Answer:
by Melissa BEE: ()
Hello,
Thank you for your question.
The hymen is a membranous tissue that covers the entrance to the vagina. In the center of an 'intact' hymen is a small tear or hole, enough to allow menstrual blood and tissue through. This hole can become further enlarged or torn by the young woman herself, in contact sports, or insertion of any object. Tampons are notorious for enlarging the hymen opening. So while there is a small tear there, gynecologists know how the hymen should look, so in cases of physical abuse or rape, they are able to tell by the presence or absence of the hymen, and how it was torn, whether or not it was from forced entry or not. Because there is an opening, and access to the vagina, uterus, ovaries and Fallopian tubes (this is where the egg comes from) then sexual intercourse can take place, and it naturally follows that if there is unsafe or unprotected sex, a pregnancy can result.
Best Wishes,
Melissa BEE
Reviewed by: Patricia Fawver Ph.D. in Sexology
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