wreak havoc all its own on your sexual response. PLEASE go get thoroughly examined and have whatever is wrong there treated, asap.
31
I think most male-person grown-ups are fully aware that women are sometimes treated badly by men, and certainly by age approximately-30 it (sadly) shouldn't be at all surprising for him to learn that you've had a bad experience. Once you're physically healed and ready to move forward, I wouldn't expect it to be difficult to start the conversation. ("Listen, I need to tell you something about me...") I think I'm an average fella, and I certainly wouldn't be freaked out by that. He may run away (and good job finding that out early), but, more likely, he'll welcome the opportunity to do better for you on your terms. Either way, you win. (Or just show him this letter and the responses.)
32
It could also be bleeding from areas other than your hymen that aren't necessarily indicative of serious damage - I've bled for three weeks before after totally normal sex. Got a tender cervix and apparently I'm just a "bleeder" now. "Hormone related" and "we don't know why" was the reason according to the gynocologist(s). Wonderful how female health issues don't get researched. Only way to avoid it is to be really really warmed up ahead of time - you being new to this stuff will make that more of a challenge for a while probably because it'll be harder for you to relax, but it's doable. If you had pain deep, maybe that's what it is - not alarming, but best have someone give it a good look. Cervical bleeding can happen just from not being warmed up enough even if you aren't lucky enough to have a flimsy one like me. And expect penetration to be a bit underwhelming sensationwise for a little while as you are figuring out how it feels and what you need - focus on being comfortable and happy with what's going on, do lots of other stuff, you should be in charge I think to achieve this. He should be following your orders/lead completely, at your pace. And when you do get around to PIV again, he stays still, and you move.
33
"Consent to sex can be withdrawn at anytime"

Even a week after?
34
@11- I'm not sure about your point, because until I was over 30, I didn't lubricate much. Sex is a lot more comfortable for me now that I do- but more lube isn't always better for the guy. My current partner is the best lover I have ever had, but I get so wet when we're fucking that sometimes there isn't enough friction for him to be able to come. What to do with this issue?
35
This first time dont see so much different than first times of young women. lot's of folks regret/didn't have a good time the first time.

I'd give the new guy a context-free hump once to see if it's just "better" and requiring no explanation. If it's problematic, then have the conversation.
36
@35:
This first time seems to be very different to any first time of anyone I know (of course only of those friends who discuss such things with their friends).

There's a difference between "extremely clumsy" and "extremely physically rough despite my protestations".
37
Very similar situation happened to a friend of mine. I usually agree with Dan, but not here. First, just a hunch, but the fact that you are using the word intercourse makes me think Dan's suggestions for your first time with new guy sound a little too non-traditional. Second, he could be a really great guy, but if you tell him the whole truth up front, he might be concerned about hurting you emotionally and freak out. I think it's better to just say something like sex is really important to you, and when you are with a new guy, it's really important to go slow, be gentle, makes everything work better down there, use your own works, make a joke of it, whatever. You should see a doctor, because there are a lot of reasons for pain/bleeding, but you should know it's not uncommon to bleed sporadically after p-i-v sex, and you might very well bleed the first time you have p-i-v sex with new guy. Get ready for that so you won't be shocked and embarrassed. Let him know you are not a virgin, but this happens sometimes, which is not a lie. He should wear a condom obviously. I think later, when you're confident he's not going anywhere, then you can give him the details on your sexual history, out of respect for honesty and disclosure and all that. But I don't think it's a good idea to say it the first time around. Why make him more nervous than he needs to be?
A mutual friend had additional good advice for my female friend that went through this; he said you don't want the guy to think your a frigid person because you've had limited and bad experience with p-i-v sex, which is often a conclusion someone would jump to. Let him know you are a sexual person, either by flat out saying it, or physically showing him, by kissing him in places besides his mouth, looking in his eyes and telling him he's good looking, all that stuff that seems obvious, unless it doesn't.
38
Very similar situation happened to a friend of mine. I usually agree with Dan, but not here. First, just a hunch, but the fact that you are using the word intercourse makes me think Dan's suggestions for your first time with new guy sound a little too non-traditional. Second, he could be a really great guy, but if you tell him the whole truth up front, he might be concerned about hurting you and freak out. I think it's better to just say something like sex is really important to you, and when you are with a new guy, it's really important to go slow, be gentle, makes everything work better down there, use your own works, make a joke of it, whatever. You should see a doctor, because there are a lot of reasons for pain/bleeding, but you should know it's not uncommon to bleed sporadically after p-i-v sex, and you might very well bleed the first time you have p-i-v sex with new guy. Many women bleed the 2nd time. Get ready for that so you won't be shocked and embarrassed. Let him know you are not a virgin, but this can happen sometimes, (which is not a lie). He should wear a condom obviously. I think later, when you're confident he's not going anywhere, then you can give him the details on your sexual history, out of respect for honesty and disclosure and all that. But I don't think it's a good idea to say it the first time around. Why make him more nervous than he needs to be?

