Hymen

Abstract

The hymen is named after the God of marriage ``Hymenaios'' in classical Greek mythology; the word ``hymen'' is usually synonymous with virgin membrane. Human female is the only primate member to possess a hymen. Variants in hymenal configuration are often seen varying from hymen semilunaris, anularis, cribriformis, septus, fimbriatus, navicularis. Estrogen withdrawal at an older age may convert some of the annular types into this crescentric-shaped configuration.