2024-08-21 18:00:16
Most people know the hymen as the tissue that will “break” during the first intercourse. But how true is this? Here we explain it.
Although it has no known biological function in female anatomy, The hymen has been given cultural and symbolic importance since ancient times. The belief that it is an indication of virginity and that it is broken only after the first sexual intercourse is the reason why many people know of its existence. But this is not entirely correct.
You should know that the size, shape and thickness of the hymen varies from woman to woman. Being a flexible fabric, it tends to stretch and thin when doing some daily activities. Therefore, whether you break will not necessarily have to do with sexual activity.
What is the hymen and what is its function?
The hymen is a membranous tissue located about 2 or 3 centimeters from the external entrance. It consists mostly of connective tissue, epithelium and blood vessels. The latter are the ones that bleed when taken.
First, the hymen appears in the area of the uterus, around the fifth month of fetal development, from the remnants of tissue that remains after the uterus has been formed. During the perinatal stage, almost always in the first days after birth, the system opens and forms a ring around the vaginal opening.
However, sometimes it is like a membrane with one or more small holes, which only partially covers the mouth. If this opening does not occur, it gives rise to a condition known as imperforate hymen.
To date, It has not been proven that the hymen has any related biological function. A hypothesis arose that its presence may help protect the monkey against infections, but there is no scientific evidence to support the hypothesis.
Types of hymen
Normally, the shape of the hymen changes over time. During puberty, due to the increase in estrogen, it becomes even softer.
The size and shape is different for each girl. According to their characteristics, it is possible to distinguish between those who are normal or typical and those who are abnormal or atypical.
Normal or typical hymens
Despite the variety, many women have non-pathological forms. This means that their hymens have a hole in the middle, top or in the middle.
According to this characteristic, the following species are known:
- Cancel: It is the most common hymen. Its round or oval shape has a central opening that allows menstruation.
- Lips: So called because it has skin on both sides, as if they were lips. Its orifice is elongated in the middle.
- Semiannular: Also called sickle-shaped or crescent-shaped. It has an opening that has a larger shape.
Anomalous or atypical hymens
Here we have it holding differences in structure, shape or condition, which does not correspond to those defined as representation. They can be congenital (from birth) or acquired through medical interventions or conditions:
- Cribriform: Tissue covers the opening of the vagina, but it has many small openings through which menstruation can flow. However, it makes the use of tampons or menstrual cups impossible.
- Separation: Also known as biperforated or septate, it has an extra piece of tissue that divides the hole. It gives the appearance of two hymens. Menstruation usually passes without problem, but using tampons can be unavoidable.
- Microperforated: It covers most surgical procedures, including a small procedure that allows the menstrual flow to pass, although sometimes with great difficulty. The use of tampons and sexual relations are also problematic.
- Imperforado: It is rare, since it occurs, enough, is 1 in 1000 girls. It occurs when membranous tissue completely covers the opening of the vagina and obstructs the flow of menstrual flow. In young people, this can lead to stomach and abdominal pain, as well as an increased risk of urinary problems.
Given the problems associated with these differences, the clinical process is known hymenectomywhich aims to remove any excess tissue to give the femoral opening the proper size. The intervention is simple and does not always cause complications during recovery.
Absence of hymen
In very rare cases, babies can be born without a hymen. Some changes in hormone levels and some genetic abnormalities during fetal development are believed to be the cause. However, the condition does not interfere with sexual or reproductive health.
Why is the hymen torn?
It is important to clarify that, in general, The hymen is not contracted with the first effect. As it is a flexible skin, it tends to stretch and thin with the passage of time and the practice of various activities. That is, it goes through wear and tear gradually.
This is why its existence as an indicator of virginity is a subject of debate today. Although casual sex, and cohabitation, can cause it to break, it rarely does.
Exercising and inserting tampons also causes them to break. It can also occur during gymnastics, cycling or horseback riding, and even during pelvic exams or Pap tests.
The truth is that many women do not even know that they are pregnant, because there are often no symptoms. Sometimes, a little bleeding is experienced that, depending on the season, can be confused with menstruation.
You are more likely to have an obvious tear if the hymen is thick and rigid or has a loose, untended shape.
Considering all this is very important. The traditional belief that women should bleed after their first intercourse as an indication of virginity is being removed.
Is it possible to have sex and not break the hymen?
Although not normal, The hymen may not tear after having the first sex. Flexible characteristics sometimes allow stretching during intercourse, without causing a tear.
It is less likely to take away from intercourse or oral sex.
If sexual intercourse is not enough to remove all the hymenal tissue, it may remain. Even until the woman gives birth.
Can the hymen grow back after a break?
Never. Once it breaks down—partially or completely—it doesn’t regenerate or grow back like other organs in the body do.
How do you know if you have a hymen?
Many women, especially during puberty, are curious to know if their hymen is still intact. The recommendation is to check yourself in front of a mirror.
The hymen can be seen as a piece of tissue in the lower area of the surgical opening. However, its shape and size can make it difficult to find. Sometimes it is not visible to the naked eye, but it is there, just like that.
It is worth remembering that, even after sexual activity, the hymen may not break as such. Although the first penetrations produce a more noticeable tear, you may be able to see some membrane around the surgical opening.
How to take care of the hymen?
You already know that the presence or absence of a hymen does not define virginity. They also do not determine sexual abilities.
In any case, if for personal, cultural or religious reasons you are concerned about this skin care, consider the following:
- Avoid excessive impact on the genital area: Physical activities and sports that involve friction or pressure on the environment can accelerate wear.
- Learn more: Learn about the anatomy of the hymen, its type and functions. You will know what activities you can wear it and you will say the myths associated with the misconceptions about it.
- Seek medical attention: If you suspect that you have a problem due to an anomaly of the hymen, ask for the intervention of a gynecologist. Maybe you experience difficulty or pain when using tampons, having sex, or other activities; or even if you have abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain or absence of menstruation.
- Talk to your sexual partner: Some women experience nothing when their hymen breaks in their first intercourse. However, others may experience pain or discomfort. It’s important to have open communication with your partner and draw boundaries. If the pain becomes unbearable, it is better to stop the procedure and seek treatment to control the abnormality.
The hymen is not an indicator of virginity
The false connection given to the presence of hymens with a woman’s virginity is confusion and unnecessary worry. It is important to emphasize that the thin layer of tissue surrounding the surgical opening has no known purpose or function.
Virginity, for its part, is a social construct. Whether a woman has a hymen or not, whether she experiences bleeding or not when she has sex for the first time, will not be an accurate indication of anything.
The aforementioned beliefs, among other myths about sex, makes clear the need to improve sex education in many cultural fields. Virgin sheep can be measured or investigated by the presence or absence of tissue as harmful as it is ethical.
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