In India, we can see erotic sculptures from Kamasutra on the walls of some famous temples. This shows that once India was extremely liberal and open about the concept of sex. Khajuraho temple is globally popular for erotic sculptures depicting various sexual positions. The temple complex is a UNESCO world heritage site.
Sex was not a taboo in the Vedic times. Also, the condition of the hymen of a woman was not considered to be a measure of her “purity”. People were quite open about sex. Some characters in Mahabharata can be seen indulging in sex in the open, pre-marital sex, and so on. Interestingly, modern India probably has the most conservative approach to virginity. Virginity is seen as being directly associated with moral values and principles in various places of India.
According to Indian culture, a woman is considered a virgin as long as her hymen is intact and unbroken. Hence, society, in general, does not approve pre-marital sex. The meaning of virginity, as per most religions, is for both men and women to suppress sexual urges by abstaining from pre-marital sex.
There is no scientific definition of virginity since no empirical proof can be found about it. Also, there is no scientifically approved way to determine if someone is a virgin. I hope people will eventually realize that the decision to remain a “virgin” or not is entirely the individual’s personal choice.
Is Virginity Affected By The Use Of Menstrual Cups?
Nowadays a variety of menstrual protections are available in the market. Menstrual cups are one of the most sustainable sanitary products among them. Menstrual cups are also promoted as more practical and eco-friendlier than pads and tampons.
Some brands claim that during sex, their cups are safe and comfortable to wear. They do not spill when working out, swimming, or showering and are handy. The cup prevents blood from contact with oxygen and therefore does not emit a smell, unlike pads.
Certainly, then, menstrual cups should be a game-changer. But why are they not common in India? Because it is difficult to combat the concern of ‘losing one’s virginity’ if you use a ‘penetrative’ product such as a menstrual cup. In Indian families, the idea of virginity is still a valued possession.
Still, there is a myth prevailing that, use of a menstrual cup will break your hymen. You too may believe that the hymen is a seal that breaks during the first sexual intercourse. But this is a widespread misunderstanding. The hymen is not a ‘seal’ inside the vagina that is punctured during sex. If that were true, people would not be able to menstruate before they lose their virginity because there would not be an opening for the menstrual flow.
In fact, the hymen is a slender piece of tissue that fully or partially covers the vagina. Some girls are born without hymen completely. The hymen may gradually get worn out with time by doing sports, riding a bicycle or dancing. In some countries like India, cultures and religions give importance to the state of the hymen. According to them, hymen represents virginity. However, this is not the right way to prove or disprove virginity.
By medical standards, virginity is not defined by the state of your hymen. Virginity is a social construct. Socially, you are a virgin until you take part in penetrative sexual intercourse. Therefore, using a menstrual cup does not mean you have had sexual intercourse. Then why are you concerned?
Do You Need To Switch To Menstrual Cups?
Menstrual cups have been widely available in markets for several years. But they are not in the mainstream in India, because of lack of awareness. Since they are reusable, they reduce solid waste and hence they are environment friendly. To reduce menstrual waste effectively, use of eco-friendly practices should be promoted. The need of the hour is its education and awareness.
Choosing menstrual products is our personal choice. According to our lifestyle and convenience, we can choose the appropriate products. But if you wish to use menstrual cups and the myth about virginity restricts you then its foolishness.