Vaginal Sex

Vaginal Sex

• Vaginal sex involves inserting the penis inside a vagina.
• It is important to have sex with a condom. Having sex without one, puts you and your partner at risk of pregnancy and STIs including HIV.
• However, if the person living with HIV is on medication and has undetectable levels of HIV then there is no risk of passing the virus on.
• Condoms are the most efficient protection however, there is a possibility of sperm entering the vagina. This can occur: if the penis makes contact with the area surrounding the vagina before the condom is applied, or if the condom tears or comes off during intercourse.
• Once menstruation has started, vaginal sex can lead to pregnancy, even if it is the first time one is having sex. One also risks Sexually Transmitted Infections if having sexual intercourse without adequate protection.
• Although in most persons the vagina is self-lubricating (i.e. it secretes a fluid that acts as lubrication), applying lubrication decreases the chance of a condom breaking and can make sex more comfortable and heighten pleasure.
• Trans women who have undergone gender affirmation surgery should always use lubrication when having penetrative sex.

How to get a penis into the vagina?
One can use the hand to gently guide the penis into the vagina. During sexual intercourse, the vaginal muscles stretch to accommodate the penis and one could achieve orgasm if the clitoris is stimulated, but this may not happen every time. It is thought that few persons orgasm every time they have sex (Leiblum 2007). As one becomes more aroused, blood continues to flow to the pelvic area, breathing becomes heavier, the heart rate increases, nipples become erect, and the lower part of the vagina narrows in order to grip the penis while the upper part expands. A large amount of nerve and muscle tension builds up in the genitals, pelvis, buttocks and thighs which is then involuntarily released in a series of waves. It may be harder for those who have undergone female genital mutilation or intersex genital mutilation to experience pleasure during sex and they may, in some cases also experience pain. In such cases it is important to speak to your doctor or trusted health practitioner.

Having vaginal sex the first time can be slightly uncomfortable for persons with female genitalia, when the hymen stretches or tears but becomes easier and more comfortable after the first time. It is normal for some persons to have some bleeding the first time they have sex, but one should seek medical advice if it continues to happen. But, it is also normal for someone to never experience any signs of bleeding after having sex for the first time. Strenuous exercise and using tampons may tear it before.

Foreplay may help you and your partner to get sexually aroused and be ready for vaginal sex. Vaginal sex may be combined with other type of sex.

At times, a person might feel slight discomfort if her vagina isn’t lubricated enough, therefore using a water-based lubricant might be helpful. Also, it could mean that your partner is going too fast or needs to slow down, or you might try a different position that feels more comfortable. Although the vagina is self-lubricating (i.e. it secretes a fluid that acts as lubrication), applying lubrication decreases the chance of a condom breaking and can make sex more comfortable and heighten pleasure. It may be harder for those who have undergone female genital mutilation or intersex genital mutilation to experience pleasure during sex and they may, in some cases also experience pain. In such cases it is important to speak to your doctor or trusted health practitioner.

Should I have vaginal sex?
Do not feel pressured to perform vaginal sex if this practise does not appeal to you. Discuss openly with your partner about your choice and if you are ready to have vaginal sex. Talk about protection and do not feel ashamed for protecting yourself and your partner.