There is a lot of misinformation about women and their bodies, especially regarding the types of hymen. This information may cause harm and damage to some women due to ignorance of complex concepts and widespread myths. Therefore, we will review together in my Dalili Medical the types of hymen and whether it is considered evidence of virginity in all women or there are exceptions.

**What is the hymen?**

 

The hymen is a mucous membrane that partially surrounds the external vaginal opening, and contains a small opening in the middle that allows menstrual blood to exit. This membrane is subject to tearing during sexual intercourse for the first time, which makes it considered a sign of virginity (virginity). The hymen begins to appear before puberty, although it is formed in the period from the third to the fourth month of pregnancy.

The hymen can be classified based on its shape into the following types:

1. **Imperforate hymen**: It is diagnosed at birth, as it prevents menstrual blood from exiting the vagina.

2. **Perforated hymen**: It is characterized by a small opening that may cause narrowing of the vaginal opening.

3. **Septal membrane**: It consists of a group of excess tissue in the middle, resulting in two vaginal openings instead of one.

Can I examine the hymen myself?

 

The hymen cannot be fully controlled. When the legs are opened and a mirror is placed in front of them, the hymen can be seen to some extent. However, due to your insufficient medical knowledge, you may not be able to determine whether the hymen is intact or weak, making it difficult to make an accurate assessment. If you have any doubts, it is preferable to be examined by a gynecologist.

Can the hymen be examined during menstruation?

 

Virginity examination is usually performed at times other than menstruation. However, if there is an emergency and it is not possible to visit a gynecologist, the examination can be performed even during menstruation. At the end of the examination, the doctor can explain all the findings related to the examination and the structure of the hymen, as well as any possible anatomical problems, through an illustration on a sheet of paper if desired.

Can the hymen be seen with the naked eye?

 

A woman is usually in a state of anxiety and confusion, which prompts her to use a mirror to try to understand the structure of the hymen and whether these tissues have been torn. However, it may be difficult to see this clearly. The vaginal tissues can overlap with each other, as they overlap and are similar in color and shape to the hymen, which may increase her feeling of anxiety. Of course, the hymen can be seen with the naked eye, but it is not always easy for a woman to determine whether it is intact or not, as self-examination may not distinguish it from other vaginal tissues. Therefore, if you have such concerns, it is preferable to consult a specialist. The doctor will examine you on the gynecological examination table and provide you with accurate information about the condition of the hymen.

Can the hymen be examined using ultrasound?

 

The hymen can be visually examined anatomically, but ultrasound examinations cannot determine the integrity of this structure. Therefore, ultrasound examinations cannot tell whether the hymen is intact or not.

What is the function of the hymen?

 

The hymen has no noticeable physiological or biological function, but according to some theories, it may play a role in protecting the vagina from contamination by feces and other materials, especially in the early stages of life.

How can you treat the pain that may occur during hymen rupture?

 

There are several ways that can help relieve the pain that may occur during this process, including:

- Taking a warm shower.

- Applying a warm cloth to the vaginal area.

- Using antiseptics with warm water after sexual intercourse.

- Taking painkillers.

This pain usually goes away within a few hours after the procedure, and with repeated sexual intercourse, the feeling of pain may disappear.

What should you do if the pain persists and the bleeding does not stop?

 

The pain usually does not last for long periods, but if it does, it is necessary to consult a doctor.

Some cases that require a visit to the doctor include:

- Severe pain that cannot be tolerated.

- The presence of vaginal ulcers that affect your ability to walk and prevent you from living your life normally.

- The appearance of abnormal vaginal secretions.

- Recurring bleeding and severe pain with every sexual intercourse.

**What is the relationship between the hymen and virginity?**

 

The concept of virginity in our societies is closely related to the hymen, as some believe that a girl loses her virginity only when this membrane is torn, which is an inaccurate belief. The integrity of the hymen does not necessarily mean virginity, as virginity refers to not having sex in any form with another person. On the other hand, the hymen can be affected by factors other than sexual practices, such as sports, exposure to violence, or the insertion of solid objects, which makes it unreliable as a measure of virginity.

