The hymen has been shrouded in myths and misconceptions for centuries. In this article, we’ll debunk five common myths about the hymen and provide you with accurate information about this small, but important, part of female anatomy.
- The hymen changes shapes a few times until puberty
Most females were born with hymen in their vaginas. The funny thing is, nobody really knows why and what the freaking hymen actually does. All we know is that this is the case for most people.
The more interesting thing is that the hymen is not a membrane that stays intact until a freaking penis breaks it. Nope, not at all. The hymen changes shapes multiple times in the life of a female being.
Upon birth, the hymen is significantly thicker and covers almost all parts of the vaginal opening. As time passes and the girl grows up, hormones cause the hymen to become more flexible, elastic, and thinner.
This typically also causes the hymen to change shapes a few times throughout a girl’s lifetime. It is the oestrogen levels that continue to increase until puberty that causes the hymen to undergo changes in shape and thickness.
- By the time you hit puberty, your hymen has broken
The hymen being so thin already once a girl reaches adolescence means that the hymen is super fragile at this time. By the time a girl reaches adolescence, the hymen most likely has been ‘broken’, per se.
There are so many things that can break a hymen, and before we even continue, the hymen breaking is NOT a big deal in any way at all, medically speaking.
The hymen as a piece of membrane absolutely has no use whatsoever and it isn’t even connected to any nerve endings.
Based on the findings from The Ohio State University‘s research, the hymen starts as an unbroken structure at birth; however, this condition doesn’t persist for long. As you reach puberty, the hymen typically transforms into a circular band of tissue referred to as the “vaginal corona.” This transformation is essential for menstruation. While activities like gymnastics and horse-riding might expedite this process, the membrane should naturally wear away into a shape similar to a doughnut, irrespective of your ability to execute intricate maneuvers.
By the time the hymen has become so thin and elastic (remember, oestrogen causes this) the hymen can literally break due to cycling, jogging, running, splitting, gymnastic activities, and just literally jumping.
That thing is fragile and is meant to disappear anyway, a girl doesn’t need to wait for a penis to break it and cause bleeding.
- The bleeding that follows first PIV sex? That’s not the hymen breaking.
There is so much discussion about the first bleeding from a penis in vagina sex for first-timers. If it is your first time and you bleed a little after a penis has done its deed, 99% of it is not the hymen breaking.
For a lot of girls, their hymen has already broken way before the appropriate age of sex anyway.
For most people, their first time could be so awkward and nerve-wracking that the vagina fails to produce adequate lubrication for penetrative sex to be comfortable.
As indicated in the study published by Natural Cycle, the discomfort and bleeding experienced during initial sexual intercourse frequently have little connection to the hymen. The hymen is composed of thin tissue with minimal blood supply, making it improbable that tearing it would result in significant bleeding. Instead, the pain or bleeding encountered during first-time intercourse is frequently attributed to nervousness, which can affect vaginal lubrication, combined with the unfamiliarity of the experience.
If the girl’s partner is also young and inexperienced, that adds to the whole mess and the painful friction between a penis and a dry vagina can cause bleeding.
This is your vaginal walls getting irritated by the penis and the inexperienced penis causing microtears in your precious and sensitive vaginal walls. Myth; busted!
- People have been putting women under pressure just for a myth
Can you sit in peace now knowing that people have been putting girls under so much emotional blackmail over a myth? A persistent myth that has plagued mankind for thousands of years, perhaps.
Many cultures all around the world used to ask women for ‘proof’ of their virginity before and upon marriage. Like the whole a non-virgin bride is a damaged product thing. As if a man’s penis changes the value of a woman like so.
Different cultures in the past had the same custom of requiring women to show proof of their bleeding after their ‘first night’ on a sheet of white cloth. This was meant to be kept even for years to come!
In reality, not all women will bleed during their first sexual experience because the hymen isn’t even there anymore to break and if their partner is just so good, why would they bleed?
- The hymen, therefore, is not physiological proof of virginity
So, now you know that the hymen has very little to do with proofing a woman’s virginity. Sure, there is that whole concept of celibacy and having sex for the first time with the person someone is married to.
