Anatomy of the hymen
The hymen is a fine membrane that separates the vagina from the vulva. It’s a thin withdrawal of the mucosa that partially closes the vagina, about 1 cm from the entrance. It is pierced by a more or less narrow orifice to allow the flow of the rules.
Very vascularized structure, she can bleed during her break at the first sexual relationship.
However, not all girls are bleeding (40 % of young women say they have not bled) (3). Each hymen is different, there are very flexible ones that do not bleed and others very rigid that can Bleeding under the pressure of the penis (see after pathologies and prevention).
Hymen’s physiology
The hymen has no physiological role. It corresponds to an stem from the membrane that separates the two parts of the vagina from different origins.
Different types of hymen
The hymen is different from woman to woman. There are different types:
Imperforate Hymen: membrane that covers the entrance of the vagina. Then the rules can’t go. This case requires an cut of the hymen to perforate it.
, hymen: the membrane covers almost entirely the entrance of the vagina, the perforation of the hymen being very small. Generally, the rules go out but young girls will not be able to insert a pad or remove it, due to the too small size of the hymen. In this case, a small cut of the hymen is necessary to expand its opening.
Bifenêtré Hymen: the membrane has two small openings on the vagina instead of one. Just a minor surgery to remove a small band of tissue to create a normal orifice.
Cribriform Hymen: Membrane Breakthrough of multiple small holes.
Sclerotic Hymen: Thick and resistant membrane that bother sexual relations.
Indulgent Hymen: Elastic Membrane that expands without bleeding and without tear.
Missing hymen
Exams and operations of the hymen
Visual Exam: the hymen is visible to the naked eye in the young virgin woman by leaving the little lips.
Hymenotomy: surgical intervention that consists of the cut of the hymen in order to expand it. In some girls, the hymen is too thick, too rigid or not perforated enough, so the cut is necessary.
Hyménorraphie: Provisional Reconstruction of the hymen by forming a fine membrane at the entrance of the vagina by stitches. A hymen is present but the bleeding is reduced. In some cultures, young girls who have already had sexual relationships use this operation to “recreate” (see below symbolic). It is recommended to perform this operation three to seven days before the wedding.
Hymenoplastie: final reconstruction of the hymen by surgery. The operation is to use the balances of the hymen to rebuild the hymen. She doesn’t leave a visible trace, the healing is complete after a month. This reconstruction lasts as long as there is no new sexual relationship.
Hymen and virginity
The hymen is the symbol of virginity. In several cultures, an intact hymen is a sign of chastity and purity. It seems important that young girls “prove” their virginity during the wedding night, which often translates to the tradition of the blood cloth exposed the day after the wedding.
For Women who have had sexual relationships before marriage, it may appear important, for these cultural and religious reasons, to use a surgical reconstruction of the hymen (hyménorraphie or hymenoplastie)