Patient's question:
Where is the hymen located in the vagina? How far is it from the vaginal opening?Doctor's answer:
The hymen is 1-2 centimeters away from the vaginal opening and can be seen with a mirror. The hymen is a hollow membrane covering the external vaginal opening, about 1-2 millimeters thick. The front and back surfaces of the membrane are moist mucous membranes, and the connective tissue, small blood vessels, and nerve endings are between the two layers of mucous membranes. The small hole in the middle is called the hymen opening.The size of the hymen opening and the thickness of the membrane can vary from person to person. The diameter of the hymen opening is about 1-1.5 centimeters and is usually circular, elliptical, or serrated. Some are crescent-shaped, with the opening one side. Some are septal openings, with two small holes arranged vertically or horizontally. Some have many scattered small holes, like the holes on a sieve. The hymen can prevent dirty external substances from entering the vagina and serves to protect the vagina.