As you probably already know the hymen is a thin membrane just inside the opening of the vagina. People generally associate breaking the hymen with intercourse, but the hymen can be broken in any number of ways, like during sports or masturbation.

If you have had intercourse, then your hymen is most likely broken. Usually there is momentary pain associated with the hymen tearing, as well as mild-to-moderate bleeding for a short period of time.

If you haven't had intercourse, but were playing basketball or riding horseback or masturbating and felt a sharp, unexplained pain accompanied by bleeding, then a torn hymen is likely the cause.

If you're still uncertain, you can use your own finger to examine the opening of your vagina for a thin membrane and/or get a mirror to check it out yourself. But even that can be hard to determine.

Just ask your doctor or gynecologist the next time you go for a check-up. And make sure you ask about the practice's policy on confidentiality, especially if you don't want the doctor to discuss this with your parents.

Take care.