Have I Broken My Virginity?

Have I Broken My Virginity?

Dear Auntie Betty,

I am a girl of 14 and in JHS Three. I have decided not to break my virginity before marriage. Whenever I have my menses my mum tells me to insert my fingers into my genitals so that I can wash it thoroughly to prevent any odour.

But my friend told me that inserting my fingers in my genitals can make me lose my virginity. Is my friend telling me the truth?

Pat , Odumasi.

Dear Pat,

You have taken a good decision not to break your virginity and you have to uphold it.

And no, your friend is not right because virginity is only broken through sex, therefore once you have not engaged in sex you are still a virgin.

Though the hymen which is a very thin piece of tissue inside the opening of the vagina can tear or stretch when one uses tampon, enagages in sports or any other strenuous activity it does not mean you have lost your virginity.

It is important to practice good hygiene when you menstruate but it does not mean you have to insert your fingers in your vagina to clean it.

According to medical experts inserting your fingers inside the vagina can cause small cuts, abrasions and sores which could become infected. You could also introduce bacteria if your fingers are dirty.

All you need to do is to gently wash the genital area and change your sanitary pads as often as needed and also bath twice daily. Discuss this with your mother again to understand her better.