“Will using a menstrual cup make me lose my virginity?”
This is one of the most frequently asked questions by young people who are interested in menstrual cups but who are worried about using them if they are a virgin. The following is a guide that will help dispel the most popular myth regarding menstrual cups and their relationship with virginity.
Can a virgin use a menstrual cup?
Yes, absolutely! Virgins can use menstrual cups just like anyone else.
You may find using a menstrual cup uncomfortable or daunting at first, but you can reduce discomfort in a few key ways:
- Use a smaller menstrual cup size
- Make sure you are relaxed and comfortable, as tension makes insertion harder
- Inspect your body before you try to insert your cup so that you are familiar with where things go
- Use a water based lubricant or water to ease insertion
- Practice a few times before your period
Remember: it is perfectly normal to feel uncomfortable or awkward when you use a menstrual cup for the first time and it may take a while to feel comfortable using this type of product. The more you practice, the easier it will become.
Do menstrual cups take away your virginity?
No. Menstrual cups have nothing to do with your virginity and using a menstrual cup will not make you lose your virginity.
The hymen has been used in many cultures as the “proof” of women’s virginity, but this is an incredibly flawed understanding of the hymen.
The hymen is a thin tissue that covers the vagina. The hymen may cover the entire vagina or part of the vagina; some people are born without a hymen at all! The hymen can be worn down over months or years due to bike riding, sports, doctor examinations, tampons, and other activities. A person may be a virgin but not have an intact hymen.
Virginity is not a tangible physical barrier that is ‘broken’ upon penetration, such as the insertion of a menstrual cup or even a tampon. Virginity is a social construct related to someone’s first penetration through sexual intercourse; it is not a biological construct.
Inserting a menstrual cup is not sexual intercourse, so even if you stretch or tear the hymen, (if it has not already been worn down), this does not mean you are no longer a virgin. The state of the hymen is not a reliable indicator to prove or disprove virginity.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, it is your body and your choice of which menstrual product you want to use. Menstrual cups can be a great alternative to traditional pads and tampons, as they don’t need to be changed as often, can help prevent leaks, and are more sustainable than other options.
If you are considering using a menstrual cup as a virgin, here are some options that may work well for you.
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