The hymen, or the hymen in questions and answers

Hymen in a different way

Some time ago, the Norwegian Ministry of Health decided to replace the term "hymen" with another, more appropriate and, above all, neutral name. And so, translated into Polish, it is now listed in Norwegian dictionaries as "vaginal wreath" or "vaginal fold". The term "hymen" is becoming increasingly popular in Poland. Why?

“Hymen” is a non-imposing and non-emotional term – however, in the text below we use it interchangeably with “hymen” to maintain clarity of message and make it easier for people who only know the latter term to access the article, while at the same time familiarizing you with this new, neutral nomenclature.

The hymen is a cultural construct – for many people it is synonymous with virtue, purity, innocence. This automatically suggests that sexual intercourse is a dirty and shameful act. To go further and paraphrase our other article (which I heartily encourage you to read): virginity is often talked about in terms of a “loss”, as if first sexual intercourse was associated with some inappropriate, destructive behavior for our morality. This is harmful, stressful, and for many people, it discourages free exploration of their sexuality. Remember: you decide what intercourse really means to you. No one has the right to impose their beliefs on you and decide when a “debut” in this matter will be appropriate.

What is a hymen?

The hymen seen through the eyes of a gynecologist_ożki has a much more down-to-earth meaning than for many young people who start having sex. Virginity is very deeply rooted in culture and religion, and the terms "virgin" or "virgin boy" are misleading and generate many misunderstandings. This results in a whole host of myths and false beliefs that generate fear, anxiety, and anxiety (cross out as appropriate) around one mucous membrane.

The hymen is an elastic fold of mucous membrane that separates the vaginal vestibule from its interior. That's it!

It is formed as early as the 5th month of fetal life and initially tightly covers the entrance to the vagina . In the later stages of a newborn's development, an opening (or openings) develops in it, which over time further widens (it is assumed that by about 1 millimeter per year). The vast majority of people with a vagina are born with a hymen, but it may happen that the hymen is almost invisible (so wide that it does not pose any obstacle to inserting a tampon or during intercourse).

Where is the hymen located?

The vaginal crown is usually located about 1 to 1.5 centimeters from the vaginal opening, at the border of the vaginal vestibule and the vagina proper.

What does the hymen look like?

The appearance of the hymen depends on genes, levels of sex hormones, and any infections or diseases that have occurred. A similar distribution also applies to the thickness of the hymen. In some people (although very rarely), it almost completely closes the vaginal opening or, quite the opposite, it consists only of shreds of mucous membrane. Sometimes the previously mentioned "holes" do not appear, which can be a problem during menstruation. An overgrown hymen then prevents the flow of menstrual blood, which increases abdominal pain.

Hymen – types and shapes

• Crescent (irregular circle and one large hole),
• sieved (compact membrane with a large number of small holes),
• perforated (as above, except that there are fewer holes, but they are larger),
• marginal (i.e. when the fold of mucosa surrounds the entrance to the vagina, but covers it minimally at its edges).

Most people have a semilunar hymen, i.e. a fold of mucous membrane that only half (or more often even less) engages the vaginal wall.

What functions does the hymen perform?

It was once believed that the hymen was a kind of natural barrier protecting the inside of the vagina from microorganisms and bacteria. Wrongfully – as confirmed by the information provided above about its structure and irregular texture.

The short answer to the question is: the hymen is merely a fold of mucous membrane that is a remnant of fetal life. It does not perform any specific function in the body, nor does it contribute to maintaining the health and bacterial balance of the vaginal interior.

Is it possible to pierce the hymen?

It is generally accepted that during the first penetrative sexual intercourse the hymen ruptures , which may be accompanied by pain and vaginal bleeding.

In reality, it rarely happens that the hymen actually blocks the vaginal entrance and that it is necessary to "pierce" or "break" it during intercourse. So we are talking rather about loosening , stretching the mucous membrane.

Many people wonder whether the hymen can be damaged during masturbation or inserting a tampon . The hymen cannot be "pierced" in this way, but it can be stretched and made more elastic, also when using intravaginal menstrual protection (including a cup ) or doing sports.

