Ah, the hymen.
Oftentimes the discussion starts and ends with something about virginity.
(You know, that whole popping the cherry concept.)
There are many misconceptions about hymens and how they break.
Hear us out: Thats pretty old-school thinking.
The truth is your hymen can tear from myriad circumstancesif you even have one to begin with.
Consider this your hymen cheat sheet.
What is a hymen, anyway?
What does a hymen look like?
Some hymens have ridges in the tissue while others may have little notches.
Plus, there are actually different types of hymens.
What are the different types of hymens?
A minor surgery called a hymenectomy can remove the excess tissue if necessary and relieve symptoms.
Afterward, it’s possible for you to expect to have totally normal vaginal function.
), may help stretch your hymen.
Okay, so what causes hymen breakage?
Lets start by explaining that the hymen doesnt really break.
Hymen tissue is membrane-like and flexible, meaning it stretches and eventually tears.
Further, your hymen cant grow back or somehow break twice.
Youre more likely to experience an obvious tear if your hymen is thicker or more rigid and less stretchy.
But there aresomany other things that can cause a hymen to tear.
The thinner your hymen gets, the more likely it is to eventually tear.
One of the most common misconceptions is that an intact hymen confirms a persons virginity2.
The hymen doesntalwaysbreak during penetrative vaginal sex, either.
Think of your hymen stretching in the same way a condom stretches to accommodate different sizes.
Does it hurt when your hymen breaks?
Some people may feel soreness or pain when their hymen tears, while others may not even notice.
Bleeding a little bit during the first timeyou have sex isnt a big deal.
Bottom line: Dont fuss so much over your hymen.
One more time for the people in the back: The hymen does not equate to virginity!
Thatsjust one myth about sex.
And in most cases, your hymen doesnt really impact your life (unless it hasnt developed normally).
