The virginity fraud | Nina Dølvik Brochmann and Ellen Støkken Dahl | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Nina Dølvik Brochmann and Ellen Støkken Dahl debunk the myths about the hymen, shedding light on its true nature and the harmful consequences of using it to control women's sexuality.

Key Insights

• 🌺 The popular belief that the hymen is proof of virginity is based on two anatomical myths, which have persisted for centuries, leading to the control and harm of women in various cultures and religions.
• 🩸 The first myth about the hymen is that it breaks and bleeds during the first vaginal intercourse, but in reality, the hymen can stretch and may not sustain any damage.
• 🌍 These myths have resulted in women being subjected to honor killings, forced to undergo virginity checks, and pressured to use different methods to assure bleeding, such as plastic surgery or fake hymens.
• 🔒 The hymen is not a seal or a piece of plastic wrapping but more like a scrunchie or a rubber band, varying in shape and form, making it difficult to determine virginity through examination.
• 🔬 Medical professionals aim to educate girls, parents, and future husbands about the true nature of the hymen and its inability to be used as proof of virginity, advocating for open communication instead.
• 💪 Removing the myths about the hymen is an important step in dismantling the cultural and religious control of women's sexuality, but broader change is needed.
• 🚺 The fear instilled in girls due to the belief that their bodies will reveal their actions limits their opportunities and freedoms.
• 💔 Breaking the myths about the hymen is crucial, but addressing the underlying cultural and religious control of women's sexuality requires ongoing effort, and asking a woman directly is a more respectful approach to determining virginity if necessary.

Transcript

Nina Dølvik Brochmann: We grew up believing that the hymen is a proof of virginity. But it turns out, we were wrong. What we discovered is that the popular story we're told about female virginity is based on two anatomical myths. The truth has been known in medical communities for over 100 years, yet somehow these two myths continue to make life di... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: What are the two myths about the hymen?

The two myths about the hymen are that virgins bleed the first time they have vaginal sex and that the hymen disappears or is radically altered during a woman's first intercourse.

Q: How have these myths been used to control women's sexuality?

These myths have been used as a powerful tool in the effort to control women's sexuality in various cultures, religions, and historical periods. Women who do not bleed on their wedding night may be mistrusted, shamed, harmed, or even subjected to honor killings. Some women are forced to undergo degrading virginity checks to obtain a job, save their reputation, or get married.

Q: How can the hymen vary in appearance?

The hymen can vary in appearance and may have a doughnut or half-moon shape with a large central hole. However, it can also have fringes, several holes, or consist of lobes. This natural variation makes it challenging to determine a woman's virginity status through a physical examination.

Q: Can the hymen serve as proof of virginity?

No, the hymen cannot serve as proof of virginity. The hymen does not have to break during vaginal sex, and even if it tears, it does not disappear. It may look slightly different from before, but the presence or absence of a hymen cannot determine a woman's virginity status. The idea of using the hymen as proof of virginity is based on myths and is not scientifically accurate.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The popular belief in the hymen as proof of virginity is based on two anatomical myths: that virgins bleed and that hymens are lost forever.

• These myths have cultural significance and are used to control women's sexuality, leading to harm and discrimination.

• The hymen is not a seal that breaks or disappears after sex, and it varies in appearance, making it impossible to use as a reliable indicator of virginity. The best way to determine if a woman is a virgin is to ask her, respecting her autonomy and choice.