title: A Hymen Epiphany.
abstract: The hymen is a structure of the female genitalia that is poorly understood even by many medical professionals. Despite the significant anatomical variation in the hymen and no guarantee that rupture or bleeding will occur at first coitus, it has come to hold major cultural significance around the world as a perceived biological indicator of virginity. The persistence of such myths around the hymen causes real harm, including the increase in so-called revirgination surgical procedures.
authors.affiliation: Paddington Green Health Centre, 4 Princess Louis Close, London, W2 ILQ UK. Farrahjarral@nhs.net.
authors.forename: Farrah
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Jarral
mesh_terms: D018912:Arabs; D003075:Coitus; D005260:Female; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / Q000941:ethics*; D006801:Humans; D006924:Hymen / Q000601:surgery*; D007514:Islam; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D010820:Physicians / Q000941:ethics*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000941:ethics*; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000941:ethics*; D063507:Sexism; D012746:Sexual Abstinence; D012945:Social Values