**Signs of a Hymen**

In fact, there are no specific physical signs that confirm the presence of the hymen, and it cannot be seen even when using a mirror and lighting. Some claim that the membrane can be seen when separating or expanding the labia and looking inside the vaginal passage, but this can be difficult, as the color of the membrane often matches the color of the vaginal walls, making it difficult to see and distinguish.

**Signs of an Intact Hymen**

An intact hymen is a thin membrane that surrounds most of the vaginal opening, and contains a normal-sized opening that allows menstrual blood to descend without pain. When sexual intercourse begins for the first time, the hymen is broken naturally with minimal pain, allowing the relationship to be practiced without any obstacles.

**How ​​to break the hymen in a girl?**

 

The hymen is a thin membrane that is broken when having sexual intercourse for the first time, as the penis enters, causing a slight feeling of pain and some drops of blood, andMany consider it a sign of virginity. However, this may not happen to all women, as the membrane can be flexible. When it is broken, some hymenal tissue may remain on either side of the vaginal opening. Some people believe that riding a horse, a bike, or playing sports can cause the hymen to break, but this is not true. What can cause the hymen to tear is the entry of a sharp object into the vaginal opening, such as falling on a sharp object in the water or swimming pool. Sometimes, this can also happen when masturbating violently using sexual tools.

**Hymen Examination**

It can be difficult to determine and examine the integrity of the hymen at home without consulting a specialist doctor and performing a physical examination. Even when trying to separate the labia from each other, the hymen comes in various shapes and sizes that vary from one girl to another, and there is no fixed or normal standard that applies to all girls.

**Hymen and Masturbation**

Some girls practice the habit of self-pleasure, or what is known as masturbation, and they may be concerned that this may lead to a tear in the hymen. Doctors recommend gentle and superficial foreplay, avoiding forceful insertion of fingers into the vagina or using hard tools. Masturbation does not affect your virginity, as the concept of virginity is associated with having sex with another person.

**Factors affecting the formation of the hymen**

The shape, size, hardness or elasticity of the hymen are affected by several natural factors, including the girl's age and hormone levels during the maturation stage. In the case of infants and newborns, the girl is under the influence of the mother's hormones, which makes the membrane thick, light pink and shrinking. Then, during the period from two to four years, hormones begin to form in the girl's body, which affects the shape of the membrane, as it becomes thinner and softer. These changes continue with different hormone levels as the girl approaches the maturation stage.

**What are the signs of hymen rupture**

 

It is necessary to deal with this topic with caution and respect for the privacy of individuals, in addition to knowing accurate and reliable medical information about it. Here are the most important signs of hymen rupture:

- **Bleeding**: Light or slight bleeding may occur after the hymen is ruptured due to the natural division of tissues.

- **Pain or pressure**: The girl may feel slight pain or pressure during the procedure.

- **Swelling and redness**: Swelling and redness may appear in the area surrounding the vaginal opening.

Does hymen rupture (loss of virginity) cause pain?

 

Usually, hymen rupture does not cause pain. However, some women may feel pain due to muscle contraction as a result of stress or anxiety, or in cases where the hymen is thicker or has higher walls than usual, which may lead to more pain and bleeding than expected. The feeling of pain is also related to the individual's pain threshold.

In general, the pain resulting from hymen rupture is not severe. The behavior of the male partner plays an important role in this experience. First intercourse is a source of anxiety and fear for many women, so a man's slow, understanding and gentle approach can contribute to making intercourse smoother and more comfortable.

Furthermore, as in all types of intercourse, foreplay should last long enough for the vagina to become sufficiently moist, making intercourse easier, more comfortable and pain-free.

Can the hymen be restored after sex?

 

In fact, the hymen cannot be regenerated after it has been torn, whether it is due to the use of fingers, sexual intercourse, or even the use of tools such as tampons or inserting anything into the vagina. There are also some sports that may affect the hymen.

How much blood may result from a hymen tear?

 

The amount of bleeding resulting from a hymen tear is usually very small and often stops on its own within a short period. However, in rare cases, if a vein is torn and the bleeding does not stop, surgical intervention may be necessary. In some cases, tears may occur around the entrance to the vagina or even inside it (intercourse tears), which can lead to painful and continuous bleeding. In this case, surgical intervention and stitching will be necessary.

Does the hymen necessarily bleed when it is torn?

