The hymen, the structure known as the hymen among the people, is located at the entrance of the vagina. Contrary to popular belief, it is not a membrane structure in the form of a wall or curtain. They are mucosal protrusions at the entrance to the vagina and belonging to the vagina. It is invisible from the outside. It is not a structure with rupture, fragmentation or explosion.
Hymen Types
The hymen can be of many different types. This is a congenital condition. It is the most common form of annular hymen, which is annular and has a cavity in the middle. If we look at the types of hymen;
- Annular hymen: The hymen is ring-shaped and has a circular cavity in the middle. Depending on whether it is high or low, the amount of bleeding in the first intercourse varies. Often, it is low-sided, so bleeding is hardly noticeable. This is the situation called flexible hymen.
- Septal hymen: In the middle of the hymen, there is a band-shaped structure that divides the vaginal entrance into two. If this band is thick, it does not allow intercourse and must be surgically removed.
- Cribriform hymen: It is the hymen that closes the vaginal entrance and has many holes on it. In this structure of the hymen, intercourse cannot take place.
- Crescent hymen: It is a type of hymen in the shape of a half moon. It is thicker at the bottom and thinner at the top. When viewed from the outside, the entrance to the vagina is seen as a half-moon.
- Imperforate hymen: The hymen has completely closed the entrance to the vagina. It is noticed with the first menstruation. Because menstrual blood cannot go out and accumulates in the vagina. Abdominal pain occurs. When he consults a doctor with this complaint, he is diagnosed and the vaginal entrance is opened surgically as an emergency.
Can the hymen be felt by hand?
Can the hymen be self-examined?
The hymen cannot be noticed by looking with a mirror or touching it. Because, it should be done by opening the inner lips in the appropriate position. Simultaneously, the hymen can be made visible by coughing or straining. Even if all this is done, the apparent structure is very difficult to interpret. It requires experience. However, the hymen can be evaluated by a specialist physician.
Women sometimes try to look at it with the fear of damaging the hymen. However, this kind of evaluation is not healthy. Rather than relieving the person, it will increase their anxiety.
What is the disruption of the hymen, how is it broken?
The occurrence of damage to the structure of the hymen from place to place is called 'damage to the hymen', 'disruption of virginity' or 'breaking of virginity' among the people. The integrity of the hymen may be disrupted during the first sexual intercourse or by pushing a finger or any object into the vagina.
Hymen Suturing (Hymenoplasty)
The process of restoring the hymen is called Hymenoplasty. The aim with this is to imitate the first sexual intercourse and to bleed. Hymenoplasty is demanded for the purpose of social, sociocultural and making the person feel better. Nowadays, permanent or temporary hymen is often planted. In both methods, the person can continue with his daily life. There is no harm in traveling or taking a shower.
How is the permanent hymen suturing done?
How is the temporary hymen suturing done?
Removal of the Hymen (Hymenectomy)
In women, the hymen can be of very different structure. In some cases, he does not allow the relationship. Couples apply to the doctor with the complaint of not being able to have sexual intercourse. Most of them do not get help, thinking that they will have a relationship on their own, leaving it to time.
First of all, gynecological examination should be done in women who have problems in having sexual intercourse. If there is a structural difference in the hymen, this obstacle should be removed. The hymen is removed with a 5-minute procedure. It does not require bed rest afterwards. Daily life continues. If anxiety has arisen in previous sexual intercourse attempts, sexual therapy should be applied after this procedure.
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