Ask Lisa      Relationship & Sex Advice   With hundreds of eMails coming in every day and while I answer many, it is not possible for me to reply to all of them. However, I wanted to provide a section where we take some of our readers questions and post them on our web site so that we can provide answers that everyone can benefit from having the information available on our web site.

Lisa S. Lawless, Ph.D., C.E.O. HolisticWisdom.com Founder

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Hi Lisa,

Does the vagina tighten up after a period of inactivity? I am seeing a woman who has not had sex in over two years and her vagina seems very tight. We had sex for the first time and she says that it is so tight because of not having had sex for so long and it hurt a little bit. Can that be accurate?

- Jerry

Hi Jerry,

Yes, vaginal tightness can occur from inactivity. Of course there are other reasons for tightness including menopause, psychological tension, and even lack or lubrication.

However, a woman's vagina can become tighter with inactivity alone. If it is painful for her then I recommend starting with finger activities that will help to stretch her opening a bit and a lot of lubricant. Take things slowly at first once you enter her with your penis and check in with her to make sure she is not experiencing pain. After about 3-4 times she should feel that she can take you in without too much friction. If she is still experiencing pain she may want to be examined by her OBGYN for other potential causes.