Hymen: facts and conceptions

Background: In conservative cultures, the presence of hymen without rupture in a virgin girl represents an indication of female pride and honor. Accordingly, there are many crimes, committed due to wrong views and conceptions among young people in such societies. The current review aimed to highlight the anatomy of the hymen, in a trial to create a better understanding and to eliminate misconceptions about virginity.Methods: Databases of PubMed, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, Wiley Interscience and others were searched. The research papers are studied and discussed.Results: The hymen is a thin mucous membrane, partially closing the vaginal orifice. It represents an embryological remnant, originating from the urogenital sinus. It varies greatly in shape. Its elasticity increases after puberty so that it may allow penile penetration without rupture and bleeding.Conclusions: Hymen is not an accurate indication of virginity. Knowledge of the hymen anatomy and its abnormalities is essential to eliminate the misconceptions about it.