sexualitics: Take a look at these beautiful hymens! It’s a common misconception that all women are b
sexualitics: Take a look at these beautiful hymens! It’s a common misconception that all women are born with hymens that “cover the vagina” and are “popped” during sexual intercourse, but that is just not the case. The reality is that there are a handful of kinds of hymens, some of which are shown here (Kelly, 2011, p. 36). On the far left the cribriform hymen, is shown. The second hymen on the right is a septate hymen. These terms are often used interchangeably; they refer to a hymen that partially blocks the vaginal opening (Blank, 2007, p.37). People with these hymens can usually menstruate through them and therefore may not be aware of the situation in their hymen until their vagina is attempted to be penetrated in some form of sexual intercourse. If you’re having issues having sex due to pain, it could be caused by a number of reasons, and it is a good idea to see a gynecologist. In between them is the annular hymen. This is the most common type of hymen and does not cause much trouble for the individual. A ring of tissue surrounds the vaginal opening, but lets vaginal secretions (including menstrual blood) out and sexual penetrating objects in (Blank, 2007, p.37). Most people are born with this hymen, it does not occur after being “popped” during intercourse. The last hymen, on the far right, is the imperforate hymen. Althought is is commonly perceived to be the only or “normal” type of hymen, it is considered a minor birth defect. It is caused when the vagina does not finish “canalizing”, or making itself a hole, during fetal development. This renders menstruation (and sexual intercourse) impossible. It is surgically remedied. (Blank, 2007, p.36) Hymens are pretty silly, honestly. No one knows their biological function, or if there ever was one. They’ve only served a societal function as a way to physically determine the first time a woman has sexual intercourse, but this is false information used to perpetuate misogynistic beliefs regarding the socially constructed concept of virginity. It is for that reason that it is important to be educated on the true nature of the hymen! Your worth is not measured on a blood stained sheet, or in a sexual act at all. And if anyone tries to tell you otherwise you whip out your hymen knowledge and educate them. -- source link