Defloration of the hymen - facts and myths

Defloration of the hymen is a topic of great interest to those who plan or decide to have sexual intercourse. Emotions, doubts, fear of pain caused by defloration (puncture) of the mucosa associated with this experience sometimes keep girls up at night. Defloration usually occurs during the first sexual intercourse. However, this is not necessarily the case. Defloration can occur as a result of petting or masturbation.

1. Characteristics of the hymen

defloration of the hymen it is usually associated with mild pain and light bleeding. It also happens that, despite sexual intercourse, defloration of the hymen does not occur. If defloration of the hymen occurs, you should see a gynecologist for a minor operation.

The hymen is a small area of ​​mucous membrane that surrounds the entrance to the vagina. Consists of elastic and collagen fibers of the connective tissue. The structure of the hymen depends on many factors, including congenital changes, race, hormones, healing period after injury or infection.

In the process of development, from infancy to adolescence, the hymen changes its appearance and thickness. During adolescence, as estrogen (the female sex hormone) levels increase, it becomes thicker and rougher. It can be of various shapes: sickle-shaped, annular, multi-lobed, serrated, lobed.

The hymen usually deflates during the first intercourse. In at least half of women, hymen defloration is associated with little bleeding and minor pain during intercourse. These are the most common symptoms that a curvature of the hymen has occurred.

Occasionally, with a large opening of the hymen, defloration can be asymptomatic (this applies to at least 20% of women and is referred to as the “lack of membrane” phenomenon).

Defloration or rupture of the hymen usually occurs during the first intercourse, but this is not always the case. Defloration of the hymen with a finger (during masturbation or caress) or a tampon is relatively common. A similar situation is caused by gymnastic stretching exercises, not to mention other exhausting sports disciplines.

2. Can the hymen be restored?

It is true that the hymen can be restored. Now, after defloration of the hymen, doctors can recreate the hymen from a fragment of the vaginal mucosa. However, this procedure is so specific that it is performed extremely rarely.

Unfortunately, the hymen does not protect against pregnancy. The hymen has many holes through which sperm can pass. Theoretically, fertilization can occur even when ejaculating on the labia. It is also useful to know that after the first intercourse there may be bleeding due to damage to the hymen. However, it is small and passes quickly.

Defloration of the hymen also does not exempt from the obligation to visit a gynecologist. It is enough to inform the gynecologist about this, and he will conduct an examination so that there is no damage to the hymen.

3. Myths related to defloration of the hymen

Many teenage myths relate to pain during the first intercourse and after intercourse. This is a phenomenon of hymenophobia, i.e. the absolute belief that exaggerated pain occurs during intercourse, which can cause women to be reluctant to have intercourse and, as a result, sexual dysfunction, vaginismus (muscle contractions around the entrance to the vagina that are independent of the will, which leads to inability to have sexual intercourse and discomfort).

It is true, however, that the pain experienced by women is sometimes invisible, and in most cases it is so minor that the memory of it quickly fades. It should be recognized that the defloration of the hymen is associated with some changes in the body, so some discomfort can be expected the next time you have intercourse. Discomfort, not pain.

In very extreme cases, when you feel severe pain during and after intercourse and constant bleeding, you should definitely consult a gynecologist.

It is also a myth that every virgin should have a hymen. Although rare, there are situations where a girl is born without a hymen, or the membranes are damaged as a result of masturbation, petting, or even using tampons contrary to the instructions in the package insert.

Very often, defloration of the hymen occurs due to intense activities in certain sports.

It is also true that hymen it may be so flexible or thick that it can remain intact for several intercourses in a row. However, if this does not happen, then rupture of the hymen during penetrationyou may need a gynecological procedure. However, this situation is extremely rare.

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Article reviewed by an expert:

Magdalena Bonyuk, Massachusetts

Sexologist, psychologist, adolescent, adult and family therapist.