The mysterious hymen. If you’re like me, this piece of tissue is something you heard a lot about as a young girl but really didn’t know much about either. It was just this thing that young girls were supposed to protect as a badge of honour of sorts. Proof that we had remained “pure”.
Keep reading to find out answers to some common questions about the hymen.
What is the hymen?
The hymen is a thin membrane that covers the vaginal opening. It is made up of connective tissue, muscle fibers, blood vessels, and nerve endings.
What is the purpose of a hymen?
So far, scientists haven’t reached a unanimous conclusion on this subject. One of the most common theories is that the hymen acts as a kind of barrier to prevent infectious agents from entering a developing body.
Is the hymen visible to the naked eye?
For girls who have one, the hymen can be easy to detect. It usually lies within 1–2 centimeters of the vaginal opening, creating a partial boundary between the external and internal genital organs.
Is the hymen the same in every person?
The appearance and composition of the hymen vary just like any other physical feature. Each hymen has its own shape, type (which is determined by the number and size of holes in the hymen), thickness, elasticity, blood vessels, and nerve endings.
Some hymens may be elastic and stretchable; others are not. Some may have many nerve endings, while others may only have a few.
How common is it to have a hymen?
About 0.03 percent of girls are born without one. These individuals rarely have any problems with the development of their reproductive system, as the hymen isn’t necessary for healthy sexual growth.
How does menstrual blood pass through the hymen?
The hymen has one or more holes to allow blood flow through. Usually, the hymen looks like a doughnut and has a large hole that can fit one or two fingers.
A smaller percentage of girls have hymens with two holes (septate type) that look a bit like nostrils. Others have several small holes (microperforate type) or none at all (imperforate type).
If my hymen ruptures, will it hurt or bleed?
Each hymen has an individual structure; some individuals may experience bleeding and pain, while others may have neither.
This depends on the thickness of the hymen. The thicker it is, the more painful a potential tear can be.
Bleeding during the first sexual intercourse happens in only 43 percent of cases. The amount of blood can vary from a few drops to bleeding for a few days. If the bleeding lasts for longer than three days, consult a healthcare professional.
Can the hymen be damaged before having sex for the first time?
The hymen can be disrupted before having sex for the first time (for example, from masturbation, a medical examination, surgery, or using tampons that are too large).
Some people’s hymens can be affected after an injury, excessive physical exertion, and some kinds of exercise.
Do virgins have to visit a gynecologist?
The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists recommends the first gynecological examination should happen between the ages of 13 and 15 years, regardless of sexual activity.
The first visit should include discussions about reproductive health care, and the doctor will ask for your permission to examine your sexual development.
Is staying a virgin after the age of 18–20 bad for your health?
Virginity doesn’t harm a person’s health. In fact, abstinence is the only thing that offers total protection from sexually transmitted infection and unwanted pregnancies. You should only engage in sexual activities when YOU feel mentally, emotionally and physically ready to.