Referring to the study outlined in the National Institute of Health‘s report, the condition of the hymen is not a reliable determinant of an individual’s sexual status. Engaging in penetrative sexual activity doesn’t instantaneously cause the hymen to vanish; akin to any membrane, it possesses the capability to stretch and adjust in response to pressure applied to it.
But the hymen as a physical, or even physiological, proof of a woman’s virginity is very misleading. On top of that, it is disrespectful towards women (and men). At the end of the day, the mythical idea is also destructive to society.
A man’s penis doesn’t change the value of a woman. To think there are even procedures to fix the hymen for girls whose hymens broke before they are married…
Such a procedure is usually forced upon girls whose parents want to ensure the sanctity of their marriage. That is a sad procedure backed up by a belief in a myth that is totally meaningless.
Taking everything into account, we discussed five myth-busting facts that people needed to know about the hymen. We are confident with the information we provided you can debunk the myths associated with hymen and identify the facts.
5 Hymen Facts You Should Know
Hymen, also known as the vaginal corona, is a thin mucous membrane that partially covers the opening of the vagina. It has been a topic of interest and controversy for centuries. Many cultures and societies place a significant emphasis on the hymen, often associating it with virginity and purity. But what is the truth behind this small piece of tissue? In this paper, we will explore five important facts about the hymen that everyone should know.
1. The hymen is not a reliable indicator of virginity.
One of the most common misconceptions about the hymen is that its presence or absence can determine a person’s virginity. This belief has led to harmful practices such as virginity testing, which is a violation of human rights and has no scientific basis. The truth is, the hymen can vary in shape, size, and thickness among individuals, and it can also be stretched or torn due to various reasons other than sexual intercourse. Some people are born without a hymen, while others may have a hymen that covers only a small portion of the vaginal opening. In some cases, the hymen may remain intact even after sexual activity. Therefore, it is not a reliable indicator of virginity and should not be used as such.
2. The hymen does not “break” or “pop.”
There is a common belief that the hymen breaks or pops during first-time vaginal penetration, causing bleeding and pain. This is a misconception perpetuated by the inaccurate portrayal of hymens in popular media. In reality, the hymen is a thin and elastic membrane that can stretch and accommodate various objects, such as tampons, fingers, or a penis, without causing any discomfort or bleeding. In some cases, the hymen may tear or fray, but this is not a painful or traumatic experience. The myth of the hymen breaking during sexual intercourse has led to the harmful practice of hymenoplasty, a surgery to “restore” the hymen for cultural or religious reasons.
3. The hymen can heal and regenerate.
Contrary to popular belief, the hymen is not a one-time thing. It is a resilient membrane that can heal and regenerate. This means that if the hymen is torn or stretched, it can repair itself and return to its original state. This healing process can happen within a few days or weeks, depending on the severity of the injury. Therefore, a hymen that appears intact does not necessarily mean that a person has not engaged in sexual activity before. Additionally, some people may have a thicker hymen that does not tear easily, which can lead to difficulties in sexual intercourse. This highlights the importance of open communication and patience in sexual relationships.
4. The hymen has no function.
The exact function of the hymen is still unknown, and scientists have debated its purpose for centuries. Some theories suggest that the hymen acts as a barrier against bacteria and other harmful substances, while others believe it has no function at all. However, it is important to note that the presence or absence of a hymen does not affect a person’s health or well-being. It is a natural part of the female anatomy, and its purpose should not be a source of shame or stigma.
5. The hymen has cultural and social significance.
Despite its lack of physiological function, the hymen holds great cultural and social significance in many societies. In some cultures, a woman’s virginity and purity are tied to the state of her hymen, which can have significant consequences for her social standing and marriage prospects. This has led to the stigmatization and shaming of women for engaging in sexual activity before marriage. However, it is crucial to challenge these harmful beliefs and promote a more accurate and accepting understanding of the hymen.
In conclusion, the hymen is a small and often misunderstood part of the female anatomy. It is not a reliable indicator of virginity, does not “break” during sexual intercourse, can heal and regenerate, has no known function, and has significant cultural and social significance. It is essential to educate ourselves and others about the truth behind the hymen to promote a more positive and inclusive understanding of sexuality. Let us move away from harmful myths and embrace a more informed and accepting view of the hymen.
