Menstrual cups don’t break hymen or affect virginity, experts say
Premium Times reports that using a menstrual cup can stretch or slightly tear the hymen, but this does not mean a woman has lost her virginity, according to Certified Holistic Sex Educator Elizabeth Adewale. She explains the hymen is an elastic tissue that varies widely and can change from activities like cycling or gymnastics, and its presence or absence does not indicate sexual activity. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the World Health Organisation agree that no exam can prove vaginal intercourse based on the hymen. Adewale also dispels fears that cups make the vagina permanently loose, noting the vagina is a muscular canal that relaxes and returns to its usual state. She notes insertion may be painful for those with vaginismus, not due to size. For first‑time users, she advises relaxing, washing hands, cleaning the cup, finding a comfortable position, following folding instructions, and not forcing insertion; if pain occurs, stop. She stresses that choosing a menstrual product is personal and no one should feel pressured to use a cup if it does not work for them. Will you consider trying a menstrual cup after learning these facts, or stay with your current method?