 

Not necessarily. In some cases, there may not be any bleeding even when the hymen is torn. For example, if the tear occurs in an area that is free of blood vessels, the person will not experience any bleeding.

Does vaginal bleeding indicate a torn hymen?

 

Not necessarily. Sometimes, the hymen may not be torn, but tears or scratches may occur in the outer parts of it, which leads to bleeding in those areas.

Can the hymen be torn by rubbing?

 

The hymen is only torn by pressure or rubbing. When something is inserted, the vagina is hit, or the penis enters the vagina, tearing can occur.

Can masturbation affect the hymen?

 

No, as long as you do not try to insert anything inside the vagina, masturbation does not lead to the hymen being torn.

How can we know if the hymen is torn or broken? What is the method of virginity testing?

 

Bleeding (or lack thereof) is not evidence of whether the hymen has been torn or not. This can only be determined by examining the hymen. This is a short and painless procedure, where the gynecologist pulls the labia majora using a strip of gauze to examine the hymen, which helps determine whether the person is virgin or not. Virginity testing cannot be done alone. A person may be able to see the hymen using a mirror, but interpreting what is seen requires medical expertise.

Can pregnancy occur without a hymen being torn?

 

Yes, pregnancy can occur without a hymen being torn. As explained earlier, in the case of a flexible hymen, the membrane may not be torn even with full sexual intercourse. There is another possibility, thoughIts rarity is that ejaculation occurs near the hymen. Since sperm are motile cells (sperm motility) and use their tails to move, they can enter the vagina through vaginal intercourse, and then move to the tubes, where they reach the egg and begin the pregnancy process (as a result of fertilization), including ectopic pregnancy. So, even if intercourse is not complete, the chances of pregnancy, even through ejaculation outside the vagina, are not completely zero.

Can a gynecological examination or abortion be performed without tearing the hymen?

 

Yes, in some cases where the shape or structure of the membrane allows, i.e. if the opening is wide enough, a speculum examination or even an abortion can be performed without damaging the membrane.

Can a gynecological examination be performed on a virgin?

 

The "spectacle examination" is an important step in the gynecological examination to monitor the vagina and cervix. Usually, virgins are not examined in this way, but rather by manual examination through the anus. In addition, vaginal culture samples can be taken from virgin women and girls who suffer from vaginal discharge.

**Types of hymens**

The hymen is located 1-2 cm from the entrance to the vagina, and its shape, flexibility, and the size of its opening vary from one girl to another. Among the types of hymens, we can mention the following:

- **Annular hymen**: It is characterized by the presence of a single circular vaginal opening.

- **Crescent hymen**: It appears in the shape of a crescent, as it partially blocks the vaginal opening.

- **Sieve hymen**: It contains several small, close holes. A girl who has this type of hymen may suffer from a long menstrual period, as it consists of multiple sieve-like openings, allowing menstrual blood and secretions to pass. This type is considered a congenital defect that is present from birth, and may cause disturbing symptoms that begin at the stage of maturity and the beginning of sexual relations. The most prominent of these symptoms are:

- The duration of the menstrual cycle is longer than the normal rate, as it may last from 4 to 7 days.

- Difficulty using sanitary pads inside the vagina.

- Abdominal and back pain, in addition to pain and bleeding during sexual intercourse.

Sometimes, this problem may be resolved as the girl gets older, but often requires surgery to get rid of it.

Double-opening hymen: This hymen consists of a natural opening and a strip of additional membranous tissue that forms a barrier in the middle of the opening. This additional tissue makes the hymen appear as if it has two small openings instead of one.

Small-opening hymen: This hymen almost completely closes the vaginal opening, but allows menstrual blood to exit the body. The owner of this type of hymen needs to undergo a simple corrective surgery during which the excess tissue is removed and the size of the opening is expanded. The goal of this surgical intervention is to facilitate the menstrual cycle and reduce the possibility of vaginal lumps.

**Imperforate hymen**: It is known as an impermeable membrane because it is completely closed and does not contain any openings that allow menstrual blood or vaginal secretions to pass through. This condition is often discovered when a girl reaches puberty, as blood retention inside the uterine cavity and vagina leads to symptoms such as delayed menstruation despite all signs of puberty, in addition to pain in the lower abdomen and pubic area and difficulty urinating. The impermeable membrane is treated by performing a simple surgery during which a small opening is made in the membrane to drain the accumulated blood, allowing the menstrual cycle to exit naturally every month.

