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Revision as of 01:18, 26 August 2003 by 200.72.199.87 (talk) (keystroke errors cleared)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)The hymen is a vaginal membrane present in human females, which completely or partially occludes the vaginal opening. The term comes from a Greek word meaning "membrane". Because sexual activity would usually puncture this membrane, its presence has been considered a guarantor of virginity in societies that place a high value on female chastity before marriage. Nonetheless, the hymen is often lost during childhood in the course of normal physical activities.
Sometimes a woman has the hymen surgically restored in order to pretend virginity.
Hymen is also an alternate name for the Greek god Hymenaios.