2The Hymen
The hymen is actually a membrane found in the lower part of the vagina when it is intact. It begins to form before birth, at approximately the 4th month of pregnancy. It is shaped like a half moon, contrary to popular belief assuming that it completely shuts the vagina in a rounded form. In some cultures and religion, the hymen is symbolic for a woman’s purity, celibacy and virginity. It is erroneously assumed that the absence of this membrane spelt promiscuity. However, there are other ways through which the membrane can be broken, for example via engaging in strenuous activities, riding on horseback or bicycle, athletics, inspecting the vagina with a gloved finger or tampon etc. What’s more, the hymen is absent at birth in some females (about 1 in 1000 of women). [2]
