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Originally Published: May 17, 1996 - Last Updated / Reviewed On: April 25, 2011

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Dear Alice,

What are the normal physical reactions to losing one's virginity? I'd really rather delay going to a gynecologist, but I'd just like to make sure what I am/have experienced after my first sexual experience was not indicative of any medical problems.

— Normal First Intercourse?

Dear Normal First Intercourse?,

After intercourse for the first time, a person may experience a range of physical and/or emotional reactions. Common emotional reactions can include pride, guilt, happiness, relief, and disappointment, for starters. Common physical reactions vary, too, and can include soreness, numbness, pleasure, orgasm, no orgasm, lubrication, no lubrication, irritation, urinary tract infection (UTI), vaginal infection, or a sexually transmitted infection (STI), with or without symptoms. Without knowing more about your specific experience with first intercourse, it's difficult to say if your reactions were within the normal range of physical/emotional responses. If you are concerned with physical symptoms (or emotional reactions), it may be best to visit a health care provider, whether it's a gynecologist or primary care provider is up to you.

As for delaying going to the gynecologist, before deciding whether to visit sooner rather than later, take a look at Planned Parenthood for help in finding a women's health center.

Alice

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February 1, 2008

Hi Alice,

You forgot vomiting and uncontrollable laughter.

Hi Alice,

You forgot vomiting and uncontrollable laughter.