Expert: Mark - 6/15/2009

Question
hello, am sarah, let me start that i am 18 years old, my problem is that i dont know if i still have my hymen or if it's not there... coz i masturbated before. i tried many times to look and see my hymen if it;s there or not but i couldnt even decide wheter if i have 1 or not. so please if u would help me to make sure if i have it or not and how to look for it ...apperciate your time

Answer
Dear Sarah,
Sorry for the delay. My computer crashed just as I was about to finish my response... so I'll try again.

First, I refer you to information about the hymen itself: http://www.youngwomenshealth.org/hymen.html

"...The hymen can break through masturbation, athletic activity, tampon use, or even strenuous play." "...You can only become a non-virgin by engaging in sexual intercourse as described above. Some females who have engaged in sexual intercourse have perfectly intact hymens, and some females who have never done anything "below the waist" have no hymen left at all."
http://www.healthystrokes.com/virginity.html

As you can see, the status of the hymen is a poor indicator of virginity.

Please put your mind at ease by consulting a woman doctor (esp. a gynecologist) or nurse whom you trust with confidential information. Here are some helpful questions that will help you protect your privacy: http://youngwomenshealth.org/choo07_confidentiality.html

It unlikely that masturbation could break the hymen, though inserting objects or very strenuous masturbation may have an effect. If so you would most likely see some minor bleeding. A water-based personal lubricant in the vaginal area will prevent irritation during insertion of tampons, masturbation, etc.

If you are practicing Islam you may wish to explore how some scholars are answering the many questions that arise around sexuality... the opinions are mixed and sometimes quite compassionate:

One example: Question     Is Masturbation allowed in Islam?
Answer    As a rule, masturbation is not a good thing, but if the person feels like he will be driven to adultery or fornication and masturbation is the only way to prevent him from those sins, then it is allowed but considered Makrooh (reprehensible). http://www.islamonline.net/livefatwa/english/Browse.asp?hGuestID=NT7y3z

regarding masturbation and virginity reflecting modern science.

"...Whether you are a virgin or not cannot be determined based solely on the information you have provided. It is important however to point out that for females, the condition of the hymen alone is not a suitable determinant of one’s virginity. Advances in the field of obstetrics and gynecology inform us that it is possible for a young woman to tear her hymen without having sexual intercourse, i.e. through excessive stress on the pelvic area during exercise, playing sports, etc." http://tinyurl.com/nx5r5m

I hope this variety of information helps. It is a sign of maturity and responsibility that you to seek answers about your health and/or worries.
Best wishes!