Why virginity testing is a fraud

Medical students and sex educators Nina Brochmann and Ellen Støkken Dahl are attempting to bust virginity myths in society. These myths have existed for centuries because of their cultural significance in most cultures and religions.

In certain communities virginity and ‘honor’ play a pivotal role in a woman’s reputation and future, controlling her sex life. A women’s value depends on the intactness of her hymen. The myths associated with the hymen are as follows:

Virginity Test: That an intact hymen makes one a virgin, is false. The hymen is an elastic rim of tissue, which cannot be used as proof of virginity. No doctor can conclude from examining hymen if the woman is a virgin or not.

Myth 1: Virgin’s bleed

Most people believe that the hymen is a fragile seal that can be broken. In fact, the hymen is a stretchable rim of tissue around the vagina. It is elastic like a scrunchy (rubber band) in function.

If a woman has a super-elastic hymen she may never bleed even with an insertion of a menstrual cup or sexual intercourse. Whereas, if a woman or a girl's hymen is not elastic enough she might bleed because of strenuous activity…and still be a virgin.

Other than sexual intercourse, a hymen can tear and bleed while performing activities like sports, swimming, horse-riding, dancing, brisk walking and tampon use. So some virgins bleed and some don’t.

Myth 2: Hymens are lost forever

There is no virgin seal that magically disappears after sex. In a study on 36 pregnant teenagers for virginity testing, the doctors could find clear signs of penetration only in 2 out of 36.

So hymens are not lost. They are not a seal covering the vaginal opening which breaks with intercourse, more like a scrunchie. For some women it doesn’t change after intercourse; for others it might tear a little to make room for a penis.

Virginity testing is a fraud. Knowing this can help women make better decisions. Some women opt to restore the membrane with (hymenoplasty), a surgical reconstruction of the hymen to prove their chastity.

Final Note: One of the powerful tools to control and oppress women through the ages is suppression of their sexuality. It is important for a husband, parent, and women to know that a hymen cannot be used as a test of virginity.