A gynecologist can perform a procedure of intentional rupture of the hymen, known as hymenotomy . It involves incision or complete removal of the hymen. Many young people decide to do this if their attempts at intercourse are accompanied by severe pain (for example, in the course of pain syndrome of the vaginal vestibule or so-called vaginismus - involuntary contraction of the muscles around the vaginal opening).

It also happens that the doctor determines that the hymen is atretic. What does this mean? If a person has a hymen without openings, it prevents menstrual blood from flowing freely from the vagina. The blood that then accumulates inside it, and then in the uterus and fallopian tubes, can cause pain and, as a consequence, lead to the formation of a so-called stasis hematoma .

“Tearing” the hymen hurts, they say…

… meanwhile, the relaxation of the hymen during intercourse often goes unnoticed!

We already know that the most common is this semilunar mucosa. That is why during the first intercourse, as a rule, there is no blood at all and intercourse is completely "asymptomatic". However, it all depends on individual conditions - in some, as we mentioned, the vaginal ring is practically non-existent, in others this mucosa is hard and not very elastic (and then the first intercourse may be accompanied by these additional "discomforts").

The "first time" is usually a big and emotional experience for partners. The aforementioned rumors that it is usually accompanied by bleeding, pain and discomfort do not make it any easier. Our advice - relax and put all your energy into the act of getting to know yourself and exploring your bodies. It will be fine - talk to your partner about your fears and concerns and overcome them together!

Losing your virginity?

Culturally, it has become commonplace that first intercourse = rupture of the hymen = loss of virginity. After all, penetration is not the only form of intercourse! Sex is a whole spectrum of behaviors, practices, emotions, not necessarily related to inserting the penis into the vagina. That is why there are so many doubts about it.

What about other sexual contacts – oral, anal, masturbation? Do we lose virginity even if there is no penetration?

The answer to these questions depends on your personal religious and social beliefs. Your perception of virginity, whatever it is, is good – because it is yours. Don’t give in to societal pressure, just listen to yourself and your sexuality.

How can I check if I have a hymen?

The hymen can usually be seen after parting the labia , at the vaginal vestibule. A regular mirror is enough. :) The fold of mucous membrane is elastic and slippery, and to the touch it resembles the inside of the cheek. However, if you can't see it - don't panic. Some people are born without it or it is simply invisible and does not cover the vaginal walls.

Can the hymen be rebuilt?

The hymen does not heal ( even if the person abstains from sexual intercourse for a long time).

The hymen can be rebuilt surgically. The opposite procedure to hymenotomy is called hymenoplasty – it involves sewing together shreds of the folds of the mucous membrane in order to recreate it. People decide to undergo this surgery for many reasons – of course, they can be guided by various and individual motives, but I would like to draw attention to the following factors:

• Cultural and religious conditions – in some countries, if a wife has hidden her lack of virginity from her husband, she may become the victim of a so-called “honor killing” by members of her family, because premarital sexual relations are considered shameful there.
• Psychological factors – for example, in the case of people who are victims of rape, before which they did not have sex. An element of treatment that is supposed to help restore a certain status quo (also in the psychological sense) is the reconstruction of the hymen.

Virginity – no pressure

In some cultures, it is tested whether a person still has a hymen to determine whether they have already had sexual intercourse. Tests are often coercive in nature, to confirm (or rule out) preserved "purity" and virtue or possible sexual abuse. Since the presence of a hymen (or its absence) does not provide an answer to these questions, the WHO issued a document in which it calls the practice of testing "virginity" a violation of human rights, bringing negative consequences to the psyche of the person being tested. It therefore calls for an end to such practices, calling them discriminatory, humiliating and unsupported by any scientific data that would confirm their meaning.

Finally, it is worth mentioning that for many young people, losing virginity is a desired state – it is associated with unattainable femininity (or masculinity), and conversations about it are sometimes a test of strength and adulthood. First sexual intercourse is a new, wonderful experience – let's break away from all the above harmful patterns and not attach unnecessary, stressful meanings to it.