---
title: "My Corona: The Hymen & the Myths That Surround It"
date: 2025-10-08T14:04:00-04:00
author: Jonese Austin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/my-corona-the-hymen-the-myths-that-surround-it"
section: Resources
---
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[Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# My Corona: The Hymen & the Myths That Surround It

There are myths and misconceptions about the vaginal corona, which is also known as the hymen. One major misconception is that the vaginal corona can be used to determine whether a person is a virgin.

This Scarleteen article provides an overview of the vaginal corona and answers questions about its relationship to virginity.

The vaginal corona consists of folds of mucous tissue and is located a few centimeters inside the vaginal opening. The appearance varies in size, shape, and color.

What happens when something enters the vaginal corona for the first time? What if it's a tampon, finger, sex toy, or penis? The experience is unique to each person. Some people may feel pain. Less than half of people bleed, and bleeding is rarely a result of the stretching of the tissue.

It is impossible to determine if a person has engaged in vaginal intercourse by looking at the vaginal corona. Contrary to myths, the vaginal corona is not something that can be broken even though stretching it can lead to ruptures. The concept of virginity varies by person and culture, and it does not determine our worth or value.

> The various myths and the incorrect assumption that there is a covering membrane have given rise to expressions such as “breaking the hymen” and “deflowering.” These usually refer to a person having their vagina entered for the first time, either by themselves or by having sex with a partner⁠. What’s actually there is the vaginal corona, consisting of elastic folds of mucous tissue, which can’t be ruptured or broken in one fell swoop by a penis⁠ or any other object inserted into the vagina.

[Read the full article ](https://www.scarleteen.com/read/bodies/my-corona-hymen-myths-surround-it)

SOURCE: Scarleteen Magazine • AUTHOR: Anna Knöfel Magnusson/RSFU • LAST UPDATED: July 31, 2025

![A white background with pink images of different vaginal coronas](data:image/png;base64,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) SM 1000/Adobe Stock

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ sexual anatomies & sexual health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/sexual-anatomies-sexual-health)
- [ getting to know our sexual anatomy](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/getting-to-know-our-sexual-anatomy)
- [vaginal corona (hymen)](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/vaginal-corona-hymen)
- [virginity](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/virginity)
- [anatomy](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/anatomy)
- [shame](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/shame)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

- We rigorously evaluate all content
- We embrace a reproductive justice framework
- We don’t accept ads or sell products
- We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry
- We counter misinformation and disinformation
- We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality

[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

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##### More to Explore

[ResourcesRead

## What Exactly is a Hymen?

What is the hymen and why is it important to so many of us?

![Nine drawings of different types of hymens on top of a pink background.](data:image/png;base64,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)

What is the hymen and why is it important to so many of us?](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/what-exactly-is-a-hymen)

[ResourcesRead

## Renaming the Hymen: The Vaginal Corona

The hymen is also called the vaginal corona, a term used in an attempt to dispel many of the myths surrounding hymens.

![Types of vaginal coronas](data:image/png;base64,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)

The hymen is also called the vaginal corona, a term used in an attempt to dispel many of the myths surrounding hymens.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/renaming-the-hymen-the-vaginal-corona)

[Where We StandRead

## "People with Vaginas"? Feminist Critiques of Gender and Language

How does Our Bodies Ourselves address the relationship between gender and anatomy? How is it best to refer to typically female reproduction and sexual anatomy?

![Open dictionary.](data:image/png;base64,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)

How does Our Bodies Ourselves address the relationship between gender and anatomy? How is it best to refer to typically female reproduction and sexual anatomy?](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/where-we-stand/where-we-stand-people-with-vaginas)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Wanting More in the Sex-Ed Curriculum

MB shares a few pros and cons of her experience with sex education in high school.

