What are the Types of Hymen?
The hymen is diverse and not all women have the same structure. If we define the hymen in general, it looks like a ring-shaped structure. Hymen can be processed under 2 main headings. The first of these is ‘Anatomically constructed hymen’ and the other is ‘Naturally constructed hymen’.
Anatomically Structured Hymen Types
*Roundhymen (annular, annular hymen): Round hymen is the most common type of hymen in women. The hymen at the entrance to the vagina has a round hole. The diameter of the hole is between 10 and 20 mm. 20 mm more hole diameter is called ‘duhale’. People with a large hole diameter do not bleed during sexual intercourse.
*Crescentic hymen (crescentric, half-moon hymen): Crescentic hymen is also a common type. The upper sides are thin, hence the crescent shape. Since the hymen hole is in the middle, it does not cause a problem, but it may not tear immediately.
*Divided hymen (septated hymen): The very rare segmented hymen is divided into 2 parts by the membrane and membrane-like tissue. It must be surgically removed by a doctor. If it is not removed, there is difficulty and pain.
*Natural notched hymen (notched hymen): The congenital natural notched hymen has a tiny indentation at the edge.
*Semi-partitioned hymen (subseptate hymen): A piece of the edge of the hymen hangs over the inside. If this piece is small, there is no problem, but if there is a large piece, a surgical operation should be performed.
*Labial hymen (labial hymen): The labial hymen is short and oval along the front and back. It is not common, but it is not a problem.
*Sieve hymen (cribriform hymen): People with rare sieve hymen should definitely seek surgical treatment. Because there are so many holes, sexual intercourse is difficult.
*Fringed hymen (fimbrial hymen): It has a shape around the hymen that resembles a mop. It is not very common.
*Hymen with small holes (microperforated hymen): Normal hole diameters are between 10 and 20 mm. The diameter of the hymen with small holes is less than 10 mm. For this reason, sexual intercourse is difficult and painful. In addition, due to the small hole, menstrual bleeding in women may not be able to come out, which can cause health problems such as vaginal effection and discharge in women. For this, expansion therapy should be applied.
*Indented or irregular hymen (dentricular hymen): There are tiny indentations on the inner edges.
Natural Hymen Types
*Non-development of the hymen at birth (agenetic hymen): This type of hymen is not congenital and does not form.
*Closed hymen (imperforate hymen): The vaginal opening is completely closed and there are no holes. For this reason, menstrual blood cannot come out. It needs to be drained with an operation.
*Remnant hymen (remnant hymen): A type that does not develop at birth. There can’t be any bleeding.
There are congenital or acquired types. These are,
Elastic hymen (elastic hymen):
As we know, a hymen diameter of 10 to 20 mm is considered normal, while more than 20 mm is called a flexible hymen. There is no bleeding after sexual intercourse.
Thin hymen: It has a transparent structure.
Thick hymen (fleshy, rigid hymen): It has a thick and fleshy structure. She may have difficulty during intercourse and may bleed.
