First time donating blood

been donating for a few years here.

Just look away - tend to look at the lights on the ceiling. The pain is only for a second or two, then its just a weird but tolerable sensation for the rest of it

I'm a nurse, it's really a matter of anxiety. Just don't make a big deal out a it, the worst thing that can happen is a little pain.

And it's a good thing you're doing anon, be proud !

put your hands in between your legs in an attempt to find your testicles

>>17099868
Not to put any worries onto OP, but last time i donated blood they stuck the needle wrong and i got a haematoma. And because I was donating plasma, they had to let me go rather than continue on.

>>17099879

Well that can happen as well, but nothing worth worrying over, and it's more often seen in plasma donation because the needle is normally larger.
I don't know where you're from but tell them you're not feeling it well, they usually know how to help patient relax and will prevent any complication due to your anxiety.