A mutual friend had additional good advice for my female friend that went through this; he said you don't want the guy to think your a frigid person because you've had limited and bad experience with p-i-v sex, which is often a conclusion someone would jump to. Let him know you are a sexual person, either by flat out saying it, or physically showing him, by kissing him in places besides his mouth, looking in his eyes and telling him he's good looking, all that stuff that seems obvious, unless it doesn't.
39
@34 Of course there is individual variation, but it is statistically likely to lubricate less as you get older. If you are lubricating more, it is either a weird quirk of your biology or, more likely, that you have become psychologically more comfortable with sex as you have gotten older and more experienced. But for the letter writer it is massively likely she will be nervous the next time she tries intercourse and that she will have difficulty lubricating sufficiently. Also, too much lube is a much, much better problem to run into than too little. She's unlikely to know what too little lube feels like versus sex with a good amount of lube, so as I said, err on the side of too much and then experiment with scaling it back. Especially because you can end up with harmful aftereffects from too little lube that you do not realize are happening while you are causing them, and she will not have the experience to determine this.

I'm sure a significant excess of lubrication can also cause issues, but too little lube can be unpleasant for both partners, and it is difficult to overdo artificial lubrication. I'm sure it can be done, but it's not that likely if she aims for using lots of lube that she'll end up with a serious problem, and it significantly decreases the odds of several likely problems. The advice I'd give to somebody who is sexually experienced is obviously different than the advice for somebody who is not, which is why my advice was not aimed at you.
40
This dick's behavior reminds me of a Ben Harper song: "I'm taking the Mr. out from in front of your name because it's the Mr. like you who puts the rest of to shame."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtPly0Wmg…
41
@34 - my solution to over lubrication (either natural, the bottled stuff, or a mix) is to grab a corner of the sheet or a discarded piece of clothing and wipe off when switching positions.

To the OP, I'll echo to please go to the doctor and get checked out. While I've occasionally bled after a night of rougher than usual sex, sporadic bleeding for MONTHS is a huge red flag (pun left intentionally). You should let him know the last time was no good and left you a bit skittish, but I have no idea if you should tell him you are one bad experience from being a virgin...
42
I agree with the doctor suggestion and Dan's other things besides intercourse suggestions. When you do "do it" again, try getting on top. That way, you can control how quickly/slowly things happen.
43
42 comments and nobody has yet used the word "rape?"
44
@43: Comment 11 did.
45
Yeah, registered users should probably know rape when they see it, too (not to mention Dan himself).
46
@43 completely agree--very concerning that 'extreme physical roughness despite her protestations' didn't even raise the question from Dan. #7's comment sounds pretty dead on to me but I had to go back and look since I normally don't read unregistered (that extra click and all).

@40 right on, love that song.
47
@33: Sure. A week after giving consent to sex, you can withdraw consent, and if the other person continues having sex with you after that point, then it's rape. It's kinda like how I can withdraw my money from the bank at any time, and if they keep it past that point, it's theft. If you're confused by the difference between "I can do X at any time" and "I can do X retroactively," perhaps you should consult a dictionary.
48
@47: "Sure. A week after giving consent to sex, you can withdraw consent, and if the other person continues having sex with you after that point, then it's rape."

Unless you have been having sex continuously the entire intervening week, your sentence does not compute. You seem to understand what retroactive means, but one wouldn't know that from the example you tried to spin.
49
Crazymadness suggestion for the LW: Try it from on top. It gives you control of fast/slow, and will feel very different to previous encounters! Not to say don't talk it out first, though!
50
@48: Sure it does: At any time, you can withdraw consent going forward, and it is rape if the other person continues having sex with your after that point. At no time can you withdraw consent retroactively. Since consent is, except in unusual circumstances*, only given for a single encounter at a time, it is true that being able to withdraw consent a week later is in general irrelevant, since consent has long since lapsed, but that doesn't mean one can't do it.

*One might, for example, as part of a fantasy scenario (most likely a rape fantasy) give a partner permission to initiate sex unexpectably at any time in the next month. One could withdraw that consent a week later, and that withdrawal (once communicated to the other person) would be valid and terminate that consent. But that's a rather unusual case.

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