El himen es una membrana delgada y frágil de tejido incompleto que rodea o cubre parcialmente la apertura vaginal externa. Forma parte de la vulva, o genitales exteriores, y es similar en estructura a la vagina. Los efectos de las relaciones sexuales y el parto en el himen son variados. Si el himen es lo suficientemente elástico, puede volver a casi su condición original. En otros casos, puede haber restos (carunculae myrtiformes), o puede desaparecer completamente tras penetraciones seguidas. Adicionalmente, el himen puede ser lacerado por enfermedad, lesión, examen médico, masturbación o ejercicio físico.

Leer el artículo completo en Wikipedia · CC-BY-SA

The hymen is a membrane that surrounds or partially covers the external vaginal opening. It forms part of the vulva, or external genitalia, and is similar in structure to the vagina. The hymen does not seem to have a specific physiological function or purpose. In children, although a common appearance of the hymen is crescent-shaped, many shapes are possible. Normal variations of the hymen range from thin and stretchy to thick and somewhat rigid; or it may also be completely absent. The hymen often, though not always, rips or tears the first time a female engages in penetrative intercourse, which may cause some temporary bleeding and slight discomfort. The hymen can also stretch or tear as a result of various other behaviors; for example, it may be lacerated by disease, injury, medical examination, masturbation or physical exercise. The hymen does not regenerate itself after it is torn, but may be surgically restored in a procedure called hymenorrhaphy. For these reasons, the state of the hymen is not a conclusive indicator of virginity, though it continues to be so considered by certain people, particularly those in relatively traditional cultures.

Leer el artículo completo en Wikipedia · CC-BY-SA