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.

Current as of: May 1, 2017

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & H. Michael O'Connor, MD, MMEd, FRCPC - Emergency Medicine

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org.