The hymen (or maidenhead) is a ring of tissue around the vaginal orifice. The term comes from a Greek word meaning "membrane". Although many people believe that the hymen completely occludes the vaginal orifice in human females, this is quite rare. The hymen has great symbolic significance as an indicator of a woman's virginity. Lately, the very concept of a hymen has been criticized and even its existence questioned by researchers who consider it to be based more on cultural perceptions and sexual stereotypes than physiological facts.

Hymens in animals

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Many mammals have hymens, including (but not limited to) llamas, guinea pigs, bush babies, manatees, moles, toothed whales, chimpanzees, elephants, rats, lemurs and seals.

More on [ Hymen ]

UPHS - Penn's Women's Health Newsletter

Managing Bladder and Pelvic Floor Problems
Bladder and pelvic floor health is very important to a woman's overall good health. Here is what you should know about your pelvic muscles and organs including your bladder and urinary system. And if you are having problems in this area, we hope you’ll talk not only to your friends—because chances are they are having similar issues—but most importantly, talk to your health care provider.
Heart Health: Important at Any Age
Women often have symptoms of heart disease before they experience a heart attack. Many women may be able to intervene early, before a heart attack and for those who don't or have congenital heart issues, effective management and treatment options exist.
New Safety Measures For An Optimum Birth Experience
Increased Staff, Full-Time Attention for Women in Labor at Pennsylvania Hospital. The face of obstetric care in the United States is changing, and Pennsylvania Hospital is making certain that prenatal care and delivery remains effective, personal and safe.

Women's Health / Gynecology News From Medical News Today

New Georgia Law Allows Families To 'Adopt' Embryos
Fri, 03 Jul 2009 05:00:00 -0700
A Georgia law (HB 388) that took effect on Wednesday allows state residents to "adopt" embryos created for fertility treatments, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports (Gould Sheinin, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 7/1). According to the
More Women Seek Nonprescription Remedies For Menopause Symptoms
Fri, 03 Jul 2009 05:00:00 -0700
Over-the-counter remedies for menopause symptoms are growing in popularity among some women who fear potential risks from prescription hormone replacement therapy, the New York Times reports.
Work Status Changes More Common Among Women Receiving Chemotherapy For Breast Cancer, Study Says
Fri, 03 Jul 2009 03:00:00 -0700
Women with breast cancer who receive chemotherapy appear more likely than those treated with radiation therapy to experience a major change in work status, according to a study published in the journal Cancer, Reuters reports. For the study,
Mom's Weight During Pregnancy Affects Her Daughter's Risk Of Being Obese
Fri, 03 Jul 2009 02:00:00 -0700
A mother's weight and the amount she gains during pregnancy both impact her daughter's risk of obesity decades later, according to a new study by Alison Stuebe, M.D., assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine. "The findings are especially important because of the growing epidemic of obesity in women," Stuebe says.
During Pregnancy, Women With Endometriosis Need Special Care To Avoid Risk Of Premature Birth
Fri, 03 Jul 2009 01:00:00 -0700
The largest study to date of endometriosis in pregnant women has found that the condition is a major risk factor for premature birth, the 25th annual conference of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology heard. Dr.
In Postpartum Women, Poor Sleep Is Independently Associated With Depression
Fri, 03 Jul 2009 01:00:00 -0700
A study in the July 1 issue of the journal SLEEP suggests that postpartum depression may aggravate an already impaired sleep quality, as experiencing difficulties with sleep is a symptom of depression.

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