Is my vagina too tight for sex?

We are sorry to hear that you have been having such problems with penetration, and can appreciate that this is frustrating and upsetting for you.

There is often concern amongst women about the vagina being too tight but this is most unlikely. Thanks to the accordion-style folds of skin in its walls, any woman’s vagina can accommodate any size penis, no matter how large. Vaginas can also accommodate a baby of any size during childbirth. Vaginal size has not been found to be a cause of painful intercourse.

It is important that you get the help you need, as you don’t have to put up with repeated painful intercourse or less satisfactory intercourse for you or your partner.

Women, just like men, can experience sexual problems, and there are specialist agencies and services that can help. Some problems are psychological, and others have a physical basis, so it is important to get help in finding out what is the cause of problems.

Often when sex is painful, a vicious cycle sets in and women avoid sex altogether. Once any medical reason for the pain has been resolved, the mental association between sex and pain will often need to be dealt with too. Talking about the problem as a couple and reading self-help books can be useful. In more difficult cases the problem may be dealt with by treatment with sex therapy. Past sexually traumatic experiences may also contribute to the involuntary muscle spasm of the vaginal wall.

You can visit your local Brook Centre and have a chat with a counsellor there. Under 25s can talk to someone, in confidence, about anything to do with sex and relationships. Family Planning Clinics may also offer a vaginal examination by a female doctor or nurse, as well as counselling at some services. Alternatively if you’d like online support, you can visit Brook’s digital tool, Ask Brook.