The role of such anatomical education, as a hymen, in the female reproductive system is to protect the internal organs. The first sexual intercourse is accompanied by its rupture. However, in some cases, education can persist even to the most genera.
What is a hymen?
The question of what the hymen looks like, often sounds from the lips of young girls. This formation is a fold that has one or more holes. Forms a hymen of connective tissue and mucous membranes that cover the entrance to the vagina. Its formation takes place on the 19th week of intrauterine development of girls. In some cases, the formation of this type may be absent, which is due to the peculiarities of intrauterine development.
Muscle fibers, nerve endings, blood vessels are also present in the hymen - hymen. They determine its density, extensibility - the main qualities of this anatomical formation. The number and size of blood vessels determine the amount of bloody discharge that occurs when the spit is broken during the first sex in a girl.
Where is the hymen?
This question is often of interest to girls who have not yet had sexual experience. Responding to it, gynecology points to the individuality of the female body - in different girls the hymen can slightly change its position. Normally, the hymen is located 1-3 cm below the entrance to the vagina, directly on the border of the large and small labia. It acts as a kind of membrane that blocks the entrance to the female reproductive system. In this case, the edges of the hymen smoothly flow into the walls of the vagina.
Why do we need a hymen?
Talking about why the hymen to the female body, physiologists put forward a protective function in the first place. Hymen serves as a barrier, being on the border of the external and internal system of the genitals. It prevents the entry of pathogenic microorganisms inwards, into the cervix and uterus until the girl's body gets stronger, and the hormonal system does not begin to function well.
A secondary function of the hymen can be called a signal to the body about the onset of sexual activity. Since ancient times, this fact was estimated by men in building a family. Gradually, the attitude towards him changed. However, according to the doctors, the presence of blood during intercourse can not be judged on virginity . In some cases the rupture of the hymen does not occur because of its strong ability to stretch.
Species of hymen
Having found out at what distance the hymen is located and what it is for the body, it should be noted that it can have several forms. This connective tissue formation is not continuous, there are holes in it. Through the bottom outward bloody discharge during menstruation. Directly by the number of holes and the external form, the following types of virgin spits are distinguished:
- ring-shaped - hole is located in the center;
- semilunar - one of the parts of the hymen is attached to the walls of the vagina;
- lobular - in the structure can be considered lobules;
- dentate - has intermittent edges;
- Latticed - with a lot of holes.
Problems with the hymen
In some cases, hymen in girls is absent. This feature is recorded at the first visit to the gynecologist and is associated with the characteristics of intrauterine development. Another situation is when the hymen becomes infected in women who already had sex ( atresia ). The only solution to this problem is to rip the hymen. He often happens on his own during repeated sexual intercourse. With a strong stretch of the hymen and its inability to tear itself apart, surgical treatment is prescribed.
Polyp gimena in girls
This violation is rare. His mothers are diagnosed on their own, while carrying the toilet of the genital organs to the baby. Externally, the polyp resembles a pink growth that protrudes behind the labia. Its size does not exceed 1 cm in length and 5 mm in diameter. If such a violation is found in girls, doctors adhere to expectant tactics. Every 6 months, you must visit a gynecologist to monitor the polyp in the dynamics. In case of growth of education, surgical treatment is performed. In this case, the hymen itself is not disturbed in girls.
Atresia Hymena
In some cases, the hymen in girls is overgrown, atresia develops. Hymen completely closes the hole, becomes impassable. Isolated with monthly blood lingers in the vaginal cavity. In this case, the girl experiences severe pain in the lower abdomen. Sexual contact with such a violation is very painful. Depending on the time of development of the disorder, gynecologists distinguish:
- congenital atresia - develops at the stage of intrauterine development;
- acquired - secondary overgrowth of the hymen due to adhesive processes in the small pelvis and the reproductive system.
Defloration of the hymen
This term is used to denote the violation of the integrity of the hymen. Normally this happens at the first sexual intercourse. The process itself is accompanied by the release of a small amount of blood and soreness. The severity of these symptoms depends on the degree of blood supply to the hymen and the number of nerve endings in it. In some cases, the pain may be absent, and the volume of blood allocated is so small that it is impossible to determine if the hymen is damaged.
It is worth noting that in some cases, the deprivation of the hymen can occur without the knowledge of the girl. Often this is noted with the incorrect and thorough washing away of girls. When examined in a gynecological chair already a teenager, the doctor observes a violation of the integrity of the hymen, when the girl did not already have intimacy. This happens rarely, however, in order not to damage the hymen, it is necessary to carry out the washings correctly: in front to the anus and only superficially.
The rupture of the hymen
The severance of the hymena can occur not only as a result of sexual intercourse. Damaged hymen is often detected by a doctor and in adolescents. Causes of violation of its integrity may be:
- Sexy caresses, games. Fearing the first relationship, wanting to experience an orgasm, girls can disrupt the integrity of the hymen.
- Masturbation. The introduction into the vagina cavity of foreign objects or fingers for the purpose of satisfaction can lead to a break in the hymen.
- Use of hygienic tampons. Gynecologists do not recommend using these hygiene products for girls because of the high risk of defloration.
- Conducting a gynecological examination. Before the procedure, it is necessary to warn the doctor about the lack of sexual experience.
Is the hymen retained after tearing?
After the first sexual contact, there is a violation of the integrity of the hymen, but the remains of the hymen are present. They are not rejected, but remain for life, with a gynecological examination the doctor is able to easily visualize them. Immediately on them it is possible to determine the presence or absence of sexual intercourse among women. However, it should be borne in mind that the rupture of the hymen due to its ability to strongly stretch may not occur. In some women, breach of its integrity is performed surgically before the forthcoming birth.
Removal of the hymen
When a woman who has an active sex life shows an undisturbed hymen, the operation to remove it becomes an obligatory surgical intervention. Surgical defloration is carried out on an outpatient basis, without requiring prior preparation. Anesthesia is performed locally and is short-term. The operation allows you to get rid of such a violation, like atresia of the hymen.
Surgery may be prescribed for those women who, in repeated attempts to break the hymen defloration, did not occur. It has been established that girls of 18-20 years have a compaction of the hymen: it loses its elasticity, thickens, and becomes firmer to rupture. These changes cause problems with defloration: the sexual act itself becomes painful. The only way out in this case for a girl is surgical defloration.
Restoration of the hymen
Surgical restoration of virginity (hymenoplasty) is an operation in which suture of the edges of the hymen is carried out. Depending on the expected effect, there are 2 types of this manipulation:
- Short-term hymenoplasty is performed for those women who plan to deflorate 5-14 days after the procedure. At the same time, self-absorbing threads are used, which fix the tissues for 10 days. After a specified time, spontaneous divergence of the edges of the hymen occurs.
- Long-term hymenoplasty - restoration of the hymen is carried out with the help of tissues located at the entrance to the vagina. During surgery, the surgeon forms a new hymen that retains its integrity for a long time.
After this procedure, a woman must comply with a number of conditions:
- Exclude physical activity for 14 days.
- To conduct intimate hygiene in the first 7 days use antiseptic.