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About women
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Where does the penis go for intercourse?
Originally Published: December 08, 1995
~ Last Updated / Reviewed on: July 09, 1998
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Dear Alice,
My new girlfriend and I had sex for the first time this weekend. Later in the evening, she was curious about something... "Where is that thing going???" she asked. She mentioned that full insertion was painful and she wanted to know what I was hitting, and "how far does it go?" Being admittedly a bit rusty on my knowledge of the anatomy of the female body, I told her that I thought it went no further than the "uvula" (whatever that is), but that I would do a little research, maybe see what I could get off the Net and get back to her. Need Directions
Dear Need Directions, A penis goes into a vagina. Inside the vaginal opening are walls made up of soft tissue. This tissue tends to mold around a penis, fingers, tampons, or any other object that may be placed inside the vagina. The length of the vagina varies from woman to woman, and extends with arousal. When you mentioned the uvula, perhaps you meant the vulva, or outer genitals, which consists of the visible sexual organs: the tip of the clitoris, the clitoral hood, and the inner and outer lips. As for what you're "hitting," it could be your girlfriend's cervix, which hasn't yet changed position. When she's aroused enough, her cervix will have moved out of the way, and her wetness will make sex more comfortable. For more information about the anatomy and physiology of sexual and reproductive organs, look at a basic human sexuality text in your local bookstore. The graphics may make it more clear. In reference to your girlfriend mentioning that intercourse was painful, read Alice's answers to Painful intercourse, Painful sex, and Sore sex?. If you still have more questions, at Columbia, make an appointment in Primary Care by calling x4-2284. Outside of Columbia, make an appointment with your girlfriend's family health care provider or gynecologist.
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