Hymen 82518 225580133 2008-07-14T12:05:58Z 210.9.136.181 {{otheruses}} [[Image:Gray1229.png|thumb|right|300px|Hymen shown in a drawing from [[Gray's Anatomy]]]] The '''hymen''' (also called ''maidenhead'') is a fold of [[mucous membrane]] which surrounds or partially covers the external [[vagina]]l opening. Its name comes from the ancient Greek for "hymenaeus," which means "vaginal-flap." It was also the name for the Greek god of marriage, later also the Greek god of membranes; "[[Hymenaios]]."<ref>[[Encyclopaedia Britannica]] 2004, ''hymen''.</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Oxford English Dictionary |edition=Second edition }}</ref> A slang term is "[[cherry]]", as in "popping one's cherry" (losing one's virginity). It forms part of the [[vulva]], or external genitalia.<ref>Emans, S. Jean. "Physical Examination of the Child and Adolescent" (2000) in ''Evaluation of the Sexually Abused Child: A Medical Textbook and Photographic Atlas'', Second edition, Oxford University Press. 62</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Perlman |first=Sally E. |coauthors=Nakajima, Steven T. and Hertweck, S. Paige |title=Clinical protocols in pediatric and adolescent gynecology |year=2004|publisher=Parthenon |pages=131 }}</ref> The most common formation of the hymen is crescentic or [[crescent]]-shaped, although several other formations are possible.<ref>Emans, S. Jean. "Physical Examination of the Child and Adolescent" (2000) in ''Evaluation of the Sexually Abused Child: A Medical Textbook and Photographic Atlas'', Second edition, Oxford University Press. 63</ref> After a woman [[Childbirth|gives birth]] she may be left with remnants of the hymen called ''carunculae myrtiformes'' or the hymen may be completely absent.<ref>{{cite book |last=Knight |first=Bernard |title=Simpson's Forensic Medicine |edition=11th edition |year=1997 |publisher=Arnold |location=London |pages=114 }}</ref> The hymen has no known anatomical function. It has been proposed that its function in evolutionary terms is as an "honest signal" of virginity. <ref>http://julianodea.blogspot.com/2007/11/hymen-as-honest-signal-purpose-well.html</ref>. In societies which value [[chastity]], the greatest significance of the hymen is a traditional belief that an intact hymen indicates a state of intact [[virginity]]. However, it is not possible to confirm that a woman or post-[[puberty|pubescent]] girl is not a virgin by examining the hymen.<ref>{{cite book |last=Perlman |first=Sally E. |coauthors=Nakajima, Steven T. and Hertweck, S. Paige |title=Clinical protocols in pediatric and adolescent gynecology |year=2004|publisher=Parthenon |pages=131 }}</ref>. In cases of suspected [[rape]] or [[sexual abuse]], a detailed examination of the hymen may be carried out; however, the condition of the hymen alone is often inconclusive or open to misinterpretation, especially if the patient has reached puberty.<ref>Emans, S. Jean. "Physical Examination of the Child and Adolescent" (2000) in ''Evaluation of the Sexually Abused Child: A Medical Textbook and Photographic Atlas'', Second edition, Oxford University Press. 63-4</ref> == Types == There are several different formations of the hymen, some more common than others. In about 1 in 2000 females, the hymen fails to develop any opening at all:<ref>{{cite book |editor=Kurman, Robert J. |title=Blaustein's Pathology of the Female Genital Tract |edition=5th edition |year=2002 |publisher=Springer-Verlag |location=New York |pages=160}}</ref> this is called an imperforate hymen and if it does not spontaneously resolve itself before puberty a physician will need to make a hole in the hymen to allow [[menstrual]] fluids to escape.<ref>Chang, Lisbeth and Muram, David. (2002) "Pediatric & Adolescent Gynecology" in DeCherney, Alan H. and Nathan, Lauren. ''Current Obstetric & Gynecological Diagnosis & Treatment'', 9th edition, McGraw-Hill, 598-602.</ref> A [[hymenotomy]] may also be required if the hymen is particularly thick or inelastic as it may interfere with [[sexual intercourse]]. The shape of the hymen is easiest to observe in girls past [[infancy]] but before they reach puberty: at this time their hymen is thin and less likely to be ''redundant'', that is to protrude or fold over on itself.<ref>Muram, David. "Anatomical and Physiologic Changes" (2000) in ''Evaluation of the Sexually Abused Child: A Medical Textbook and Photographic Atlas'', Second edition, Oxford University Press. 