Can I pre-break my hymen?

I am a virgin, and am interested in having sex. I’m not keen on causing a bloody mess with my first penetration and I haven’t noticed my hymen break in sports, tampon application, etc. Is there a way for me to pre-break or stretch my hymen to eliminate the mess?

Most people don’t actually experience a whole lot of mess, but it is a possibility, and it’s likely that even in the absence of a significant mess there would be a little bit of blood.

If you’re comfortable with using one, a life size dildo (around five inches in circumference) and some lubricant could be used to pre-stretch or break the hymen. This will probably be painful, and it may be easier to use several dildos of increasing circumference. You could also just use your fingers to practice stretching it. Even if you only tear/stretch it a little bit, it should make the first penetration less painful and less likely to be bloody.

Recommendations: A light-hearted guide to losing your virginity and a book of stories about first times.