‘I keep bursting into tears.’

‘Listening to what my friends get up to, I feel like it’s not exactly ‘normal’ behaviour’

Bigger isn’t always better. In fact, research suggests most women prefer an average-size penis.

That news might be reassuring to some men, but it doesn’t much help this week’s Sex Column reader, Tom*, who’s struggling to have penetrative sex with his girlfriend.

Read the advice below, but before you go, check out last week’s dilemma, where a reader discovered she was pregnant with a casual fling’s baby.

The problem:

You probably don’t get many letters like this and to be honest, I’ve taken a long time getting round to emailing you.

Anyway, here goes. It’s hard to find a polite way of saying this, but … well, I’m quite well built down below and it’s turning out to be a problem.

Most of my mates (who’ve seen me in the changing rooms over the years) think it’s hilarious and I have various nicknames I won’t share.

I’m only 19 so haven’t had loads of girlfriends, but I do like the one I’m with now, who I’ve been seeing since March. Everything seemed great at first, but after the first few months I started noticing that she was avoiding having ‘proper’ sex with me. She seemed happy to do just about everything else, and personality-wise we’ve always got on great, so I never felt she wanted to end the relationship or anything.

Eventually I asked her what was wrong, and she admitted that she finds intercourse uncomfortable and has only been pretending to enjoy it. She said that even when we do have penetrative sex, she just wants it to be over asap.

We get on really well in every other way, and she was full of apologies as she said she realises it’s not my fault or an issue I can do anything about.

Now I’m feeling really paranoid about the relationship and wonder how long she’ll put up with me.

The advice:

You’re right, it’s not a problem I hear about very often; in fact, I’m more likely to hear from guys who wish they had an extra centimetre or two. It’s ironic that the very thing most men want, turns out to be a difficulty for you.

But I disagree when you say you can’t do anything about it – true, you can’t do much about your size, but you can make love in different ways that might be more comfortable for your girlfriend.

Part of the issue is that she now feels anxious, which prevents her from becoming fully aroused. As a result, sex is even more painful and it sounds as though a vicious circle has been created.

Break this cycle by being more aware of how your girlfriend is feeling when you make love to her. Adopt a gentler approach and experiment with different positions that stop penetration being too deep. Use plenty of lube, at least in the short term, until she starts to relax about sex and her own body takes over.

There are also certain sex toys on the market that will stop full penetration, so you may want to check out that option, too.

Remember that women’s bodies are designed to allow a baby to pass through, so you should be able to solve this problem and have the relationship the two of you obviously want.

Like most difficulties, sexual or otherwise, this can be resolved if you both really want a positive outcome and are willing to play your part.

‘Surely he’s as much responsible as me.’

‘Not a soul knows except from me and the guy concerned.’

‘I’m starting to see my ‘love ‘em and leave ‘em’ lifestyle as a problem.’

‘I know what I’m doing is crazy and I’m putting everything at risk.’

Should she tell them? (Picture: Getty/Metro)

Going through a break-up is heart wrenching, but there’s always that glimmer of hope that one day, you might find your person.

This week’s reader has finally find love again, but it…

‘I used to really like it here, but now I feel awkward.’

‘I don’t think I could face life without him.’

‘Every time we’re alone, she rubs up against me.’

Her backstory is horrific – if it’s true.

‘I’d be lost without him.’

What should this week’s reader do? (Picture: Metro.co.uk)

An unexpected pregnany can kickstart a wave of conflicting emotions – and that’s before other people weigh in with their two cents.

This week, we hear from a reader who…

‘I’m mad to put up with this, but I really want things to work out.’

‘The guilt is killing me.’

‘I’m really starting to think there’s something wrong with me.’

‘I’m really starting to think there’s something wrong with me.’

‘I keep telling myself not to be a prude.’

‘The more I worry about it, the worse it gets.’

‘I wish my mother had never told me.’

‘I got carried away.’

‘I got carried away.’

‘It feels so good. It’s like a drug.’

‘It’s sickening.’