Hymen - what is it?
In medicine hymen is called "hymen". Latin hymen is translated as "skin" or "film". Hymen is a connective membrane or fold of mucous membrane. It covers the entrance to the vagina, located between the cavity and the vestibule. It should be noted that this body is the only body that do not change its original size.
The hymen may have several holes of different diameters and shapes. They determine its type. For example, the hymen may be lunate, Golovina, Velikobritaniya, tubular. Crease with a single hole in the middle called the circle. After rupture of the hymen remain generalnie papillae.
Physiological significance of the hymen
Today, medical science can not tell exactly why hymen. Scientists have only speculation based on the fact that nothing superfluous nature of man is not endowed. In this case the hymen is not only the women of the species homo sapiens, but also found in antelopes and apes. This fact became the basis of one of the assumptions about the purpose of the authority: it just remained unchanged in the course of evolution.
The most plausible explanation for the existence of the hymen is to protect the vagina from bacteria, germs and infections. The body is a kind of protection of internal environment from the external. Fact: recent studies show that after defloration vaginal microflora is altered, it has seen an increase in the number of bacteria.
An interesting hypothesis about the purpose of the hymen belongs to Metchnikov. As you know, many centuries ago, people married at a young child. At this time, the boy's sexual organ was not yet developed.
The hymen in this case did not make coitus impossible, but rather was a specific "assistant". She contributed to the enjoyment, adapting the female sexual organ of males. Gradually it expanded, adapting to the physiological changes men.
Moral side of the issue
Today, virginity is treated in two ways. Some argue innocence, others say that it is good up to a certain age. The current attitude depends on the upbringing, faith, values person.
The second approach resembles the attitude of virginity, widespread among ancient peoples. If she has not started the sexual life, she was considered unattractive. Not thought about this issue in Ancient Greece: the girls began to participate in sexual games with 4-6 years of age. Innocent "kept" only the vestal virgins (priestesses).
In the pre-Christian period, virgins were used as sacrifices to the gods. And some tribal peoples practiced defloration is not direct intercourse, and with the help of the rod.
Gradually virginity began to be valued. In England, 19th century, innocent girls even pay extra a lot of money. In some cultures marriage could only untouched beauty. As evidence, on the morning of the couple proudly showed everyone a white sheet with drops of blood.
