I lost my hymen before I ever had sex so I don't know how it feels. I've been told that it feels like exactly what it is- a burning, stretching sensation from trying to force a large object into a small hole. lol
The appropriate age to have sex is when you are ready emotionally and can do so responsibly- when you are knowlegeable enough and willing to use the appropriate birth control, when you understand all the implications of sex...
I watched a recent episode of Oprah where a pair of 14 year olds said they were ready to have sex. Dr. Laura Berman was a guest on the show and asked them some very important questions. Here they are:
Why do you want to take it to the next level now?
How long do the two of you plan to stay together?
(The girl thought they would be together for a long time- years- while the boy expected that they would be together for a few MONTHS!)
Are you prepared for the emotions you might feel afterward?
Have you talked about condoms?
Are you prepared with two forms of birth control?
Have you talked about what happens if you get pregnant?
Do you understand sexually transmitted diseases?
Are both of you absolutely sure that neither one of you has been with anyone else sexually in any way?