Last Updated on March 24, 2025
All of the questions you see on this page are common concerns of women as they begin to experience penetrative sex (intercourse). These questions and worries are there because the vagina is an invisible canal. The woman cannot observe what is ‘there’ nor what happens when the penis slides in and thrusts. So, how deep should the penis go during sex?
How deep can a penis go during sex?
How deep will he go? As deep as your vagina allows; as deep as is comfortable for the (receiving) woman; as deep as your and his physiques allow; as deep as the passion asks for… Men can adjust their penetration depth, so ladies, you must speak up about your preferences so the sexual event will be free of stress or pain.
Where does the penis go during sex?
The uterus sits at the end of the vagina, and its bottom opening – the cervix – is the part that the penis will tap during thrusting, an alignment that is natural and designed to function just so. Please read our other post, Hitting the cervix.
Do you need to help guide the penis into the opening of the vagina?
There are different reasons why guiding the penis into the vagina for sexual intercourse is a consideration to be had: at times it is a choice, at times it is an option, and at times it would be a necessity. In other words, unless there is a reason for having to guide the penis, it will always find its natural way into the vagina albeit with some fumbling if a newbie…
For a more detailed explanation, read our blog post, Guiding the penis, and watch our video, How to Guide The Penis Into The Vagina.
What will the penis hit during sex?
On its journey into the vagina, the penis will pass through the introitus, which is the opening or the ring of the vagina, then it will glide along the vaginal walls and beneath the urethra until it will reach the ‘end’ where it would typically tap against the cervix.
However, there could be structural variations, such as
- Tapping the uterus itself if tilted up, down, or sideways (verted), or
- Tapping the fornix, which is a circular recess at the upper vagina – think a ‘bay window’ on right and left, or
- Tapping against the surgical end if the woman had such.
Will the penis hit the cervix during sex?
The anatomy of sexual intercourse includes penis penetration toward the woman’s (comfortable) vaginal end, followed by thrusting, which is the ‘pumping’ movement of the penis that is similar to the ‘up and down’ stimulation along the shaft of the penis during manual or oral sex.
Unless the woman had her cervix surgically removed, thrusting will rhythmically tap against the cervix/uterus. There should not be any worry about such tapping for the female anatomy is built for this provided the penis respects her vaginal available depth and comfort.
If she no longer has a cervix/uterus, the penis will tap against her surgical ‘end’ as per her comfort, and available physical depth. Likewise, if she had radiation to her vagina and/or pelvic region because of cancer.
How long is the vaginal canal?
The typical vaginal canal is about 10 cm long, similar to the length of a flaccid (non-erect) penis. Or, about the distance from the tip of your index (pointer) finger to the base of the thumb.
The penis will tap on the cervix/uterus during intercourse, causing them to move further into the pelvis thus lengthening the vagina. The same happens naturally during the female climax, an expansion known as ‘tenting.’ Either of these lengthenings are possible because of the ‘trampoline-like suspension and mobility of the uterus.
Note, that just like there are shorter and longer penises, so there are shorter and longer vaginas. However, those variations are quite small, typically measured in millimeters.
For more information about vaginal depth, read our other post, Vagina – endless?
Will sex and penetration hurt?
No, yes, it depends…
Typically speaking, penis penetration for sexual intercourse is a pain-free activity. Why else would women allow it otherwise?!
However, there are many factors that may negatively affect the comfort of vaginal penetration, leading to vaginismus, dyspareunia, female sexual dysfunction, emotional distress, and relationship breakdowns.
We have many videos about this topic for your viewing. The following is just a short list:
Will certain sex positions help with deep penetration?
Sexual penetration is supposed to be deep, up to the woman’s comfortable vaginal end.
However, a penis that is a tad longer than the vagina can accommodate, a super-enthusiastic penis that is pushing hard and deep, structural variations in the vagina due to surgery or menopause or radiation, physical limitations, or her discomfort are just a few of the causes that mandate modifying sexual positions to ensure her comfort and their mutual satisfaction.
There are sexual positions that lend to deeper penetrations (i.e. doggie style, side-by-side) while others do the opposite by keeping the vagina in a shortened position (missionary with her knees toward her chest).
Watch this video for further explanations: Sex Consideration | How to Choose the Sexual Position
iam learning more
My husband’s penis is too small it is just 5cm
He can’t go so deep in intercourse
Can I be pregnant with that small penis??
Yes, you can. But, if you are having problems, check with your OBGYN.
