All About Hymen
At a Glance: The hymen is a small flap of skin at the entrance to the vagina. It has long been the subject of myths, misconceptions, and cultural interpretations. Over time, it can wear down naturally due to physical activities. In some cases, it may tear during vaginal penetration. While most people don't notice when their hymen breaks, some may experience slight pain or a small amount of bleeding.
Reviewed by Internal Psychologist and General Physician
Introduction
The concept of "losing your virginity" for people with vaginas has a complicated history, and has often been (incorrectly) linked to the hymen breaking.
Bleeding after sexual intercourse was (also incorrectly) thought to be proof of an unbroken hymen, and, thus, proof that a person had not had sex before.
You may have heard about the term "popping the cherry." For many of us, that was our only introduction to the concept of a hymen.
However, you are not alone if you are unsure about the appearance or function of your hymen.
Although small, the hymen carries a powerful reputation.
Numerous myths surround this thin tissue layer located at the vaginal opening. One common misconception is that it only "breaks" during the first sexual encounter. In reality, it could tear long before that, but more on that later.
To bust these misconceptions, we will explore this article to clarify what a hymen is, where it is located, and why it may change as you get older.
What is a Hymen?
The hymen is a thin, fleshy tissue that’s located at the opening of your vagina. Its size, shape, and thickness are unique and can change over time.
At birth, it's typically a ring-shaped or partial covering, but in rare cases, it may entirely block the vaginal opening, causing menstrual issues.
The hymen has a reputation for being an indicator of sexual activity, like a hard, seal ike covering that blocks your vagina but it usually has no connection to whether a woman (or person assigned female at birth) has had sex.
In reality, it's soft and elastic and doesn't necessarily block your vaginal opening. It can break from everyday activities like inserting a tampon or having sex.
Where is Hymen Located?
The hymen is located on either side of the vagina or may surround it completely.
You can check what your hymen looks like easily at home by looking at your vulva with a handheld mirror.
What is a Hymen Made of?
Hymen is an elastic tissue that can stretch as you move. It's thicker at birth but wears over time and loses elasticity due to hormones, activities, inserting tampons, or sex.
Hymen forms during fetal development when your vagina is developing. It starts as a solid tube, dissolves as the vaginal opening expands, and the remnants of the tube form your hymen.
What does a Hymen Look Like?
The hymen is not the same size as the vulvas; even no two hymens are alike. Some of them have a half-moon shape, some are ring-shaped.
They're thicker, they're thinner than other body parts, and the hymens are different for each individual.
What is the Hymen’s Purpose?
The function of the hymen remains unclear, but some speculate that it could act as a barrier, potentially safeguarding the vaginal opening against infections.
Additionally, certain theories propose a potential role for the hymen in sexual function.
However, scientific evidence supporting these hypotheses is limited, emphasizing the necessity for further research in this field.
Different Types of Hymen
Hymens are categorized into five different types:
Annular or crescent-shaped hymen: The most common type of hymen is shaped like a donut or a crescent around the vaginal opening.
Cribriform hymen: The hymen covers the vagina and contains many small holes. Period blood can pass through these, but it may make it difficult to insert a tampon.
Imperforate hymen: Hymen imperforate is a rare condition where the hymen completely covers the vagina, preventing blood from exiting. This condition can be painful, but it only affects 1 in 1,000 girls.
Micro-perforated hymen: The hymen covers the entire vaginal opening except for a small hole. Period blood can flow out of that hole, but using tampons may be difficult.
Septate hymen: The hymen may have an additional piece of skin, making it appear as though there are two hymens. Individuals with this condition may experience difficulty using tampons.
How Does a Hymen Break?
Even the act of inserting tampons might result in the tearing or rupture of the hymen.
Sexual intercourse can also have the same effect. Nevertheless, numerous routine actions might also result in the rupture of your hymen.
These include:
- Gymnastics
- Riding bicycles
- Horseback riding
- Climbing on playground equipment like jungle gyms
- Exercising
- Masturbation
- Pelvic exams or pap smears
What Happens When the Hymen Breaks?
“Breaking” and “popping” are words often used when people are talking about hymen. The hymen tends to gradually wear down over time rather than breaking all at once.
Every female is unique, and for some, there may be a slight amount of bleeding or discomfort when the hymen breaks.
However, many individuals may not experience any noticeable signs of hymen breakage.
Hymen Care
There is no need for you to take any specific actions to care for your hymen. The vagina is truly remarkable!
Simply rinsing the vulva area with warm water and allowing the vagina to naturally maintain its health and cleanliness is usually sufficient.
Vaginas are sensitive to soaps and lotions, and even specially-tailored washes can cause a pH imbalance in this area.
Myths about Hymen and Virginity
It is important to note that the hymen is not a single "seal" that breaks during first intercourse, despite common misconceptions.
It's a versatile, ever-changing fold of tissue with no fixed appearance. Keep in mind that bleeding during early sexual activity is not always certain and can depend on things like sports or tampon use.
This outdated concept harms women by equating sex with "loss" and fueling harmful practices like "virginity tests."
Remember, virginity is a social construct, not a physical state.
Conclusion
Understanding the true nature of the hymen, both in terms of its physical characteristics and its lack of reliability as a marker of virginity, is crucial for promoting accurate information and getting rid of harmful stereotypes.
By encouraging open dialogue and spreading reliable knowledge, we can help dismantle the negative perceptions surrounding the hymen and enable individuals to make well-informed decisions regarding their own bodies.
Ultimately, the hymen should not be a source of judgment, shame, or discrimination.
FAQs
How do I know if my hymen is healthy?
The hymen's appearance and thickness vary between individuals, and there's no universal definition of a "healthy" hymen. In rare cases, absence of menstruation may occur if the hymen covers the vaginal opening. Your healthcare provider should be able to diagnose any hymen-related issues by the time you reach adolescence.
Can a tampon break a hymen?
Yes, a tampon can break your hymen. Typically, the rupturing of your hymen will not occur as a one-time event. It will be gradual, and if you’re menstruating, you may not even be aware of it.
How do you know if your hymen is still there?
It can be difficult to determine if your hymen is still intact. Indications of a broken hymen can include slight spotting or bleeding, discomfort, or visible skin around the vaginal opening.
How does the hymen feel to touch?
Your hymen may not be visible or felt. Even with a mirror, you can't see your hymen. It is of the same colour as the inside of your vagina, so it blends in. Also, it's nearly impossible to feel it with your fingers.
Does every girl have a hymen?
Some girls are born without much of a hymen. In some girls, the hymen covers a lot of the opening to the vagina. Some girls bleed more when their hymen is stretched or torn before they have sex.
References
- Planned Parenthood (2023). Virginity. Available at https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/teens/sex/virginity (Accessed 18/01/2024).
- Britannica (2023). Hymen | Description, Characteristics, & Congenital. Available at https://www.britannica.com/science/hymen-anatomy (Accessed 18/01/2024).
- WebMD (2022). What to Know About the Hymen. Available at https://www.webmd.com/women/what-to-know-about-the-hymen (Accessed 18/01/2024).
- Cleveland Clinic (2022). Hymen. Available at https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22718-hymen (Accessed 18/01/2024).
- Natural Cycles (2024). What is a hymen? Anatomy and function. Available at https://www.naturalcycles.com/cyclematters/what-is-the-hymen (Accessed 18/01/2024).
- Flo (2020). What is a hymen? Everything you need to know. Available at https://flo.health/menstrual-cycle/health/period/what-is-hymen-and-how-it-changes (Accessed 18/01/2024).
