Dear im_a_guy11,

The "cherry" is slang for the hymen — a thin, fleshy tissue that stretches across part of the opening of the vagina. Some women still have a hymen when they have vaginal intercourse for the first time and other women don't.

It is possible that the hymen wouldn't be fully stretched open the first time a women has vaginal intercourse. It may take a few instances of vaginal intercourse or insertive masturbation for the hymen to be fully stretched. The hymen can also be stretched open by other physical activities — like playing sports, horseback riding, or riding a bicycle.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.