Dear Nicoya415,

Sex should not be painful for guys unless something is wrong. For guys, pain during sex can be caused by an infection, an allergic reaction to spermicide or latex, by a physical condition such as having a foreskin that is too tight, or by an irritation from previous sexual or non-sexual activities. If a guy is experiencing pain during sex, it's a good idea to make an appointment with a clinician to check it out.

Some girls experience pain the first time they have vaginal intercourse because they have a hymen — a thin piece of skin that stretches across the opening of the vagina in girls. In some girls, there is so much tissue that stretching the hymen open during first intercourse may cause pain and bleeding. Guys do not have hymens, so this is not an issue for them.

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.