Microperforate Hymen

A microperforate hymen means your hymen has one or a few small holes in it instead of a moderately-sized opening. It’s something you’re born with. Overall, it’s rare.

Your hymen is a thin, fleshy membrane that surrounds the opening of your vagina (but doesn’t cover it).

With a microperforate hymen, the membrane has one or a few small openings in it, but it otherwise covers the opening to your vagina. It can cause issues with periods (menstruation), tampon use and penetrative sex.

Learning that your genital anatomy is different from what’s expected can stir up a lot of emotions. Know that a microperforate hymen is just that — a difference. A simple procedure can treat it.

Symptoms of a microperforate hymen

A microperforate hymen may make it harder for period blood and vaginal fluids to flow out of your vagina. This can cause symptoms like:

• Periods that last longer than seven days (blood flows slowly)
• Vaginal infections

Having a microperforate hymen may also make it difficult or impossible for you to insert an object into your vagina. For example, you may experience:

• Inability to insert or remove a tampon
• Pain when inserting or removing a tampon
• Bleeding or pain during sexual intercourse
• Inability to have penetrative sex

You may not have any symptoms. But if you experience any pain or abnormal bleeding near your vagina, talk to your healthcare provider.

Microperforate hymen causes

A microperforate hymen happens when the hymen forms differently during fetal development. But scientists don’t know what causes the difference. There’s nothing you can do to prevent it.

How doctors diagnose this condition

A healthcare provider may detect a microperforate hymen at birth during a newborn’s physical exam. But many females don’t know they have one until puberty or later.

A healthcare provider (usually a gynecologist) can diagnosis it by looking closely at your hymen during an external pelvic exam.

Your first pelvic exam may bring some anxiety because you don’t know what to expect. If you’re uncomfortable at any point, say so. You have control over your body.

How is it treated?

Not all microperforate hymens require treatment. But you may choose to have surgery to open up or remove your hymen if it interferes with:

• Pelvic exams and tests that help you monitor your health, like Pap tests
• Period blood flow
• Tampon use
• Vaginal sex

The surgery is called a hymenectomy. Your healthcare provider removes the extra tissue, leaving only one opening that’s a typical size. It’s a minor procedure. You can go home the same day. The tissue doesn’t grow back after removal.

Your provider will talk to you about options for anesthesia during the procedure. You may need stitches after it. They dissolve on their own.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

See your healthcare provider if you have pelvic pain, long and slow menstrual periods or other symptoms of a microperforate hymen.

If you’ve had a hymenectomy, you should call your healthcare provider if you have:

• A fever
• Pus-like discharge
• Skin discoloration

What can I expect if I have this condition?

A microperforate hymen may cause pain and limit activities. But it’s not a dangerous condition.

Rarely, it goes away on its own as a child grows. Your hymen may tear or wear down from everyday activities, like riding a bike or doing gymnastics. This may naturally open it up. If it doesn’t go away naturally, surgery is a safe solution that can help.