Can a Virgin use Menstrual Cup?
This article was medically fact-checked by Women’s health expert and Gynaecologist Dr. Alyssa Dweck.
The short answer? Yes! If you’re old enough to menstruate then you can use a menstrual cup, regardless of sexual activity. ‘Popping your cherry’ might be a euphemistic way to describe losing your virginity, but it also lends to the problematic idea that there is something to be ‘popped’.
Outside of the many misconceptions, it creates about anatomy and sex, this phrase also leads to a lot of confusion about what period products virgins can and cannot use. Luckily for any would-be cup users out there, while you may not have had sex, you don’t have to abstain from using a menstrual cup.
Using a menstrual cup can be compared to bike riding – when you once learn it you will never forget it. So learn it properly – with a little prep and a little patience, you can be a cup pro in no time.
What Does Virginity Even Mean?
Before we go into the basics of using a menstrual cup as a virgin, we should point out that virginity can be a divisive and misunderstood term. Historically it was defined as heterosexual intercourse, but today’s definition is much broader. Only you can decide when you have lost your virginity and what this word means to you – no matter the gender of your partner or the kind of sex you’re having.
For the purposes of discussing cups and virginity in this article, we will be referring to penetrative sexual intercourse.
How Does A Menstrual Cup Work?
This is the first among the most frequently asked questions, and we are happy to answer.
A menstrual cup is period product, it is a small reusable cup that you insert into the vagina during your period to collect menstrual fluid. This is a sharp contrast from pad or tampons which are designed to absorb menstrual blood. Cups don’t have any of the chemicals or irritating fibers that some tampons do, and you won’t find yourself dashing to the shop for tampons – one cup can last for up to 10 years.
The Lily Cup range is made of the smoothest medical grade silicone, and comes in different styles and sizes – so you can get the perfect smaller cup for you.
Will Using A Menstrual Cup Damage My Hymen?
We’re going to go ahead and say it – the hymen is possibly the most overrated body part. In the past, it was believed that the hymen (a thin membrane in the vagina) was proof of virginity, like a fleshy shield that “breaks” or “pops” after you have sex for the first time.
A diagram of some common hymen variations Credit: RFSU
This myth persists even today, but research has found that the hymen is actually just made up of thin folds of tissue that typically wear away naturally as we go through adolescence.
By the time you begin menstruating your hymen generally has holes already, and in many cases is almost gone (see diagram). This means that using a cup should have very little effect on your hymen, and in most cases, shouldn’t affect you at all. If you think you might have an intact hymen, or if you have any questions or concerns at all, make sure to talk with your doctor before you start using a cup.
For example, some women have an imperforate hymen, super thick hymeneal tissue or one that mechanically blocks the vaginal opening.
Am I Too Small For A Menstrual Cup?
Generally speaking, height and weight have no effect on the size of your vagina. Many tall women use small cups and many smaller women use larger cups. For teens and virgins, we often recommend smaller cups (like Lily Cup Compact Size A) because cups like this tend to be easier to insert and handle for first-timers.
A more important factor to consider is the position of your cervix. The cervix, which sits at the lowest part of the uterus is where menstrual fluid exits the uterus into to the vaginal canal, and its position helps determine how long your vaginal canal is. Find our your cervix height with the aid of our handy guide here.
Equally important for first-time cup users is looking out for a case of the butterflies. Anxiety = tense vaginal muscles, and if you’re unsure about using your cup, this could make things a little uncomfortable. If you’ve never inserted anything into your vagina these muscles are likely to be a little on the tense side, and worrying about insertion can make them even tenser.
The first time you insert a menstrual cup it’s important to make sure you have privacy, take your time, and relax – the more you get to know your body the easier it will be to do.
How To Insert A Menstrual Cup For The First Time
If you’re worried about inserting a cup for the first time – you’re not alone! It takes most women a little time to get the hang of a new cup – virgin or not. Make sure you’ve brushed up on your female anatomy so you’ll know exactly where your cup is going.
Invest in a high quality, pH balanced personal moisturizer or water-based lubricant to help slide your cup in a little more comfortably, and most importantly – relax pelvic muscles. It’s perfectly normal to be a little nervous, but just take a deep breath and get comfy. Check out our quick start guide for a more detailed guide on cup insertion, and again – if you have any questions, do speak with your doctor.
It’s Up To You!
Some people have had sex, some people haven’t, but generally speaking – if you have a period, you can use a menstrual cup. Just because you haven’t had penetrative sexual intercourse, it doesn’t mean that you’re “small”, have an “unbroken” hymen or anything else. If you want to use a menstrual cup, then by all means, go for it! Just use a little patience and a little planning (and maybe even a little lube).
