I was just wondering if anyone would be open to discussing how they are preparing their bodies for their first time? I would like to know what I should bring up with the gynecologist before I go. I have heard of cups that you can use to "stretch yourself out" and other such things. Any suggestions?
From what I understand about the female body, the hymen (the membrane that surrounds the external vagina), is mostly worn away by the time a woman is 16. This depends on how active the girl is (horseback riding will wear it away faster), and on tampon use. (Wikipedia has a great article on "hymen".) Most girls probably feel some resistance or pain their first time. Don't waste your time with silly devices to stretch yourself out or attempt to break your hymen yourself. You wouldn't want to cause an infection. Be open and honest with your OB. Discuss what methods of birth control you are interested in (if any) and do some research on reputable sites (WebMD) before you go in. He/she may even be able to tell you if your hymen is still intact. From a medical stand point, that would have been interesting for me to know before my first time.
My last piece of advice is to avoid casual advice on this subject. Many people are ill-informed on this subject, but consider themselves experts. Write down your questions and bring them to your OB.
Yeah, I'm going to the gynecologist and doing what they tell me..
Slightly related, possibly TMI question -- I have never done anything to "the hair down there"... ever. I'm not really interested in going completely bare, but I don't know quite how to start (or where to stop!) with any trimming efforts. Also, should I try to do this before the gynecologist's appointment? I guess if I don't it'll really prove that I'm a virgin. :)
Jnicholea --- do you wear tampons? Tampons, especially i you've worn them for years, naturally give your body some flexibility. If not, then you guys are just going to need to take it slow (which you should anyways ;)
December --- consider going to a really reputable waxing salon. Just ask for a BASIC bikini. Tell them it is your first time so you want someone that can be extra gentle. (a great way to find a good wax salon is yelp.com) A basic bikini just takes off the sides so that you don't have anything coming out of your panties. They also can take off the top if you want so that if you bikini area extends up to your stomach.
Take 2 tylenol before you go (don't drink soda or coffee). I promise you girl, it's no big deal. If you have an excellent salon that uses good quality wax, it's virtually painless. Not even as bad as ripping off a bandaid.
A OB/GYN would not have the expectation that you will be shaved or trimmed. Just be clean, but not super clean-just take your shower like normal and avoid douching (which there is no reason ever for a woman to do this anyway). Regarding the wedding night, it would be nice to be trimmed (probably no more than 1/4 inch down and 1/4 inch in on either side, just enough that no hair extends past the panties you will be wearing). Waxing makes it nice and smooth. I highly recommend it, but some girls may be a little shy. I know I was the first time, but you get over it.
December...maybe a TMI answer to your question, but sometimes a beard trimmer does the trick too. I am lucky to be natuarly groomed- no bikini wax necessary for me, but I like to keep it a bit trimmed. SO I bought a trimmer and use the guard (use the guard) to clean up. Also, I agree with Niki, be open with your OB/GYN about you questions, concerns, etc!
Just putting this out there but if you have time before the wedding you can experiment and see what you prefer for the hair length. I myself use a mustache trimmer (hey! it works!) and it leaves the hair about 1/2 an inch long. It's not shaved but its still manageable. Maybe start short and grow it until you are comfortable with it? Just stick with whatever makes you feel sexy.
Make sure you have any and all "supplies" you might need - especially personal lubricant - I recommend astroglide - because it really does make it a lot easier.
I was just wondering if anyone would be open to discussing how they are preparing their bodies for their first time? I would like to know what I should bring up with the gynecologist before I go. I have heard of cups that you can use to "stretch yourself out" and other such things. Any suggestions?
posted by jnicholea 17 posts 6 months agoFrom what I understand about the female body, the hymen (the membrane that surrounds the external vagina), is mostly worn away by the time a woman is 16. This depends on how active the girl is (horseback riding will wear it away faster), and on tampon use. (Wikipedia has a great article on "hymen".) Most girls probably feel some resistance or pain their first time. Don't waste your time with silly devices to stretch yourself out or attempt to break your hymen yourself. You wouldn't want to cause an infection. Be open and honest with your OB. Discuss what methods of birth control you are interested in (if any) and do some research on reputable sites (WebMD) before you go in. He/she may even be able to tell you if your hymen is still intact. From a medical stand point, that would have been interesting for me to know before my first time.
My last piece of advice is to avoid casual advice on this subject. Many people are ill-informed on this subject, but consider themselves experts. Write down your questions and bring them to your OB.
posted by Niki 432 posts 6 months agoYeah, I'm going to the gynecologist and doing what they tell me..
Slightly related, possibly TMI question --
posted by December 70 posts 6 months agoI have never done anything to "the hair down there"... ever. I'm not really interested in going completely bare, but I don't know quite how to start (or where to stop!) with any trimming efforts. Also, should I try to do this before the gynecologist's appointment? I guess if I don't it'll really prove that I'm a virgin. :)
Jnicholea --- do you wear tampons? Tampons, especially i you've worn them for years, naturally give your body some flexibility. If not, then you guys are just going to need to take it slow (which you should anyways ;)
December --- consider going to a really reputable waxing salon. Just ask for a BASIC bikini. Tell them it is your first time so you want someone that can be extra gentle. (a great way to find a good wax salon is yelp.com) A basic bikini just takes off the sides so that you don't have anything coming out of your panties. They also can take off the top if you want so that if you bikini area extends up to your stomach.
Take 2 tylenol before you go (don't drink soda or coffee). I promise you girl, it's no big deal. If you have an excellent salon that uses good quality wax, it's virtually painless. Not even as bad as ripping off a bandaid.
Good Luck!
posted by glittergrl 322 posts 6 months agoA OB/GYN would not have the expectation that you will be shaved or trimmed. Just be clean, but not super clean-just take your shower like normal and avoid douching (which there is no reason ever for a woman to do this anyway). Regarding the wedding night, it would be nice to be trimmed (probably no more than 1/4 inch down and 1/4 inch in on either side, just enough that no hair extends past the panties you will be wearing). Waxing makes it nice and smooth. I highly recommend it, but some girls may be a little shy. I know I was the first time, but you get over it.
posted by Niki 432 posts 6 months agoDecember...maybe a TMI answer to your question, but sometimes a beard trimmer does the trick too. I am lucky to be natuarly groomed- no bikini wax necessary for me, but I like to keep it a bit trimmed. SO I bought a trimmer and use the guard (use the guard) to clean up. Also, I agree with Niki, be open with your OB/GYN about you questions, concerns, etc!
posted by jenniferb 47 posts 6 months agoJust putting this out there but if you have time before the wedding you can experiment and see what you prefer for the hair length. I myself use a mustache trimmer (hey! it works!) and it leaves the hair about 1/2 an inch long. It's not shaved but its still manageable. Maybe start short and grow it until you are comfortable with it? Just stick with whatever makes you feel sexy.
posted by jeeyol 88 posts 5 months agoMake sure you have any and all "supplies" you might need - especially personal lubricant - I recommend astroglide - because it really does make it a lot easier.
posted by edb 41 posts 5 months ago