Community / Hymen Resources

Hymen Resources

Resources and links about the hymen

There is much confusion surrounding the hymen. Although hymen problems rarely cause penetration difficulties, they are often suspected due to the anatomical location (usually it is vaginismus that causes problems with penetration). More information about the hymen can be found in the articles "Could my hymen be causing my problem?" and "If my hymen is still intact, will using the dilators break it and will this hurt?". Other resources are referenced below:

Adams Hillard, P. Imperforate hymen. Available from emedicine.com/med/topic3329.htm.
Curtis, E., & Lazaro, C. (1999). Appearance of the hymen in adolescents not well documented[Letter]. BMJ, 318, 605.
Emans, J., Woods, E., Allred, E., & Grace, E. (1994). Hymenal findings in adolescent women: Impact of tampon use and consensual sexual activity.J Pediatr, 125, 153-160.
Goldstein, Andrew. (2005). Imperforate hymen or vulvar vestibulitis? Finding the Real Reason for Doing a Hymenectomy. Available from http://www.ourgyn.com/article_retrieve.php?articleid=196.
Lowe, K. (May, 2003). Hymen pamphlet. Available from www.dsac.org.nz/resources/Hymen_Brochure.pdf.
Rogers, D., & Stark, M. (1998). The hymen is not necessarily torn after sexual intercourse[Letter]. BMJ, 317, 414.