**Imperforate hymen**: In the case of imperforate hymen, the membrane covers the entire vaginal opening, which is noticed at puberty as menstrual blood does not exit and is trapped in the vagina, and may return to the uterus, causing abdominal pain. This condition is treated surgically by making a small hole that allows blood to exit during menstruation.

**Elastic hymen** is a membrane characterized by the presence of an elastic opening and high elasticity, which makes it not easily torn. When the penis enters, there is no interruption or bleeding, which leads some to believe that the girl is not a virgin, which is a false belief. This condition represents a different health condition, and the doctor can easily break it, and the girl can live her life normally after that.

**Harms of the hymen to the girl**

One in every 1000 girls is born with a complete hymen, as there are no openings that allow menstrual blood to come down. This leads to the blood returning to the body through the vagina, and when it accumulates increasingly, the following symptoms may appear:

- Formation of a blood clot in the vagina as a result of retained menstrual blood, which may be harmful and toxic.

- Feeling severe pain in the abdomen, pelvis and lower back.

- No menstruation at all, despite the appearance of other signs of maturity such as breast growth and the appearance of body hair.

- Fluid and blood retention, which leads to noticeable swelling in the abdomen.

- Pain during urination, which may be accompanied by drops of blood.

- Increased need to urinate.

- Pain during defecation, with the possibility of severe constipation.

This condition is usually diagnosed in girls before the age of ten by accident, but most diagnoses are made after the symptoms mentioned appear.

**How ​​to avoid severe pain when breaking the hymen?**

 

When the first full sexual intercourse occurs, the hymen is broken as a result of the penetration process and the entry of the penis into the vagina, which may cause pain and discomfort in that area. There are several ways that can help reduce potential pain, and we will review them below

**Five tips for a comfortable wedding night:**

**1. Dialogue between spouses** Dialogue between spouses before the start of the intimate relationship contributes to reducing psychological stress in the wife, which helps her feel comfortable and open. It is important for the wife to share her concerns with her husband, who in turn should provide her with support and reassurance, which reduces her feeling of shyness and enhances her interaction with him.

**2. Increase the time ofForeplay** The husband should spend enough time foreplay before starting sexual intercourse. These foreplays help the wife relax and increase the secretion of vaginal fluids, which facilitates the process and reduces the feeling of pain.

**3. Use lubricants** Using lubricants can be useful to increase vaginal moisture and compensate for any lack of natural secretions. These preparations are available in pharmacies and can contribute to improving the sexual experience.

**4. Avoid violence** The husband should treat his wife gently and gently, as violence or cruelty may increase her tension and lead to her feeling pain, not only physically but also psychologically. It is important that this night be a positive experience, so that it does not turn into a bad memory that affects their relationship in the future.

5**Treatment of infections** If you suffer from urinary tract infections or vaginal infections or fungi, it is necessary to treat them before the wedding night, as this will help reduce your feeling of pain.

**Important facts about the hymen**

The hymen varies between girls in terms of shape, thickness and size, with the crescent membrane being the most common. It is worth noting that some girls may be born without a hymen. So far, the hymen has no known specific medical function, as it does not perform a specific physiological role, and is considered a part of the body like any other organ. There are many theories that suggest that it developed as a means of protecting the vagina from bacterial infection. Some girls may have a hymen that blocks the vaginal opening, preventing menstrual blood from exiting and causing it to accumulate. In this case, it may be necessary to perform surgery to break the membrane and remove the tissue blocking the vagina, allowing the girl to live a normal life. The girl may experience pain and bleeding during first intercourse, but not all girls feel the hymen break, as it can happen without any noticeable symptoms. Sometimes the membrane tears without any noise, especially if it is thicker and harder, making it less elastic. A girl may feel pain during the first intercourse, but this is often due to factors other than the hymen breaking. This is normal, as having sex for the first time can be accompanied by anxiety, fear and lack of experience, which leads to some pain. In some cases, bleeding may occur from the vaginal wall itself and not from the hymen