105-7.</ref> When describing the shape of a hymen, a [[clock face]] is used. The 12 o'clock position is below the [[urethra]], and 6 o'clock is towards the [[anus]], which is based on the patient lying on her back.<ref>Pokorny, Susan. "Anatomical Terms of Female External Genitalia" (2000) in ''Evaluation of the Sexually Abused Child: A Medical Textbook and Photographic Atlas'', Second edition, Oxford University Press. 110.</ref> Most common forms of the hymen: * crescent-shaped, crescentic, or posterior rim: no hymenal tissue at the 12 o'clock position; narrow band of tissue starts at 1 or 2 o'clock going clockwise, is at its widest around 6 o'clock, and tapers off at 10 or 11 o'clock * annular, or circumferential: the hymen forms a ring around the vaginal opening; especially common in newborns<ref>{{cite book |last=Heger |first=Astrid | authorlink = Astrid Heppenstall Heger | coauthors=Emans, S. Jean and Muram, David |title=Evaluation of the Sexually Abused Child: A Medical Textbook and Photographic Atlas |edition=Second edition |year=2000 |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=116 }}</ref> * redundant; sometimes sleeve-like: folds in on itself, which sometimes causes it to protrude; most common in infancy and at/following puberty due to estrogen levels;<ref>Pokorny, Susan. "Anatomical Terms of Female External Genitalia" (2000) in ''Evaluation of the Sexually Abused Child: A Medical Textbook and Photographic Atlas'', Second edition, Oxford University Press. 110-1.</ref> can be combined with other type such as "annular and redundant" Less common forms: * fimbriated or denticular: an irregular edge to the hymenal orifice; more likely at an age when estrogen is present * septate: the hymen has one or more bands extending across the opening * cribriform, or microperforate: the hymen stretches completely across the vaginal opening, but is perforated with several holes * labial, or vertical: hymen has an opening from the 12 to the 6 o'clock positions and can look similar to a third set of vulvar lips * imperforate:<ref>Ergun, E. "Social, Medical, and Legal Control of Female Sexuality Through Construction of Virginity in Turkey" (2006). Unpublished masters thesis, Towson University, MD, USA. Accessed 01.17.2007 at [http://www.archive.org/details/ConstructionofVirginityTurkey http://www.archive.org/details/ConstructionofVirginityTurkey]</ref> hymen completely covers vaginal orifice; will require minor surgery if it has not corrected itself by puberty to allow menstrual fluids to escape The hymen is torn or stretched by penetrative sex, and more so when a woman gives birth vaginally. * ''parous introitus'' refers to the vaginal opening which has had a baby pass through it and consequently has nothing left of its hymen but a fleshy irregular outline decorating its perimeter; these tags are called ''carunculae mytriformes'' == Hymens in other animals == {{main|List of animals with hymens}} These animals all have a hymen: *[[Squirrel|Squirrels]] *[[Antelope|Antelopes]] *[[Gazelle|Gazelles]] *[[Frog|Frogs]] *[[Lake trout|Lake Trouts]] *[[Dalmatian (dog)|Dalmations]] (not [[Labrador Retriever|labs]]) *[[Parakeet]] *[[Robin|Robins]] (but not [[cardinal (bird)|cardinals]]) * [[Bat|Bats]] * [[Cat|Cats]] * [[Chimpanzee|Chimpanzees]] * [[Clownfish]], but not other species of fish * [[Dog|Dogs]] * [[Elephant|Elephants]] * [[Llama|Llamas]] * [[Galago|Galago (Bush babies)]] * [[Guinea pig|Guinea pigs]] * [[Horse|Horses]] * [[Lemur|Lemurs]] * [[Manatee|Manatees]] * [[Mole (animal)|Moles]] * [[Rat|Rats]] * [[Pinniped|Seals]] * [[Toothed whale|Toothed whales]] * [[Chinchilla|Chinchillas]] * [[Platypus]] * [[Narwhal|Narwhals]] * [[Alpaca|Alpacas]] * [[Bobolink|Bobolinks]] * [[Clam|Clams]] * [[Peromyscus maniculatus|White Footed Deer Mice]] * [[Meerkat|Meerkats]] * [[Moose]] * [[Pony|Ponies]] * [[Rattlesnake|Rattlesnakes]] * [[Shrew|Shrews]] * [[Coccinellidae|Ladybird]] == Development of the hymen == During the early stages of [[fetal development]] there is no opening into the [[vagina]] at all. The thin layer of tissue that covers the vagina at this time usually divides to a certain extent prior to birth, forming the hymen. That layer was the [[Müllerian eminence]] before<ref>1918 Gray's Anatomy</ref>, and thus, the hymen is a remnant of that structure. In newborn babies, who are still under the influence of the mother's [[hormones]], the hymen is thick, pale pink, and redundant (folds in on itself and may protrude). For the first two to four years of life, the infant produces hormones which continue this effect.