Imperforate hymen
The hymen is the thin tissue around the entry of the vagina that usually has an opening for menstrual blood to pass through. Imperforate hymen means that the hymen does not have an opening, so the entry of the vagina is completely closed off by the hymen.
Imperforate hymen is often discovered when a girl starts her period. Because menstrual blood cannot get out of the vagina, the blood backs up. This causes pain and pressure in the pelvic area.
Imperforate hymen is treated with surgery to create an opening in the hymen.
| By | Healthwise Staff |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine |
| Last Revised | July 2, 2009 |
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Last Updated:
July 02, 2009
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor.
Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this
information.
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.