What is the purpose of the hymen?
Okay, a question has been asked amongst my friends, and no one seems to know the answer: What is the physiological purpose of the hymen?
How to use Go Ask Alice!
Readers can explore anonymously submitted questions and the researched responses on Go Ask Alice!. Click into questions to review the response. While the question itself might not be the same as yours, the response may provide the answer you’re looking for. If you decide to submit your own question, consider checking out the editorial process to learn more about what to expect after you submit a new question. In the mean time, here are a few ways you can use our site!
Step 1
Just here to peruse?
Check out our health topics, learn about the workflow and who contributes, take a poll, and so much more!
Step 2
Looking for something specific?
Search using key terms that describe what you’re looking for.
Step 3
Still can’t find an answer?
Ask a Question! Then review the editorial process to learn more about what to expect after making a submission.
Recently Answered Questions
Are overcooked pasta and beans still nutritious?
I know if I cook vegetables too long, they would lose nutrients. How about pasta and beans? Do they lose their carbohydrates and proteins and other nutrients in them if I cook too long? I always cook pasta and beans for over an hour because I like nice and soft and plumed pastas and beans. Am I eating zero nutritious pasta and beans?
Should I come out as bi and tell my friend I’m interested in them?
1) I am a 19 year old female, and I am bisexual. I haven't come out of the closet yet, but I have told one really trustworthy friend. I am really afraid to come out of the closet because I know that my family will never accept it. That and one of my friends, I sort of like but I would never do anything to make her feel uncomfortable. So I haven't told her yet either. What do I do? I hate this whole being in the middle thing. She is really a great person and I can totally understand if she doesn't have the same feelings I do about her but I would really like to tell her the way I feel with out ruining our friendship if I did tell her. I know it's a rock and a hard place but do you have any advice for me? It would really be appreciated.
2) I'm an eighteen-year-old male. I'm beginning to become good friends with a guy, but I'm also feeling that I want something beyond friendship with him. I know that I'm bi, but I have never expressed it to anyone. I guess I fear the social implications of it, but then again I am a very liberal person. I can't stop thinking of this guy, not necessarily in a sexual way, but in a "relationship" context. He isn't dating anyone, but I have no idea if he is bi/gay or straight (he hasn't made any announcements, but he seems to be "playing it straight" as I am).
What should I do? I don't want to destroy a potential friendship by approaching him about this. But, I've never felt this way about anyone (male or female) and I don't want to let a potential opportunity slip by and be miserable. I'd also rather keep my sexuality a private thing, but I do think I can trust him.
Why can't I taste when I have a cold?
Why is your favorite food very tasteless when you have a cold?
Theme of the Week //
A Knack for Snacks
- What are some quick and healthy bag lunches?
- Does a snack at half-time boost energy to finish a sports game?
- Do diet teas and meal-substitute shakes work to lose weight?
- Why does eating sugar make me sweat?
- What's the deal with gluten-free cheese?
Reader’s Poll Center
Want to know what your fellow anonymous readers think about different topics? These polls provide a fun (anonymous!) way for our readers to learn and connect with each other over questions that aren’t always health and well-being related!