What is the Hymen, and What Is Its Purpose?

The hymen is a membrane found within the vagina, present from birth, featuring an opening through which menstruation occurs. Its shape varies from woman to woman. In the first years of life, the hymen helps protect the V Zone from infections. 

As we grow and our bodies develop stronger defense mechanisms, the hymen gradually weakens and becomes more elastic, ultimately losing its protective properties. So, as time passes by, the hymen becomes less useful. 

Maybe you’ve heard before the myth that an intact hymen indicates virginity and that breaking it makes you no longer a virgin. This is NOT true; virginity implies much more than having the hymen broken, and it is not only broken during sexual intercourse. 

It can break in many ways during normal activities such as bike riding or gymnastics. If you are curious whether the hymen breaks when inserting a tampon, the answer is no. This is because a tampon enters through the same opening used for menstruation without affecting the hymen.

The misconception that an intact hymen serves as proof of virginity should be forgotten once and for all, as it is simply untrue. 

As mentioned, the hymen varies in elasticity and the timing of its breakage from woman to woman. Beyond early childhood, it serves little to no biological or health function. It's essential to live freely, embrace our choices, and refrain from assigning unnecessary significance to a membrane that has long outlived its original purpose of protection.

Consult your physician: The medical information in this article is provided as an informational resource only and should not be used or relied upon for diagnostic or treatment purposes. Consult your physician for guidance on a specific medical condition.