Hymen & First Intercourse: Pain, Stretching, and What to Expect

There is no such thing as a girl's "cherry" popping. The hymen, a thin membrane that partially covers the opening of the vagina, can stretch or tear during first intercourse but this does not always cause pain. Some people experience discomfort or even pain, while others don't feel anything at all. The amount of pain, if any, varies from person to person and depends on factors such as the individual's anatomy, level of relaxation, and emotional state.