Of course you can get pregnant with a small dick, but if you have to ask that question, I don’t think you should have baby.
I’m 13 years old and I was recently dumped because I wouldn’t have sex with him because I was scared it would hurt will it hurt the further he goes
Please listen when I say, do NOT go after someone that doesn’t have respect for you. When you are ready to have sex, it’s on your time no one else’s. My ex boyfriend left me 3 years ago and I am convinced that it’s because I wouldn’t sleep with him. He would cheat on me to have sex and I’m assuming it’s because I never gave it up. I was at my lowest point in life that I begged him not to leave. Girl, love is so powerful but trust me the right one is out there. Do not settle for someone who doesn’t meet your expectations.
You should not be pressured into sexual intercourse no matter age or situation. Your boyfriend will have been as confused as you as his friends will be talking about doing it and he will have pressures around him too but he should not press it upon you. You will be around 14/15 now but to anyone else that may be reading this, dont put in to pressure, do not feel that you owe it due to being in a relationship. Sex is a natural process and you will know when you actually want it if your partner truly loves you they will wait, sex is a passionate connection which creates a bond between two people. If you are engaging in consensual foreplay with your partner but are not wanting sex let them know as they may wrongly be stuck in the moment making you feel pressured.
If you do decide to engage in sexual activity please be safe use protection and do it somewhere you feel safe if that is at your home or there home if you feel safe.
Have fun, be safe and stand your ground
Can deep penetration cause trauma to the bladder
Not usually as you are built for penetration as deep as your vagina is capable of. But, see your OBGYN if in doubt about your particular situation.
So the first time with my boyfriend was really bad I couldn’t get this penis inside me and when I made a little bit come in I started bleeding and it hurt so much I couldn’t keep going what should I do
Speak with your OBGYN for evaluation and advice.
Can the penis cause irritation after having a c-section
The uterus/cervix may still be tender after giving birth even you are allowed to resume vaginal intercourse. But since we do not know you/your vagina, you may want to consult with your doctor.
When the tip of the pains enter into the Virgina are u still a virgin
So I just bought my wife 7inch /2-1/4 inch thick . So I’ve noticed that when I penetrate it deep she tends to get more wet and tends to want me to keep going deep in her Vagina. So my question is ? Do you think she is liking the deep penetration of her vagina , she likes me to go as deep as I can , and keep it there with up and down movements in her Vagina. She wants to try an 8 inch dildo , could she be liking this way of foreplay-sexual intercourse?
Ask your wife… She is the one with the answers…
Helpful
i wanna get pregnant again, but we cant hit it.. i was thinking maybe its because everytime we have sex, and done, his juices is all flowing out from my vagina. does it affect?
It is typical to have some of the ‘fluids’ come out of the vagina after he ejaculates. Check with your doctor about your fertility.
Can anyone help
My husband and i have been having sex ever since we got together 6 years ago. In the last year sex has been so painful hust as he is entering me. So painful that i cant carry on. Im wet enough. Just dont understand how everything can be good then it becomes painful.
There are always reasons why intercourse turns painful, and you/your doctor need to explore it.
Can you have sex with out putting your penis in a vagina ? Should you wear underwear while you have sex with your partner?
Sex includes many types of activities, penetrative being only one of them. If you do not wish to get pregnant, take necessary precautions (thick underwear may be an option).
My wife having pain after sex in deep penetration while i have long penis.what we should do about it please.
You need to limit the depth of your penetration. You can do that by using different sexual positions, and by minding how deep you go in/thrust, or by using a penile ring (available online) that will physically limit your penetration depth.
Hello, we’ve been trying to have a baby for a year. Report seems to be normal… Doctor presumes position and not having deep penetration could be the cause…we both are200 percent satisfied but still no result… While ejaculate I see most of my semen comes out….I’m not sure what should I do….
Not going all the way in is one possible answer although women often get pregnant without full/any penetration. And if you see the semen when you ejaculate, then you definitely are not going into her. Try different positions and assess.
Actually i did sex with my gf and i just inserted the head of my penis into her vagina
And when the sperm ejected my penis was totally outsidw the vagina..now I am afraid and very much disturbed about her pregnant… sir plz tell,,is there any chance of her being pregnant.
Yes, there is. Make sure she sees her doctor for options.
can women be sexually satisfied if her husband is 100% loving , supportive, caring , expert in foreplay but he is impotent. i am elderly man good in all fields which are important for women except that i cannot penetrate her.
