Dr. Kate is an OB/GYN at one of the largest teaching hospitals in New York City and she answers your medical questions every few weeks on EMandLO.com. To ask her your own question, click here.

Dear Dr. Kate,

What does it feel like when a man’s penis hits the cervix during intercourse? I think it’s happened to me, but it doesn’t happen every time my partner and I have intercourse with deeper penetration. Can it hurt the cervix? How can this be avoided during sex while still allowing for deep penetration?

— Perplexed Cervix

Dear P.C.,

Deep penetration during intercourse can be immensely satisfying, and make you feel really connected to your partner….but sometimes has the less-satisfying effect of causing you pain. When the cervix is bumped, it can cause cramping in your uterus that ranges from mild to severe, or cause a dull aching or pressure-like feeling throughout your pelvis. Some women are more prone to cervical contact, if their uterus is tipped back towards their tailbone (or “retroverted”), bringing the cervix up and closer to the vaginal opening. The good news is that while cervical contact may hurt, it doesn’t hurt your cervix – no damage done. The best way to avoid it is to be maximally aroused before penetration – when the vagina is fully engorged, it gets longer and wider, and gives the penis more room to play, hopefully away from your cervix. Extra lubricant couldn’t hurt, as well.

— Dr. Kate

Dr. Kate of Gynotalk.com  is an OB/GYN at one of the largest teaching hospitals in New York City. She also lectures nationally on women’s health issues and conducts research on reproductive health. She generously shares her medical wisdom with EM & LO readers every few weeks. Click here to ask her your own question.