Hymen Examination

What is the hymen and where is it located?

The hymen is a small, thin piece of tissue at the entrance to the vagina. Its Latin name is “hymen”.

It surrounds the vaginal opening and is usually torn during the first sexual intercourse. However, in some women the hymen may be congenitally flexible and may not tear during sexual intercourse.

The hymen is located about 1-1.5 cm behind the labia minora, the small labia minora. It can be crescent-shaped under the vaginal opening or completely surrounding the vaginal opening.

The size, shape and thickness of the hymen varies from person to person. In some women, the hymen is very thin and flexible, while in others it is thicker and harder. In the middle of the hymen there is one or more holes that allow menstrual blood and vaginal secretions to flow.

The function of the hymen is not fully understood, but some theories include

- To help protect the vagina from infection

- Preventing the accumulation of menstrual blood

- Causing bleeding during first sexual intercourse

The hymen is considered an indicator of a woman's virginity. However, this is not true. The hymen can be congenitally ruptured or elastic, and it can also rupture outside of sexual intercourse (for example, during sports or tampon use).

- The Latin name for the hymen is HYMEN.

- The hymen does not completely cover the entrance to the vagina.

- The hymen can also tear outside of sexual intercourse.

- Rupture of the hymen can be painful.

- Rupture of the hymen can cause bleeding.

- Rupture of the hymen is not an indicator of a woman's virginity.

Does the hymen break during the first sexual intercourse?

It cannot be said that the hymen is always broken during the first sexual intercourse. The structure and elasticity of the hymen varies from person to person. In some women, the hymen may be congenitally torn or flexible and may not tear during the first sexual intercourse.

However, the hymen usually ruptures during the first sexual intercourse. This rupture occurs when one or more of the holes in the hymen dilate or tear as the penis enters the vagina. There may be a small amount of bleeding during the rupture, but sometimes there is no bleeding.

The factors that affect whether the hymen will tear during the first sexual intercourse are as follows:

- The type of hymen: The hymen can be of different shapes. Some hymen is very thin and flexible, while others are thicker and harder.

- Penis size: A large penis makes it more likely that the hymen will tear.

- Speed and hardness of intercourse: Fast and rough sex increases the chances of tearing the hymen.

- Previous insertion of a tampon or finger into the vagina: In such cases, the hymen may become more flexible and may not tear during the first sexual intercourse.

Can the hymen be seen in the mirror?

No, you cannot see the hymen in the mirror. The hymen is a thin tissue attached to the vaginal walls at the entrance of the vagina. It is located 2-3 cm behind the vaginal opening and usually cannot be seen without examination.

When viewed with a mirror, only the front part of the vaginal opening can be seen. Since the hymen is located further behind this area, it may not be visible when viewed with a mirror.

A gynecological examination is necessary to see the hymen. The gynecologist can open the vaginal walls and see the hymen.