The hymen is a membranous tissue that surrounds and partially covers the opening to the vagina. Its function is to cover the opening during childhood and adolescence until it tears during intercourse or masturbation. It can be either thick or thin, and its shape varies between oval, circular, crescent-shaped, star-shaped, heart-shaped, horseshoe-shaped, or cleft-like. Some women have multiple holes in their hymens. The hymen is not always present at birth, nor does it necessarily tear during intercourse; some women never experience any tearing at all. The hymen has no known purpose and is thought to be an evolutionary leftover from when females were born without labia. Hymen reconstruction surgery may be necessary for those who wish to restore virginity before marriage but carries risks such as infection and bleeding. It is also possible to stretch out the hymen through exercises, which can cause pain and bleeding if done incorrectly. The hymen may be damaged by using tampons, sports activities, or other physical activity. There are myths surrounding the hymen's appearance and significance, such as how deep penetrative sex must be in order for it to break or whether having sex with a partner who has not had previous sexual partners makes one a virgin. However, there is no evidence that these beliefs are true.
The hymen is made up of connective tissues that form into sheets and strands. It forms a ring around the outside of the vaginal opening but leaves a small hole in the center to allow menstrual blood to flow. This structure is believed to have evolved to protect the vagina during childhood, preventing bacteria and dirt from entering and causing infections. However, its exact function is unknown and debated among scientists. Some believe it plays a role in fertility while others say it serves no purpose.
The thickness of the hymen varies greatly between individuals. Thicker hymens tend to tear more easily than thinner ones, though some women with thin hymens do experience painful tears during intercourse. Some women have multiple holes in their hymens due to injury or medical procedures, making them less likely to tear when they engage in penetrative sex. Hymens come in many shapes and sizes, including oval, circular, crescent-shaped, star-shaped, heart-shaped, horseshoe-shaped, or cleft-like. The shape and size of the hymen depend on various factors, including genetics, diet, exercise level, age at which menses begins, and frequency of masturbation.