<p>I gave blood for the first time three days after my 17th birthday, and it wasn't the best experience. The lady said my veins were really small, so she had to dig around to get the needle in a good spot. uuhhgggg. I didn't let that one bad time deter me from giving blood as often as possible, though. The pain only lasts for a minute, so it doesn't override the feeling of satisfaction I feel after donating.</p>