![My Story- Wanting More in the Sex-Ed Curriculum](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAEdElEQVRIiXWWW5IrtxFET2ahybEU1w5t1NvwMrw/R0gftiUNH6j0B9AcXoVMgh3oJrqyst76+z/+GZKembOfj/m8zcdt3j/7/jkfn3ncMu+ZTxFLrqo6xnHUuIzjMsZRdVRVVdm2JGEQQNbVgEDr4fl5uwk5N3t/Pkmybvfvz88Naf8lNo7yEh72N1tAmiRJupOQzuvWTposVQMswUMvjbWp7AOJQif0EtRIQd3tnulKd3erW2pBA8h8AZwMkJRIjYyyLbaOhYTudNON6CC5ZWm2p2TLQb0Z69QSnXYclgg5bfOn0jMnPYF2NssN47k9GmysSH7zsGAsUtmgWuooUVBCNz0zZ+ZTILcSRUITgxQIVGLHkpYH3wBKyouBCBiJJT10Z848n5mPJLLp3i5cZgi1iJYjS7Te/gvDAtTS9iEIvNRP082ceT76+SAtKTXprNdpSOik2nMngk6LQEhGSSFasSMsGUSUaDN45vnM45aeINXITJr0GaXVHsNnpi31dabEsAS0lj1lWEtEaXoyZ573vt96PgB5ZMzMTmev0e5p1zsDyAqeUSLsxyVaeKl/mijzmce9H5/9+ExHPvqY1Z0sgE5Pz+H6I8BbmJI+ia1KYr2sNJnPPO+5/9a3/2Y+8FXPHzJnLfXT6faY7wBb/QVQ+goKn0tERDRp+pl578ev/fmvfoDg8lfPmaRyAvRiYFmvSrAED4uwAnNJjxUR7xOTzPQ9j1/6Rv9OgOu/08+dAIQkOdLVbwAvKw0rIVGypaPzCi2aPOlb+pE7/Svd6E74Lf4Fb48VMxn6ngHvDCKieC+k7MXKjQchcydZbugCl//ouPAsvFJ/KqWcTtauwcNKlE6+hL4t3Gjix7barpqooVH/rL70Mme3VURhVbdNYki91HxjEDtSdF7xkwEXOOBBDGN7qfW7uITaYf/qVQppYNhJIkduKXKfm8hRoUIDHXCFH+EOA65wwIC6UU/8xI7BZ3VeVloMINIpXfmS7qjCQEM60BUFrshwbEIaobKv65Xvmi/vAOdabMxWv8QxuKDJKtMYDXygC7oMDWvIJVlalUf/F2Cp0GwGUNKQjuELq+d59d1CBz7QuHoMjdKeK1ac5tX/B2q9MeAlvdZCwx6HLqxauKJExgMfHx5Xj+EarmGVLH215T1VzKxgV/PioeBgVNKwjkPz4txtVqRsgPGtxtV1qTpc481GnDQyYEk8GTh4kUAllVTWGDq+iZ+/AArXT66/eFyXdHssE30/Y2VInWSlDW+e2BjeAJ4fzrV982bwt6ofXR8eh+uwXwC7nOoFgJo3E6HV+SPBcnJZNTQu4pvnCI0+5B9UH66Lv9Sv7WRAOss1YzVWrbq2uvIpXV4dzqpSHcqHZAI6XFf72L6tcpX1B4A9fi0frBKyq5teDASSLGzVUI5NX0M+7EM1VKUqu7wT4bTRaaWB1ojXO7DWALbiTMhiDc2yPPabK69s2W8bS3vAPgfdbSLe8+Jrr9fICtIK/j1yrM0WuuDF++aMIcH/ADW7SW7XJ+VvAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC)

MB shares a few pros and cons of her experience with sex education in high school.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-wanting-more-in-the-sex-ed-curriculum)

[Stories & ConversationsRead

## How Past Sexual Abuse or Violence Affects Relationships

How does experiencing violence or sexual abuse affect our intimate relationships? The conversation below is excerpted from an online discussion on relationships, identity, and sexuality.

![Pexels andrea piacquadio ptsd scaled e1661796367968 jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

How does experiencing violence or sexual abuse affect our intimate relationships? The conversation below is excerpted from an online discussion on relationships, identity, and sexuality.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/conversations-how-past-sexual-abuse-or-violence-affects-relationships)

[ResourcesWatch

## "Cellular Memory": Can a Heart Transplant Affect Our Personality?

In this video, a neurosurgeon and a transplant survivor discuss the possibility that memories could be stored outside the brain.

![pexels-cottonbro-7579823](data:image/png;base64,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)

In this video, a neurosurgeon and a transplant survivor discuss the possibility that memories could be stored outside the brain.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/cellular-memory-can-a-heart-transplant-affect-our-personality)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Understanding How Deceptive Social Media Can Be

LM addresses the ways that social media harms people.

![LM](data:image/png;base64,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)

LM addresses the ways that social media harms people.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-understanding-how-deceptive-social-media-can-be)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Explaining Why I Wanted to Go on the Pill

BK discusses her conversations with her mother and doctor about going on the birth control pill.

![BK](data:image/png;base64,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)

BK discusses her conversations with her mother and doctor about going on the birth control pill.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/using-the-pill-to-manage-menstrual-health)