--- title: "Renaming the Hymen: The Vaginal Corona" date: 2024-02-27T16:49:00-05:00 author: OBOS Admin canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/renaming-the-hymen-the-vaginal-corona" section: Resources --- [Donate](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/donate) [Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# Renaming the Hymen: The Vaginal Corona By Our Bodies Ourselves • Last Updated: July 30, 2022 ![Types of vaginal coronas](data:image/png;base64,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) [timonina](https://stock.adobe.com/contributor/205617571/timonina?load_type=author&prev_url=detail)/Adobe Stock The vaginal corona is generally known as the hymen. However, it was [**renamed**](http://www.thelocal.se/20091208/23720) in 2009 by The Swedish Association for Sexuality Education (RFSU), in an attempt to dispel many of the myths surrounding hymens. Made up of thin, elastic folds of mucous membrane located just inside the entrance to the vagina, the vaginal corona has no known function. It is probably a remnant of fetal development. Many people wrongly believe that the vaginal corona is a thick membrane that entirely covers the vaginal opening and ruptures the first time you have intercourse (or any kind of insertive vaginal sex). In fact, the vaginal corona is typically present as a semi-circular ring of tissue just inside the vaginal opening that changes appearance and consistency with age. At birth, most vaginal coronas have many folds and are puffy due to the effects of estrogen from the birthing parent. In the months after birth, the corona becomes thin, translucent, and tender to the touch. Around puberty, the hymen changes shape and texture again, returning to a similar state as immediately after birth. The vaginal corona tissue is typically shaped in a way that allows menstrual fluid to leave the body. But in rare cases, the hymen covers the entire vaginal opening. This is called an imperforate hymen. A person with an imperforate hymen will experience monthly cramping and discomfort without the appearance of menstrual blood. In these cases, the hymen can be surgically opened to release accumulated menstrual fluid and prevent recurrence. More commonly, a hymen band may be present across the vaginal opening, allowing menstruation but preventing tampon insertion. If the opening is very small or partially obstructed, minor surgery can correct this. The mucous membrane that makes up the vaginal corona may be tightly or more loosely folded. It may be slightly pink, whitish, or almost transparent. The vaginal corona may resemble the petals of a flower, or it may look like a jigsaw piece or a half-moon. Since the vaginal corona isn’t a brittle membrane, the sensation when you first stretch out the mucous tissue folds — whether you’re inserting a tampon, masturbating, or having insertive sex — is a highly individual experience. Some people feel little or no discomfort. Others, often those with a thicker or more extensive vaginal corona, experience some pain. There may be minor tears in the mucous folds that hurt, and sometimes there may be a little bleeding. Pain can often be managed or avoided through the gradual stretching of the tissue. In addition to individual variation, the vaginal corona may tear or shift position during exercise, masturbation or tampon use, or during other forms of sexual and non-sexual vaginal penetration. Because of this, and despite longstanding patriarchal myths, no one can look at a vaginal corona and know whether a person has had vaginal intercourse or other penetrative sex. Indeed, after coining the term vaginal corona, RFSU said in a statement: “The mythical status of the hymen has caused far too much harm for far too long,” and the hymen has wrongly been “portrayed as the boundary between guilt and innocence.” Let’s reclaim the vaginal corona as just another part of our bodies to enjoy, deal with, or ignore as we wish. ![](/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) - [introductions](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/introductions) - [vagina](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/vagina) - [vaginal corona (hymen)](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/vaginal-corona-hymen) - [virginity](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/virginity) ![](/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) Share [](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();) ##### More to Explore [ResourcesRead ## My Corona: The Hymen & the Myths That Surround It This Scarleteen article provides an overview of the vaginal corona (also known as the hymen) and answers questions about its relationship to virginity. ![A white background with pink images of different vaginal coronas](data:image/png;base64,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) This Scarleteen article provides an overview of the vaginal corona (also known as the hymen) and answers questions about its relationship to virginity.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/my-corona-the-hymen-the-myths-that-surround-it) [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 ## Self-Exam: The Cervix Close-Up Want to view your cervix? Here’s what you’ll need: a flashlight, a speculum, and a hand mirror. ![cervical-self-exam](data:image/png;base64,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) Want to view your cervix? Here’s what you’ll need: a flashlight, a speculum, and a hand mirror.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/self-exam-the-cervix-close-up) [ResourcesRead ## Understanding Asexuality An introduction to asexuality, the spectrum of asexual identities, and attitudes about sexual behavior. ![Asexual flag](data:image/png;base64,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) An introduction to asexuality, the spectrum of asexual identities, and attitudes about sexual behavior.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/understanding-asexuality) [ResourcesRead ## Decoding Vaginismus This nonjudgmental article offers information on what causes vaginismus, helpful language for speaking with doctors, possible treatments, and more. ![A medical model of a vagina with vaginismus and one without](data:image/png;base64,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) This nonjudgmental article offers information on what causes vaginismus, helpful language for speaking with doctors, possible treatments, and more.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/decoding-vaginismus) [Stories & ConversationsRead ## The Missing Vagina Monologue Esther Morris shares her experience as a woman who has Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser Syndrome (MRKH), meaning she was born without a vagina. ![An image of Esther Morris Leidolf](data:image/png;base64,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) Esther Morris shares her experience as a woman who has Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser Syndrome (MRKH), meaning she was born without a vagina.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/the-missing-vagina-monologue) [Stories & ConversationsRead ## Stories of Chronic Vulvovaginal and Pelvic Pain This multimedia zine is a fantastic resource for people with chronic vulvovaginal and pelvic pain (and those who care about them). ![Opening Up Zine](data:image/png;base64,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) This multimedia zine is a fantastic resource for people with chronic vulvovaginal and pelvic pain (and those who care about them).](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/stories-of-chronic-vulvovaginal-and-pelvic-pain) [Stories & ConversationsListen ## Loving Relationships and Vulvovaginal Pain In this podcast episode, a married couple shares how they navigate their sexual and emotional relationship when penetration causes vulvovaginal pain. ![Two hands clasped together with flowers](data:image/png;base64,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) In this podcast episode, a married couple shares how they navigate their sexual and emotional relationship when penetration causes vulvovaginal pain.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/loving-relationships-and-vulvovaginal-pain)