Hymen | Anatomy - Britannica

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External Websites

• BMC - Reproductive Health - The little tissue that couldn�t � dispelling myths about the Hymen�s role in determining sexual history and assault
• National Center for Biotechnology Information - PubMed Central - Hymen and virginity: What every paediatrician should know
• WebMD - What to Know About the Hymen
• Mount Sinai - Imperforate hymen
• Cleveland Clinic - Hymen

hymen anatomy Ask Anything Homework Help Also known as: hymen vaginea Written and fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors Last updated Nov. 26, 2025 •History Britannica AI Ask Anything Homework Help Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask Anything

hymen, in the female reproductive system, the membrane that encircles or covers part of the opening of the vagina. The hymen is a thin fold of mucous membrane that is present at birth. It has no known function, though it may play a role in preventing bacteria and other foreign agents from entering the vagina.

The hymen is made of elastic tissue and varies in shape. Over time it thins and tears, generally as a result of daily activities, hormonal changes, tampon use, and sexual activity. Eventually, the hymen breaks; some women experience light bleeding when this happens, though most experience no indications and may be unaware that it has occurred.

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Congenital anomalies (conditions present at birth) of the hymen are known to occur. For example, in some individuals the hymen is imperforate, meaning that it covers the vaginal opening entirely; this can cause problems when menstruation begins. A septate hymen is characterized by the presence of an additional piece of tissue that essentially results in two hymens, which can cause problems with tampon use and sexual intercourse.

Britannica Quiz Facts You Should Know: The Human Body Quiz The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica This article was most recently revised and updated by Kara Rogers.