What is a Hymen?
The hymen is a thin, stretchy membrane that partially covers the opening of the vagina. It is a natural part of female anatomy and is usually present at birth, although its appearance can vary widely from person to person.
Think of it as the soft outer rim of a balloon. When the balloon is deflated, the opening collapses on itself and doesn’t seem open at all. But it is actually a soft ring and stretches circumferentially when inflated.
Like a ring, the hymen typically has an opening in the center, which allows menstrual blood to pass through. The size and shape of the opening can also vary widely, and in some cases, the hymen may be imperforate, meaning there is no opening at all. Women with an imperforate hymen, they may struggle to place a tampon or to have penetrative intercourse. Some of them might not bleed much or at all during their cycle, but will still have menstrual cramps. If you are concerned you might have an imperforate hymen, consult a gynecologist or women’s health provider who can carefully do an exam. If you are concerned an exam might hurt, tell them about your concerns before you agree to an exam!
Contrary to popular belief, the presence or absence of the hymen is not an accurate indicator of sexual activity or virginity. The hymen can be stretched or torn in a variety of ways, including through physical activity (think gymnastics, horseback riding), tampon use, and sexual activity.
Some cultures place a high value on an intact hymen as a sign of virginity, which can lead to harmful practices such as hymenoplasty, a surgical procedure that aims to “restore” the hymen. However, this procedure is not medically necessary and can perpetuate harmful and inaccurate beliefs about female sexuality.
It’s important to remember that every person’s body is different and there is no “normal” or “correct” appearance or function of the hymen. If you have questions or concerns about your hymen or your sexual health, it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider who can provide accurate information and support.
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About the Author
Dr. Rachel Pope is a board-certified gynecologist, the chief of a female Sexual Health division in a Urology Department, and the founder of Our Womanity. She created Our Womanity to shed light on the subjects people don't talk about, reduce the stigma, and empower women to understand their own health.