<ref>McCann, J; Rosas, A. and Boos, S. (2003) "Child and adolescent sexual assaults (childhood sexual abuse)" in Payne-James, Jason; Busuttil, Anthony and Smock, William (eds). Forensic Medicine: Clinical and Pathological Aspects, Greenwich Medical Media: London, 455.</ref> By the time a girl reaches school-age, this hormonal influence has stopped and the hymen becomes thin, smooth, delicate and almost [[translucent]]. It is also very sensitive to touch; a physician who needed to swab the area would avoid the hymen and swab the outer [[vulval vestibule]] instead.<ref>McCann, J; Rosas, A. and Boos, S. (2003) "Child and adolescent sexual assaults (childhood sexual abuse)" in Payne-James, Jason; Busuttil, Anthony and Smock, William (eds). Forensic Medicine: Clinical and Pathological Aspects, Greenwich Medical Media: London, 459.</ref> From puberty onwards the appearance of the hymen is affected once more by [[estrogen]]. It thickens and becomes pale pink, the opening is often fibriated or erratically shaped, and redundant: the hymen often appears rolled or sleeve-like.<ref>Heger, Astrid; Emans, S. Jean and Muram, David (2000). ''Evaluation of the Sexually Abused Child: A Medical Textbook and Photographic Atlas'', Second edition, Oxford University Press, 116.</ref> There is a surgical procedure that can repair the hymen so that it is intact. The procedure, known as [[Hymenorrhaphy|hymenoplasty]], has become a popular procedure for some females. == What might damage the hymen == [[Image:Hymen.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Picture of an undamaged hymen.]] The hymen may be damaged by playing [[sport]]s, using [[tampon]]s, pelvic examinations or even straddle injuries.<ref name="Emans64-5">Emans, S. Jean. "Physical Examination of the Child and Adolescent" (2000) in ''Evaluation of the Sexually Abused Child: A Medical Textbook and Photographic Atlas'', Second edition, Oxford University Press. 64-5</ref> Once a girl reaches puberty, the hymen tends to become quite elastic. It is not possible to determine whether a woman uses tampons or not by examining her hymen. Sexual intercourse is one of the most common ways to damage the hymen, although in one survey only 43% of women reported bleeding the first time they had sex; which means that in the other 57% of women the hymen likely stretched enough that it didn't tear (or that bleeding was not noticed by the partners).<ref name="Emans64-5"/><ref>McCann, J; Rosas, A. and Boos, S. (2003) "Child and adolescent sexual assaults (childhood sexual abuse)" in Payne-James, Jason; Busuttil, Anthony and Smock, William (eds). ''Forensic Medicine: Clinical and Pathological Aspects'', Greenwich Medical Media: London, 460.</ref> It is common to damage the hymen through physical activities such as horseback riding and biking.{{Fact|date=June 2008}} In fact, biking is the most common way to rupture the hymen through physical activity.{{Fact|date=June 2008}} Contrary to popular belief, the breaking of the hymen is not necessarily an indicator of the loss of virginity. == Debunking myths== * The condition of the hymen is not a reliable indicator of whether a woman past puberty has actually engaged in sexual intercourse. * It is generally a myth that girls are born without a hymen.<ref> Jenny, Carole, et al. ''Pediatrics'', 1987 vol 80, pages 399-400)</ref> However, a hymen can vary in size, and, as described above, be very hard to find, even if the person has never had sex before. * The hymen is not inside the vagina. It is part of the external genitalia. * In the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, medical researchers have used the presence of the hymen, or lack thereof, as founding evidence of physical diseases such as "womb-fury". If not cured, womb-fury would, according to these early doctors, result in death.