Absolutely, as long as she is okay with not having vaginal intercourse, a common situation that most women are okay with. Keep the communication open, and explore all other sexual ways that you and her can enjoy.
Virginity is defined as having had a penis in vagina. If you had vaginal intercourse at least once, you are no longer a virgin.
The deeper i can slide in the better i like going as deep in as i can it feels the best it always hits the end I guess the woman like or they would push back
But the deeper that i can go the better i will feel.
I enjoy what you guys are up too. This sort of clever work and reporting!
Keep up the fantastic works guys I’ve you guys to my personal blogroll.
During intercourse have more pain..and didn’t reach depth of vagaina..if pennies only entered 80% means,there is any possibilities for getting pregnant?..and how to reach cervix without pain.pls clarify my doubts..
Yes, you can get pregnant with partial penis penetration. As to the pain situation, we cannot tell without examining you.
I’ve only had sex 4 times ever in my life and it’s with the same person. When I have sex and he pushes in deep it hurts. I presume the cervix tapping. After sex though it seems as tho my ovaries? Are hurting and it feels like I’m on my period. Also I read on line that I need to be readied up before having sex but he just pushed it straight in is that a problem could that cause damage internally? I just want to know because I’m new to this whole thing and when I read online I just gather more and more questions without acctually getting an answer
Yes, it is possible that hard tapping against the cervix during penile thrusting may result in your symptoms. Ask him to ease on it and see if that helps, as well as try intercourse in different positions, which may also help.
As to ‘ready yourself’ before penetration: not sure where you saw it online but that is not a typical requirement, unless you are referring to adding lubrication or if there are medical issues involved.
Sounds like you need some foreplay. Teach the boy
Thank you very useful
That is all in the definition: some would argue that the penis has to be fully inside while others may say ‘less than fully in’ is also accepted. But you definitely need to get in deeper than 2cm in order to pass the vaginal opening/hymen.
Is a 4.5 inch penis repulsive for wifes to handle and play with?
Are you referring to length or circumference/girth?
Can a 4.5 inch long penis be satisfying if a wife has a longer vaginal canal like 6-7 inches long? Because I don’t fell much friction some but not to much. And I never been abe to fill her canal up. I know I’m on the small side. I some times fell cheated by mother nature and makes me feel sad that I don’t measure up. Please help !!!
Only your wife can answer the question (whether she is satisfied). A constructive dialogue between you is key.
On a general note, women’s satisfaction is composed of physical and emotional components so you have plenty opportunity to make her happy.
Is 17 cm length and 13 cm circumference alright for a girl pleasure wise
The length of the penis does not matter much because it can only go in as deep as the vagina allows. As to girth, 13cm circumference is average and should fit the vagina. Lastly, women can have penis penetration with and without any pleasure! The vagina is a passageway for more than just a penis, i.e. finger, gyno exam, tampons, childbirth, and pleasure is a choice, not a must, for penetration.
An interesting question. To the best of our knowledge, there is no such process.
Whenever my partner is on top, I usually keeps hands on hi stomach so he doesn’t go deep. Whenever he does try to go deep, it’s painful and have to stop. I usually experience cramping feeling after. Is this normal?
Although we cannot tell for sure without examining you, we can say that depth may affect a woman as you described. Try putting a pillow under your buttocks and/or having intercourse in different positions (= different depth of penetration) and see if that help.
can a 5 inch penis be satisfying to women?
Women’s satisfaction is not just about penis size, but also about her emotional satisfaction with the partner, the relationship, and sexual choices. We recommend you have an honest conversation with your female partner during which you will ask us this very question.
No A 5 inch penis is never satisfying to your partner.
I know this to be true because I have a 5 inch myself and I slept with all race of woman.
And they never wanted me because I was not at least 7 inches like their ex’s…
When your wife preferred your manhood is 3 inches shorter and complains the head is tooo big, is hers small or is mine truly too big, tried the pillow in the small of the back, complaints originate during missionary position.
The answer is not simple as it depends on different factors. Email us at [email protected] for further discussion.
If i ejaculates inside my partener mouth. can it be dangerous for her health?
Typically, it is fine unless there are health issues involved (infection, sexually transmitted disease, etc.).
Please I want to know why legally married women engage in other affairs outside marriage. Is it proper for a woman is married with two lovely children to still communicate with her ex. Is it okay for her to get too familiar with another man so much that they communicate on phone on a daily basis and claimed there there was nothing btw them when asked. Please I need your honest reply. Thank you and God bless you immensely.
You may want to speak with your doctor or with a psychotherapist about these concerns.