Anonymous asked this question on 7/9/2000:

today when i put a tampon in, i felt something rip. when i looked to see what it was, the thin piece of skin that was usually in the front, wasn't there. what happened? i didn't bleed alot, only a little. my boyfriend wanted me to post this, to make sure that nothing was wrong. any help that you can give me is great. thanx

dennisbjones gave this response on 7/9/2000:

You have broken the hymen or "maidenhead". In years past, an intact hymen was the only barometer of virginity, but nowadays with the active life most girls lead, the hymen can be broken by athletics; such as horseback riding or other strenuous sports, or the insertion of a tampon. So a woman can be a virgin with a broken hymen. What happened to you is quite common It is nothing to worry about, and in fact will facilitate sexual intercourse and pelvic examinations. If you are concerned about it, you can check with your gynecologist. However, I assure you that you haven't hurt yourself in any way.

Anonymous asked this follow-up question on 7/10/2000:

does that mean that i "poped my cherry"?

dennisbjones gave this response on 7/10/2000:

Yes. I believe that is the slang expression that is used. But I repeat, it does not mean you are no longer a virgin, if you are. You don't lose your virginity until you have sexual intercourse. And you have not harmed yourself in any way. Most girls when they rupture their hymen through sports, etc., are not even aware of it; and others will bleed a little like you did. In fact, it's really rare to have a hymen when you get married, but the women who do, have to go to their doctor to have it broken. Now you can save yourself that hassle.

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