Many people think that a torn hymen only occurs due to sexual intercourse. This assumption is clearly wrong, because there are various causes of a torn hymen other than having sex.
The hymen is a thin and elastic layer of tissue that is located around the lips of the vagina (vulva) and inside the vagina. The hymen will change with age.
These changes begin to occur when a girl goes through puberty or adolescence. When you reach puberty, a woman's hymen tends to be thicker and more elastic than before.
An intact hymen normally has the shape of a small donut with a small hole in the middle. However, when the hymen is scratched, it stretches wide and does not completely cover the vaginal opening. This term is often considered a torn hymen.
Causes of torn Hymen
Stretching of the hymen is common due to sexual penetration. However, there are also many women whose hymen is torn, even though they have never had sex.
There are several things that can make the hymen tear apart from sexual intercourse, including:
1. Physical injury
Injury to the female sex organs due to impact, blow, or accident can cause the hymen to tear. This condition is usually characterized by bloody discharge accompanied by symptoms of pain when urinating.
2. Certain sports
A torn hymen is also prone to occur in women who often exercise, especially cycling. A woman's risk for tearing the hymen will be higher, if she often cycles in a lower handlebar position than a bicycle mount or saddle. In addition to cycling, riding is also at risk of tearing the hymen.
This is because this type of exercise can cause a lot of pressure and friction in the area between the vagina and the anus (perineum). In addition to tearing the hymen, this exercise can also sometimes cause pain in the female sex organs (vulvodynia).
3. Masturbation activity
Frequent masturbation, especially by using sex aids, will cause a lot of friction in the vagina and hymen, making them more prone to tearing.
4. Use of tampons
Tampons are a type of pad that is inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual blood. Although it is quite safe, using a tampon that is too deep during menstruation can cause the hymen to tear.
5. Medical action
A hymen tear can also occur due to certain medical procedures, such as a transvaginal ultrasound or vaginal surgery. In addition, certain examinations of the female sex organs, such as colposcopy and PAP smear, can also risk causing the hymen to tear, although this is rare.
The Myth Behind the Hymen and Virginity
The hymen and virginity are often thought to have a close relationship. If a woman's hymen is torn, many men conclude that the woman is not a virgin.
This assumption is also reinforced by the characteristics of a torn hymen is that there is no bleeding when having sexual intercourse for the first time. This thinking is wrong.
A torn hymen does not always indicate that a woman is no longer a virgin. In fact, a torn hymen is not only caused by sexual intercourse, but can also be caused by other things. In fact, tearing the hymen does not always cause bleeding.
Therefore, it is inappropriate to associate a torn hymen with a woman's virginity.
However, for women who are concerned about tearing the hymen or experiencing vaginal complaints, such as pain in the intimate area and bleeding, do not hesitate to consult a doctor.
