Dear hi_there,

It's possible. The hymen is a thin, fleshy tissue that stretches across part of the opening of the vagina. It may look or feel like a little flap of skin. While some girls are born with a lot of hymenal tissue, others are born with so little that they appear to have no hymen.

Some girls stretch open their hymens the first time they have vaginal intercourse, but other girls stretch open their hymens in other ways — like using tampons, insertive masturbation, riding a bicycle, or doing gymnastics. In any case, a girl can't always tell if her hymen has been stretched or not by looking or feeling for it.

A Pap test — sometimes called a smear — is used to examine the cells of the cervix to detect cancerous or precancerous cells. In order to see the cervix, a clinician will insert a plastic or metal speculum to separate the walls of the vagina. Usually a small spatula or tiny brush is used to gently collect cells from the cervix for the Pap test.

Pap tests can detect symptoms of sexually transmitted infections. With the exception of trichomoniasis, they cannot detect the specific infection. Having a Pap test is part of a gynecological exam. It is recommended that women start having regular Pap tests three years after they have vaginal intercourse or once they reach the age of 21, whether they have had vaginal intercourse or not. Girls and women with certain health conditions may need exams more frequently.

Scientists aren't sure exactly what the hymen does for the body, but it's very important for some people as a sign of virginity. Some people believe that a woman whose hymen has been stretched open is no longer a virgin. But having a hymen and being a virgin are not the same thing. Don't forget, there are many ways that a woman can stretch her hymen — sexual intercourse is just one of them.

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.