Vom „Jungfernhäutchen“ zur Corona vaginalis? Anmerkungen zur Grenzstruktur zwischen Vulva und Vagina

A thin epithelial ring-shaped structure can be found at the border between vulva and vagina. The small epithelial ring is known as the maidenhead or virginal membrane in English; the Greek term is hymen. From an anatomical perspective, it is not a membrane but a crown-shaped structure measuring only a few millimeters in height. The relevance of the hymen is profoundly overrated due to some cultural and religious beliefs. In an everyday gynecologic setting, labelling of patients as “virgo intacta” can lead to modification of diagnostics and treatment. In gynecologic care, the concept of “virginity” and the associated modification of gynecologic standards should at least be viewed critically or questioned.