Concerns About Vaginal Changes After First Sexual Experience

There is a mass at the vaginal opening?

Hello doctor, I am 20 years old.
I have never engaged in sexual intercourse before, but I used to observe my genital area with a mirror and could clearly see an opening.
However, since I started having sexual intercourse recently, including yesterday, I haven't specifically checked my genital area.
This morning, when I looked in the mirror, I noticed that I couldn't see the vaginal opening; instead, there was a small mass of tissue, which doesn't appear to be a cluster of tumors, but rather a lump.
What worries me the most is that I can't see the vaginal opening.
Is this abnormal? What should I do? I would appreciate your response, thank you!

Yu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/07/06

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

I am 20 years old, and I have not engaged in sexual intercourse before.
I used a mirror to observe my private area and clearly saw an opening.
However, recently I started having sexual intercourse, and yesterday was one of those times.
From my first sexual experience until yesterday, I did not specifically observe my private area.
This morning, when I looked in the mirror, I noticed that I could not see the vaginal opening; instead, I saw a small mass of tissue, which does not appear to be a cluster of fibroids but rather a lump.
What scares me the most is that I cannot see the vaginal opening.
Is this abnormal? What should I do?
Answer: It is not possible to not see the vaginal opening after having sexual intercourse.
Please ask your boyfriend to help you locate it during your next sexual encounter.

Reply Date: 2017/07/06

More Info

It's completely understandable to have concerns about your body, especially after starting to engage in sexual activity. Many individuals experience anxiety and confusion regarding their anatomy and the changes that may occur after their first sexual experiences. Let's address your concerns step by step.

Firstly, it's important to recognize that the vagina is a highly elastic and adaptable structure. After engaging in sexual activity, especially if it is your first time, you may notice some temporary changes in the appearance of your vaginal opening. This can be due to several factors, including swelling, increased blood flow, or even the natural response of your body to sexual arousal. If you are seeing a small lump or a change in the appearance of your vaginal opening, it could simply be a result of these physiological changes. However, if you are unable to see your vaginal opening at all, it may be worth consulting a healthcare professional to ensure that everything is normal.

Regarding your specific concerns about the visibility of your vaginal opening, it is not uncommon for individuals to feel that their anatomy looks different after engaging in sexual activity. The vagina is a muscular tube that can change in appearance based on various factors, including hormonal fluctuations, arousal, and even anxiety. If you are feeling tense or anxious, this can also affect how your body responds and appears.
If you are experiencing discomfort or pain during sexual activity, it is crucial to communicate openly with your partner. Ensuring that you are adequately aroused and relaxed can help alleviate discomfort. Using lubrication can also make the experience more comfortable. If you continue to experience pain or if you notice any unusual symptoms, such as persistent swelling, unusual discharge, or bleeding, it is advisable to seek medical attention.

In terms of your concerns about potential infections or other complications, it is essential to practice safe sex. Using condoms can significantly reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies. If you have had unprotected sex and are experiencing symptoms such as itching, unusual discharge, or persistent pain, it is important to consult a healthcare provider for evaluation and possible testing.

Regarding your question about the measles vaccine, if you received the vaccine during childhood, you are likely protected. However, if you are planning to become pregnant, it is always a good idea to discuss your vaccination history with your healthcare provider. They may recommend checking your antibody levels to ensure you have adequate protection against certain infections that can affect pregnancy.

In conclusion, while it is normal to have concerns about your body and sexual health, open communication with your partner and consulting with a healthcare professional can help address these worries. Remember that every individual's body is unique, and changes can be a normal part of sexual activity. If you have any ongoing concerns or symptoms, do not hesitate to seek medical advice. Your health and comfort are paramount.

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