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Will Hymen Grow Back?

Published: August 6, 2001
Dear TeenHealthFX,
After you have sex and if you stop for a very long time, about a year or two, does your hymen ring ever grow back or your vagina tighten more? So when you have intercourse again it will kind of be like the first time.
Signed: Will Hymen Grow Back?

Dear Will Hymen Grow Back?,

The hymen is a thin membrane that surrounds the vaginal opening. It only partially blocks the opening. Hymens come in many different shapes and sizes, but should never block the vaginal opening completely. It is possible that a woman's hymen will never break and there are women who are born without a hymen. If the hymen was whole at one point and torn, then it will not grow back.

There is a common myth that implies that you can tell if a woman is a virgin by whether her hymen is intact or not. This is not true. The hymen can stretch and tear from a variety of reasons none of which have to do with sex, such as using a tampon.

Your vagina may tighten up a lot if you have not had any sexual activity for a while. When you become sexually active the muscles will become relaxed.

The next time you have sex it may not be like the first time, chances are it could be better. Without the pressure on you to experience sex, you can focus on what a sexual relationship means to you. In doing so, you will be more relaxed, which most likely lead to a positive experience.

Any discussion on sex would not be complete without a talk about safer sex. If you are going to have sex, please practice safer sex by using condoms to prevent STDs and pregnancy. Also, if you are sexually active, you and your partner should be seen by a doctor. If you live outside of Northern New Jersey, please call your local Planned Parenthood. If you live in Northern New Jersey, please call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at (973) 889.6350. Both Planned Parenthood and Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health can see teens on a low/no cost basis, confidentially and without your parent's permission for sexual health reasons.

Signed: TeenHealthFX