Dear babydoll34,

Some people believe that an intact hymen — the thin tissue that stretches across part of a girl's vaginal opening at birth — is proof of a woman's virginity. In some cultures, the presence of a hymen is very important. Because of this, some doctors will perform a procedure called "hymenoplasty" — an expensive and often painful type of surgery that "reattaches" the hymen after it's been stretched open, in order to make it appear that the woman has never had vaginal intercourse.

The vast majority of people in the U.S. do not believe that the condition of the hymen is an accurate definition of virginity. Most people agree that women and men lose their virginity the first time they have penile-vaginal intercourse. (Others believe that virginity can be lost through anal or oral intercourse.) There is no way that this can be "undone" in order for a person to become a virgin again.

It's true that the hymen can be stretched open the first time a woman has vaginal intercourse, but it can also be stretched open before that — through insertive masturbation or sex play, or non-sexual activities like using tampons or playing sports.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.