Spoiler alert: nope! It’s a construct we made up! Read on for more info on hymens.
Hymens don’t necessarily break when something is inserted into the vagina (1).
And they can break without any vaginal insertion: through injury, or masturbation, etc (1).
Hymens change in size, shape, and flexibility across a person’s lifespan (1).
The hymen will often tear during the first vaginal birth (2).
Hymens have very few blood vessels and may not even bleed when torn (1).
There is no universal definition of the term “virginity” – its meaning varies by era, culture, and religion (3).
Clinicians are not trained or educated on the complexities of the hymen (1).
The term “intact hymen” has no anatomical correlate and should not be used (3).
If you want this information in the social media formats or in a printable flyer you can use for your clients or students click here.
SOURCES:
1) Mishori, R. “The Little Tissue That Couldn’t”
2) Frye, Anne “Healing Passage”
3) WHO “Eliminating Virginity Testing”
4) drawings by Nina Reimer