We’re all about empowering everyone who experience periods. Earlier this year we introduced a new DivaCup size designed for those 18 years old or under. We call it Model 0.
However, since Model 0 is geared towards those who are new to the world of periods, there’s one question we’ve gotten that we must bring to light: Can someone who is a virgin use a menstrual cup? We understand that sex means different things to different people, so virginity can mean different things, too. Before we get into it, keep in mind that for the purpose of this blog, when we say “virgin” we mean those who haven’t had vaginal intercourse.
To put it bluntly, yes, you can 100% use the DivaCup if you’re a virgin. The DivaCup Model 0 was designed for those 18 years of age and under, regardless of whether they’ve had vaginal intercourse or not (insert sigh of relief here). Because the vaginal canal is a muscle, designed to expand and contract, realistically, anyone can use a menstrual cup as soon as they get their period.
Even still, we know you have questions and concerns so we’re here to help put your mind at ease.
Will using a menstrual cup make me lose my virginity?
In short, no, using a menstrual cup will not make you lose your virginity.
There’s a lot of confusion about what it means to be a virgin. In many cultures around the world, virginity is thought of as something biologically connected to the hymen and whether it’s “intact.” The truth is, the only way someone becomes non-virginal is through the act of sex.
So, to put it simply, the DivaCup does not affect the state of a person’s virginity.
While the DivaCup may stretch the hymen, it’s important to remember that someone is a virgin because they’ve not had sex. In fact, some are born without a hymen and activities like horseback riding, biking and gymnastics can stretch the hymen without you even knowing it. With that in mind, despite what we’ve been taught, whether the hymen is intact or not has nothing to do with virginity.
This is just one common misconception, and, unfortunately, a lot of other things we’ve been told about the hymen is false, too.
Facts About the Hymen
Fact One – The hymen comes in many shapes, sizes and colors.
People often view the hymen as something that can be perforated, as if it completely covers the vaginal opening. This is only true in very rare cases, which would require medical intervention to allow for release of menstrual blood at puberty.
For most, the hymen is often a tiny crescent shaped skin fold, but its shape is not the same for everyone. Like all other body parts, it comes in different shapes, sizes and colors. It can appear as a ring of tissue around the vaginal opening, a crescent moon shape, fold over on itself or even protrude forward. And let’s not forget, some are born without a hymen altogether.
Everyone is completely different and that’s more than okay; it’s completely natural.
Fact Two – The hymen doesn’t “pop” or disappear.
While scientists and doctors still don’t know for certain what the physiological function of the hymen is, they do agree it serves no real purpose. In many cultures, still to this day, it’s believed that the hymen is proof of virginity and will only “break” or “pop” once you’ve had sex for the first time.
In actuality research has found that the hymen is simply made up of thin folds of tissue that eventually begin to wear away as we go through adolescence. Even still, it’s elastic and can stretch, not pop. Some people can even have intercourse without stretching their hymen.
Fact Three – The hymen doesn’t always tear the first time someone has vaginal intercourse.
Which brings us to fact number three: The hymen doesn’t always stretch the first time you have vaginal intercourse. If the hymen is still intact, there’s a chance that it will stretch enough without tearing during intercourse. Let’s reiterate this fact once more: the hymen is not an indication for whether someone has had vaginal intercourse or not.
How to insert a menstrual cup for the first time
It’s important that you feel safe and comfortable using a menstrual cup, especially for the first time. It can be a little daunting for anyone, regardless of how old you are because it’s a change. We’re creatures of habit so changing up your period care routine is bound to feel more than a little weird. The good thing is, the DivaCup is one of those things that you’ll wish you started using earlier.
We recommend our Model 0 to anyone under the age of 18. This is our smallest size and holds up to 0.5 fl oz (17ml) of menstrual flow and is 1/8th of an inch smaller than Model 1.
Here are a few tips for first time menstrual cup users
- Relax and take your time. If you’re nervous and tense, it can make it more difficult to insert the DivaCup. Try taking deep breathes to help relax your pelvic floor before you try insertion.
- Get comfortable. Not just physically, but also with your body. Take a moment to explore your vagina. You can use your fingers to locate the vaginal opening. You can also insert your fingers to locate where your cervix is. Learn more about your cervix, because why not?
- Using a handheld mirror can also be helpful here, especially if you’ve never looked at your own vulva before. Knowing your own body will make it easier to insert a menstrual cup.
- Be patient. It usually takes a few times for people to get the hang of inserting a menstrual cup accurately.
To help make your experience as comfortable as the DivaCup is to wear, we’ve put together this video on how to use the DivaCup, which also explains the best way to remove it.
If you ever have any concerns, our Consumer Experience team is available to help.
Disclaimer: The content of this blog is based on research and information available at the time of writing. As new research is made available, we will work to update and adjust our content as appropriate. If you have general questions, or concerns related to your own individual circumstances, please contact our Consumer Experience Team, or speak to a healthcare practitioner for more specific questions about your individual circumstances.
