There is a lot of confusion about using a menstrual cup if you are a virgin. The good news is, our team is here to clear up any doubts you may have.
In order to answer this we should first define what exactly a virgin is and how this concept is understood.
what is a virgin?
Some people use the idea of virginity to define someone who has never had sex before. At Asan, we don’t really buy into the concept of “virginity”.
Virginity has historically been associated with taking part in penetrative sex - which is typically understood as penis-in-vagina. However, we believe that there are many ways to enjoy pleasure and sex, and no one act can radically alter who you are or change your status as a “virgin”.
Virginity is a social construct as it is something that has been created and defined by different cultures - and in some cultures, ‘losing your virginity’ or having sex until you are of a certain age or married is frowned upon.
We believe these stigmas around virginity don’t serve any positive purpose and so should not be used to define individuals. Whether or not you’ve had sex is a personal matter, and it’s up to you and not the rest of society to decide how it impacts you.
what is a hymen?
The hymen is a thin tissue that is generally located at the opening of your vagina. This tissue varies for everyone - some have hymens that cover your entire vaginal opening, whereas others are born without a hymen at all or with very minimal lining.
As it is a tissue that stretches across your vagina, your hymen can be stretched or torn the first time you have sex - which might cause slight bleeding and discomfort.
What’s important to remember is that this is not the case for everyone. If you are someone active that plays a lot of sport, your hymen may simply tear during physical activity.
does having a hymen mean you’re a virgin?
Some cultures associate your hymen tearing with the fact that you’re no longer a virgin - however this is inaccurate as there are many reasons your hymen may or may not tear. Despite what some people may believe, the hymen being intact is proof of virginity.
Your hymen does not define whether or not you have had sex. It is simply a physiological process for your hymen to tear at some point, much like the changes we experience in other body parts.
can I use a menstrual cup if I’ve never had sex before?
The answer to this is yes!
Using a menstrual cup has absolutely nothing to do with whether you have had sex or not. It is simply a safe way to manage your period.
If you can insert a finger inside your vagina, then you will have no issues using a menstrual cup. We suggest starting off with the light/medium flow cup if you have not inserted anything inside before.
is a menstrual cup safe for virgins?
Yes absolutely! The Asan menstrual cup is made from Class 6 medical grade silicone - which is the same material used in heart stents and breast implants.
It is designed to be comfortable and is completely safe for you - regardless of whether you have had sex or not.
can teens use a menstrual cup?
Yes, teens can use a menstrual cup. Both teens and virgins, including if you are a teen who has not had sex yet, can absolutely use a menstrual cup.
In fact, we have many teen users who are loving the Asan cup. If you are a teen that is considering a menstrual cup for the first time, read this blog on everything you need to know.
We also have many personal experiences of teens using the Asan cup for the first time - including Trinity, a 17-year-old teenager and Kaashvi, a 15-year-old teen.
given that most people considered ‘virgins’ may be beginners to menstrual cups, what is the best menstrual cup for first time users?
An ideal menstrual cup for first time users should be super easy to insert and remove - and make you feel comfortable when it is inside you.
The Asan cup is designed with a unique removal ring which makes it very easy to locate and remove your cup no matter how high it goes inside you. Its special features make it the easiest menstrual cup to insert.
To learn more about how the Asan cup is especially designed to make using a menstrual cup super easy, read this blog on the best menstrual cup for beginners.
do menstrual cups hurt for first time users?
Many people ask, do menstrual cups hurt for virgins or beginners? Our response to that is no, a menstrual cup should not hurt if you have inserted it correctly.
Please keep in mind that it can take 2-3 period cycles for your body to get used to a menstrual cup. Rest assured that you will get the hang of it so in the meantime just be patient with yourself!
For some tips for first time menstrual cup users, read this super easy guide about how to use a menstrual cup.
can a menstrual cup tear your hymen?
As a menstrual cup gets inserted in your vagina, if this is the first time you are inserting something inside you then it is possible that this may tear your hymen.
Please rest assured that this is completely natural and okay! While it may seem like a menstrual cup can damage your hymen, this is not the case at all.
There might simply be a slight pinch and some spotting but that is a natural bodily process and nothing to worry about.
It is also okay if you don’t even notice your hymen tearing - you may just be someone that’s born without a hymen or has already torn it while being active.
So are you ready to try the Asan cup? Shop here now.