We don't beat around the bush. We say what's going on straight and clear and don't mince our words. Now that we've got that cleared up, we're going to tackle a topic that generally gets too little attention: Can I damage my hymen with a tampon? Good question. We're also going to get to the bottom of the "hymen" myth - is there perhaps no such thing as a hymen? We've pooled our period skills and found answers. Right here.
Summary
A tampon cannot tear your hymen .
If you feel resistance, it often helps to change direction a little. The vagina is not straight, but slightly curved upwards .
You can therefore use tampons without any concerns before your first sexual intercourse.
Table of contents
1. Can a tampon tear the hymen?
The good news right up front: No, a tampon cannot normally cause major damage to your hymen or cause it to tear.
The opening in the hymen is elastic enough to allow the insertion of a tampon (or a finger) without causing injury - at most it stretches. Of course, there are exceptions to the rule. Under certain circumstances, it can (!) happen that your hymen tears unnoticed. But it doesn't have to happen and it's really extremely rare.
The term "hymen" also suggests that it is a layer of skin that only virgins have. Beeeeeep!!! Not true.
2. Does the hymen even exist?
In fact, the hymen is not skin, but rather a kind of mucous membrane border that is located at the entrance to your vagina. The word "membrane" is completely misleading in this case. A wreath, corolla or vaginal corona (as it is called in Sweden) is much more appropriate.
At the same time, the vaginal corona is not only found in virgins . Quite the opposite!
The hymen says absolutely nothing about a person's virginity. In some women, the mucous membrane is so stretchy that it does not tear during sex. However, in virgins, it can also be damaged without penetration.
3. Tampon won't go in!
Your tampon won't go in - resistance is futile? First of all, you should relax and breathe deeply. Just don't let yourself get stressed. It's important that you don't tense up when inserting the tampon.
Because we keep getting questions about this, we'll explain exactly how to use a tampon for the first time and how to insert it properly.
Important: Inserting a tampon should never be painful. If you feel resistance down there when you push the cotton ball or whatever in, it is not always the hymen that is the culprit. Often, the vaginal and/or pelvic floor muscles are more likely to become cramped when inserting a tampon or during sex.
If you feel resistance, it often helps to change direction a little. The vagina is not straight, but slightly curved upwards .
Wusa! You're totally relaxed and super laid back, but the tampon just won't go in? Damn. But don't panic, it can happen. If inserting it hurts terribly, then don't bother and ask your doctor for advice. It can happen that your hymen is so tight that a tampon just won't go through.
Insider tip: If you want to use tampons for your period, start with a small size. You will have to change the mini tampon more often, but it is also much easier to insert!
We have created an overview of tampon sizes for you. A tampon is correctly positioned in the vagina when you absolutely cannot feel it.
Click here for our organic tampons!
The myth that a tampon can cause the hymen to tear is therefore false.
You can use a tampon from your first period without having to worry about injuring your hymen.