[Pollie]

Hi all, I'm in need of some advice (I'm posting this from my phone, so apologies for any typos). I have a very thick hymen that leaves only a very small opening (I can still bleed on my period, but inserting anything thicker than my pinky is difficult).

When I went to my gynecologist awhile back she suggested that I work on stretching it out, including using tampons (the suggestion came as a result of me refusing to get a pap-smear due to the size).

Well, I tried stretching it out to no avail. I eventually attempted to use a small tampon while on a heavy flow day. I managed to get it in fine and without pain, but when I went to remove it, I almost took myself to the hospital because of the pain. It took almost an hour, but I managed to get it out, then swore them off forever. However, this made me realize that I can't have sex (even the smallest toys are too large for insertion), and as a result I can't have a relationship (I'm not willing to put a partner through this struggle, guy or girl).

I mentioned surgery to my gynecologist, but she advised against it saying that since it's not blocking my flow, it's not worth the risk (honestly I don't want to have to take the time to recover from it either).

Any advise?

[jns]

Welcome to WH! Most suggestions about stretching the vagina include using progressively larger dildos. In your case, that probably wouldn't work since none are that small in girth. Wait a minute, I did some searching online and came up with some dilator sets including the CalExotics Inspire Silicone Dilator Set (5-Piece). The Inspire set has one that is only 1.5 inches in girth meaning it is slightly less than 1/2 in diameter (slightly more than 1 centimeter for folks who use metric numbers.) That should put it in the range of your pinkie and with lube, it may work out. Search around to find something that works for you at a reasonable price.

[jns]

The hymen is usually torn during first sex. With a thick hymen, you may have to get it surgically cut. Also, I am not sure how much the hymen will actually stretch.

[Pollie]

Thanks for the response!
I've looked into dilators and hadn't found any small enough (I'll check out the ones you mentioned).

If sex is going to hurt like that the first time, then I'd rather not have it, so it's looking more and more like surgery is my only option which doesn't seem worth it either. That sucks.

Thanks again for the advice! ^_^

[Lithium]

When I went to my gynecologist awhile back she suggested that I work on stretching it out

This is very weird for me...
I had problems which required me to do more invasive exams in my vagina buuuut... I didn't had them since I was a virgin and the doctors don't even touch the area unless something really bad happen.
So if your doctor asked suggested you that... it really makes me cringe.

Aside of this, I think you shouldn't be worried that much. After a couple of times having sex you will be just fine (don't expect it to be gone in a first try!).
It might be uncomfortable even for a whole month of tries. Be patient.