World AIDS Day Ever wondered why you see red ribbons everywhere in early December? Well, it’s because of World AIDS Day. World AIDS Day takes place on the 1st of December each year and is all about showing support for people living with HIV, raising awareness about HIV prevention, testing […]
What is contraception? Contraception, also sometimes referred to as ‘birth control’, is something people can use when they want to have sex that can result in pregnancy, but do not want to become pregnant or have a baby. Understanding contraception and figuring out the best contraceptive method for you is […]
Exploring the benefits and purpose of a dental dam Dental dams may not be trending across social media but could this lesser-known barrier method be a good option for you? What is a dental dam? A dental dam is a thin, stretchy piece of latex or polyurethane that can be […]
World AIDS Day Ever wondered why you see red ribbons everywhere in early December? Well, it’s because of World AIDS Day. World AIDS Day takes place on the 1st of December each year and is all about showing support for people living with HIV, raising awareness about HIV prevention, testing […]
What is contraception? Contraception, also sometimes referred to as ‘birth control’, is something people can use when they want to have sex that can result in pregnancy, but do not want to become pregnant or have a baby. Understanding contraception and figuring out the best contraceptive method for you is […]
Exploring the benefits and purpose of a dental dam Dental dams may not be trending across social media but could this lesser-known barrier method be a good option for you? What is a dental dam? A dental dam is a thin, stretchy piece of latex or polyurethane that can be […]
If you’ve been diagnosed with a sexually transmissible infection (STI), you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed, worried or unsure about what’s next. It might seem scary but getting an STI is not the end of the world. In fact, 4 million people in Australia will get an STI at […]
Ever heard the phrase “popping your cherry”? It’s slang for losing your virginity and refers to the tearing (stretching open) or “popping” of the hymen during vaginal sex (penis-in-vagina intercourse).
Covering the opening of the vagina, the hymen is a thin layer of skin that can be torn or stretched open with penetration. Found about half an inch inside the vagina, the hymen has tiny holes and a small opening in the centre that allows for menstrual flow.
Sometimes the tearing of the hymen can be uncomfortable and cause bleeding. But other times, you might not even notice when it happens
It’s important to remember that the hymen may not be intact before vaginal sex. Some girls don’t even have a hymen.
The hymen’s natural holes stretch open with time and activity. Masturbation, using tampons, and even rigorous activity like horse riding, dancing, riding a bike, and other sports may stretch the hymen before vaginal sex and can cause rupture or tearing.
So yes – the hymen can definitely be torn without losing your virginity.
Nope. Whether the hymen is torn or stretched out through first vaginal sex or another activity, once the hymen is torn it can’t grow back.
The definition of virginity is complicated. Many people define virginity as never having penis-in-vagina sex, so a torn hymen through masturbation, the use of a tampon, sex toys, or any other activity does not equal a loss of virginity.
However, this definition is very limiting because it excludes lots of people. Some LGBTQ people may never have penis-in-vagina sex, but don’t think of themselves as virgins. And some people who have had other types of sex, like oral or anal sex, also don’t think of themselves as virgins.
As a sexual health nurse, a lot of people tell me they wish they could have more sex, more often… But without getting an STI or becoming pregnant. Sound appealing? Well, there’s a way! It’s 100% risk free and is available anytime, regardless of whether you have a partner around. What is this super sex secret I […]
Sex toys can bring extra fun to masturbating and sex. They’re not just for using alone – they’re also a lot of fun to use with someone else too. Sex toys – the basics Sex toys come in all different shapes, colours and sizes Different toys can be used for […]