<ref>The linkage between the hymen and social elements of control has been taken up in Marie Loughlin's book [http://books.google.com/books?id=3wqNbrYPNn8C&pg=PA43&lpg=PA43&dq=%22womb+fury%22+hymen&source=web&ots=3BO0w_lffS&sig=Y700PQjcusD7iRYmp33orklQhQ4#PPP1,M1 Hymeneutics: Interpreting Virginity on the Early Modern Stage] published in 1997</ref> The cure, naturally enough, was marriage, since a woman could then go about having sexual intercourse on a "normal" schedule that would stop womb-fury from killing her. ==Revisionist perspectives== As early as the late sixteenth century, [[Ambroise Paré]] and Andreas Laurentius asserted to have never seen the hymen and that it was "a primitive myth, unworthy of a civilized nation like France." In late 2005, Monica Christiansson, former maternity ward nurse and Carola Eriksson, a PhD student at [[Umeå University]] announced that according to studies of medical literature and practical experience, the hymen should be considered a social and cultural myth, based on deeply rooted stereotypes of women's roles in sexual relations with men. Christiansson and Eriksson support their claims by pointing out that there are no accurate medical descriptions of what a hymen actually consists of. Statistics presented by the two state that fewer than 30% of women who have gone through puberty and have consensual intercourse bleed the first time. Christiansson has expressed an opinion that the use of the term "hymen" should be discontinued and that it should be considered an integral part of the vaginal opening.<ref>[http://na.se/artikel.asp?intId=929711 Nerikes Allehanda's article on Christiansson's and Eriksson's research] {{sv icon}}</ref> It is argued that since the hymen has been culturally constructed to be the sign of virginity, its existence plays into a political discourse that circulates around the body. By examining women's bodies for the existence of the hymen, researchers have used it to determine whether or not women are "virtuous." Sherry B. Ortner, professor at the [[University of Chicago]], explains how "the hymen itself emerges physiologically with the development of sexual purity codes" as an element of patriarchy.<ref>Ortner, Sherry. "The Virgin and the State" in Feminist Studies, Vol. 4, No. 3. (Oct., 1978), pp. 19-35.</ref> In some cultures it is still customary to examine a woman for her hymen before her marriage to see if she is truly fit to be married. If she is found with a broken hymen, or to have no hymen at all, often the man would not feel obligated to marry her. This has prompted some women who wish to marry within such cultures to seek surgery to restore their hymens to a socially acceptable state.<ref>{{cite news |first= |last= |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=In Europe, Debate Over Islam and Virginity |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/11/world/europe/11virgin.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=hymen&st=nyt&oref=slogin |quote= |publisher=[[New York Times]] |date=[[June 11]], [[2008]] |accessdate=2008-06-13 }}</ref> ==See also== * [[Hymenorrhaphy]] * [[Hymenotomy]] * [[Virginity]] ==References== {{reflist|2}} ==External links== *{{Britannica|9041775}} *[http://www.soc.ucsb.edu/sexinfo/?article=anatomy&refid=027 The Female Hymen and its Significance] *[http://www.healthystrokes.com/hymengallery.html Hymen gallery] - Illustrations of hymen types *[http://www.the-clitoris.com/f_html/hymen.htm The Hymen Revealed] - by The-Clitoris.com *[http://www.scarleteen.com/politics/virginity.html Magical Cups and Bloody Brides] the historical context of [[virginity]] in a frank and easy-to-understand manner. *[http://www.scarleteen.com/article/politics/20_questions_about_virginity_scarleteen_interviews_hanne_blank 20 Questions About Virginity] - Interview with Hanne Blank, author of "Virgin: The Untouched History". Discusses relationship between hymen and concept of virginity. *[http://www.vaginismus-awareness-network.org/hymen.html Vaginismus-Awareness-Network] Explanation of the hymen, myths on first-time sex, Hymenectomies and Vaginismus (Painful sex or Fear of Penetration) *[http://na.se/artikel.asp?intId=929711 Nerikes Allehanda's article on Christiansson's and Eriksson's research] {{sv icon}} {{Female reproductive system}} [[Category:Female reproductive system]] [[ar:غشاء البكارة]] [[bs:Himen (biologija)]] [[br:Lienenn-gourzh]] [[bg:Химен]] [[cs:Panenská blána]] [[da:Jomfruhinde]] [[de:Hymen]] [[dv:ބިކުރުގެ ދުލިފަށް]] [[et:Neitsinahk]] [[es:Himen]] [[eo:Himeno]] [[fa:پرده بکارت]] [[fr:Hymen (biologie)]] [[ko:처녀막]] [[id:Selaput dara]] [[it:Imene (anatomia)]] [[lt:Mergystės plėvė]] [[nl:Maagdenvlies]] [[ja:処女膜]] [[no:Jomfruhinne]] [[nds:Jumfernhuut]] [[pl:Błona dziewicza]] [[pt:Hímen]] [[ru:Девственная плева]] [[simple:Hymen]] [[sl:Deviška kožica]] [[sr:Химен]] [[fi:Immenkalvo]] [[sv:Hymen]] [[vi:Màng trinh]] [[tr:Kızlık zarı]] [[uk:Дівоча пліва]] [[zh:處女膜]]