Patient's question:
The first time I had sex with my girlfriend, I was afraid she would be hurt, so I tentatively used my middle finger to explore inside. However, the entire finger went in, and when I pulled it out, there were no signs of blood. She only felt a slight pain, and later there was no sensation at all.What kind of help do I need: How deep is the hymen, and can it be reached by hand?
Doctor's answer:
The hymen is a thin, hollow membrane covering the external opening of the female vagina, about 1-2 millimeters thick. The front and back surfaces of the membrane are moist mucous membranes, with connective tissue, small blood vessels, and nerve endings between the two layers. There is a hole in the middle called the hymen aperture. The size of the hymen aperture and the thickness, elasticity, and toughness of the membrane can vary from person to person. Some may have an aperture as small as a needlepoint, while others have a large aperture that can accommodate a finger. Some are crescent-shaped, while others are sieve-like or fringed, appearing as if the hymen has already been ruptured. The diameter of the hymen aperture is about 1-1.5 centimeters and is usually circular, elliptical, or serrated; some are semilunar, with the aperture one side; some are septal, with two apertures arranged vertically or horizontally; some have many scattered apertures, resembling those on a sieve. Fringed hymens also appear as if the hymen has already been ruptured. Generally, unmarried women have an intact hymen, which may rupture during sexual intercourse, causing bleeding. Scar tissue forms quickly around the aperture, resulting in a permanent scar. After childbirth, the hymen is further damaged, leaving only a hymen remnant. The hymen can prevent dirty external substances from entering the vagina, serving a protective function for the vagina. Before puberty, due to the low estrogen secreted by the ovaries, the vaginal mucosa is thin, with few folds and low acidity, making it vulnerable to bacterial invasion. The hymen plays a protective role in preventing bacteria from entering the vagina. After puberty, with the development of the ovaries and an increase in estrogen levels in the body, the vaginal resistance strengthens, and the hymen gradually loses its function.The hymen aperture is physiologically necessary. Mature women begin to menstruate. Every