Facts checked by:
Dr. Alyssa Dweck
Alyssa Dweck MS, MD, FACOG is a practicing gynecologist in Westchester County, New York. She provides care to women of all ages; she has delivered thousands of babies. She is proficient in minimally invasive surgery and has special interest and expertise in female sexual health and medical sex therapy. She is top doctor in New York Magazine and Westchester Magazine. Dr. Dweck has co-authored three books including the most recent release The Complete A to Z For Your V.
Written by:
A collective group of “lady experts” at Intimina who love sharing our personal experiences, even when they are a little too personal. We believe it’s time to start breaking down the taboos around menstruation, motherhood, and menopause, and start owning our female health.
When i checked the cervix omly 1 finger or maybe 2 going inside
Iam little bit sceptical about inserting a cup which is somehow think in volume. What if it is painful? And like pads why i never saw ads on cups. Is it because not better for virgins or singles who never inserted anything? And what if it create some infection inside?? Please please need answer as soon possible.
Hi! If you’re curious about how using an insertable menstrual product like a cup might affect your hymen (if you have one) then we suggest reading this article or talking to your doctor if you’re still unsure. There is no real ‘better’ based on whether you have had sex or not, it’s more about what fits your lifestyle. Vaginas are amazing body parts that are quite elastic and able to change shape and size to accommodate different things. We did create the Lily Cup One for those who are new to menstruating, which you may prefer.
In terms of infections, you shouldn’t have a problem if you carefully follow the instructions for use. Your cup can be safely worn for up to 12 hours, but you may need to empty it more often if it becomes filled. Here is more information about cleaning your cup during your period, and between periods for health and safety!
I’m a virgin, I’m 20 and I’m using a menstrual cup for the first time. And let me tell you, you’d be perfectly fine with it. Your body is super smart so it knows what to do. I just removed my menstrual cup for the 1st time and I took some time but I finally got it out, putting it back in it was so much easier than the 1st time I did already! I suggest don’t be afraid, look for the cup that you feel most comfortable with and INFORM yourself first! It will help you to know what to do regarding your menstrual cup( like gow to put it in, out, how to take care of it, the benefits of using it, etc). I just needed to make that change knowing how malicious almost all period product are to the environment; but also because I wanted to feel free during my period and you definitely do ♡
The fisrt time I put it in i did it in the shower it was easier for me, find the position that work best for you and ~relax~ that’s all you need to do. Find a folding method that reduces the diameter of the cup and you won’t have much of a problem. It doesn’t hurt having it in, it doesn’t “stretch” your vagina, please don’t believe that, you’ll get it when you use your cup… Good luck everyone! :D♡
Pd: the cup I’m using it’s one that’s made in my country so I can’t recommend you exactly what to use. (Theres a lot of info out there showing the best options for us 😉 ) but let me tell you my cup is an average size, is not in the super soft side and my body can handle it, so don’t worry too much.
I also spent nearly an hour to put a menstrual cup in my body. But I could only put 2/3 of it. I am very confused how to solve this. I’m also a virgin. Do you have any advice?
Hi there,
please contact our customer care, they will lead you through the process step by step.
Best regards,
I’m 18 years and sexually active which menstrual cup I should prefer for.?
Hi Honey! Buying your first menstrual cup is super exciting – I’d suggest checking out this article for tips about picking which one is right for you. Good luck!
Thanks for your comment
I’m always worry about using other things for my period except the pad
But lately I’ve been thinking about how pad defiling environment
I think I should commit to use the alternative to save them
I’m 21 and I recently bought a menstrual cup and I was so excited to use it.i was not afraid but when the period arrives and I tried to insert the cup and I can’t..I tried so hard watched so many videos and followed instructions still I can’t insert it.And now I don’t know what to do.plz help
Hello,
thank you for reaching out to INTIMINA! Have no worries, I would kindly ask you to contact our Customer care team and they will be glad to assist you with advice, there is a slight difference if insertion between Ziggy Cup and Lily Cups and from your comment we don’t see which one do you currently use.
Kind Regards
i am considering buying a menstrual cup. i am almost thirteen and have a high cervix. i am also a virgin. what kind of cup would be best for me? i have been interested in the Lily cup because it can roll so small, but i can’t even fit two fingers in because the opening is very small. should i wait till i am older to get a cup, or should i just take the plunge and do it now?
Hi Della,
we usually advise first-time users to start with Lily Cup One. You can read more about the cup here: https://www.intimina.com/blog/whats-new-meet-lily-cup-one/
If you have more questions please let us know.
Have a great day