Sleeve Hymen

A sleeve hymen is when a girl’s hymen, the thin membrane across the opening of her vagina, is thicker and appears rolled or folded in on itself, like a sleeve. In some cases it may protrude.

A sleeve hymen is sometimes described as “redundant.”

Patients can be seen by Texas Children's experts in Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology.

Causes & Risk Factors

A sleeve hymen is the result of hormones that cause the normally thin membrane to thicken and fold in on itself.

These hormones affect the hymen at two stages of a girl’s life: as an infant and again at puberty.

Symptoms & Types

In most cases a sleeve hymen doesn’t cause any symptoms.

In rare cases, if the hymen becomes unusually thick, it may interfere with tampon use, menstrual flow, sexual activity and Pap testing. 

Diagnosis & Tests

A sleeve hymen is typically diagnosed during examination of a newborn baby or at puberty during a pelvic exam.

Treatment & Care

Treatment typically isn’t necessary if there are no symptoms or complications. If the hymen becomes unusually thick, surgery can be performed to remove the extra hymenal tissue and open up the vagina.