The virginity fraud | Nina Dølvik Brochmann and Ellen Støkken Dahl

Summary

Nina Dølvik Brochmann and Ellen Støkken Dahl debunk the myths surrounding the hymen as proof of virginity, revealing that the belief in bleeding and the hymen's disappearance post-intercourse is scientifically inaccurate. They discuss the cultural and religious implications of these myths, which have been used to control women's sexuality and lead to harmful practices like honor killings and virginity checks. The speakers, medical professionals and authors of 'The Wonder Down Under,' advocate for ending the virginity fraud and educate on the hymen's true anatomy and function, promoting a change in societal attitudes towards women's bodies.

Takeaways

• 🌟 The belief that the hymen is proof of virginity is a myth that has been debunked by medical science.
• 🩸 The first myth is that the hymen breaks and bleeds during the first instance of vaginal sex, which is not always the case.
• 🚫 The second myth is that the hymen disappears or is significantly altered after the first sexual intercourse, which is also incorrect.
• 🌐 These myths have cultural significance and have been used to control women's sexuality across various cultures, religions, and historical periods.
• 🛑 Women have faced mistrust, shaming, harm, and even honor killings due to the belief in these myths, especially if they do not bleed on their wedding night.
• 🔍 Virginity checks, like those forced upon female protesters in Egypt or women joining the military in Indonesia, are based on these myths and are degrading.
• 💔 Fear of not conforming to hymen myths has led women to resort to 'virginity quick fixes' like plastic surgery, using fake blood, or purchasing fake hymens.
• 🚫 The idea that the hymen is a seal that can be visually inspected to determine virginity is false and has been debunked for over a century.
• 🌈 The hymen's appearance varies widely, often resembling a doughnut or half-moon shape, and can have multiple holes or fringes, making virginity checks unreliable.
• 🌱 The focus should be on education and changing cultural attitudes rather than perpetuating myths about the hymen to control women's sexuality.

Q & A

What are the two main myths about the hymen that the speakers discuss?

The two main myths discussed are that the hymen breaks and bleeds during the first time a woman has vaginal sex, and that it disappears or is radically altered after the first intercourse, which can be used to determine if a woman is a virgin by examining her genitals.

Why do the speakers say that the myths about the hymen are harmful?

The myths are harmful because they have been used to control women's sexuality across various cultures, religions, and historical periods, leading to mistrust, shaming, harm, and even honor killings if women do not bleed on their wedding night.

What is the actual medical understanding of the hymen according to the speakers?

Medically, the hymen is a rim of tissue at the outer opening of the vagina, often with a doughnut or half-moon shape and a large central hole. It varies naturally in looks and can be elastic enough to handle vaginal intercourse without damage, contrary to the myths.

How do the speakers use the hula hoop analogy to explain the misconception about the hymen?

The speakers use the hula hoop as an analogy to show that the hymen is not like a seal or plastic wrap that can be easily broken and identified as 'damaged'. Instead, the hymen is elastic and can stretch like a scrunchie, maintaining its function and appearance even after intercourse.

What historical evidence do the speakers provide to debunk the myth that the hymen must break during first intercourse?

The speakers refer to a study from 1906 by Norwegian doctor Marie Jeancet, who examined a middle-aged sex worker and found her genitalia to be similar to that of a teenage virgin, indicating that hymens do not necessarily break or show damage from sexual intercourse.

Why is it difficult to perform a 'virginity check' according to the script?

Performing a 'virginity check' is difficult because hymens naturally vary in appearance, and it's hard to determine if a dent or fold is due to previous damage or is just a normal anatomical variant.

What is the speakers' stance on the use of the hymen as a proof of virginity?

The speakers are against using the hymen as a proof of virginity, as it is not a reliable indicator and using it as such is a form of control over women's sexuality.

What alternative do the speakers propose to the concept of virginity checks?

The speakers propose not using any physical 'proof' of virginity and instead advocate for open communication and respect for a woman's choice regarding her sexual history.

How do the speakers suggest changing the cultural and religious control over women's sexuality?

The speakers suggest that as medical professionals, their contribution is to educate people about the true nature of the hymen and debunk the myths surrounding it, which can help remove one of the tools used to control young women.

What is the significance of the title 'The Wonder Down Under' mentioned in the script?

The title 'The Wonder Down Under' refers to a popular science book written by the speakers about the female genitals, which aims to educate and inform about the anatomy and functions of the female reproductive system, including the hymen.

Outlines

00:00

🚫 Debunking Hymen Myths

Nina Dølvik Brochmann and Ellen Støkken Dahl address the misconceptions surrounding the hymen and virginity. They explain that the belief in the hymen as proof of virginity is based on two anatomical myths that have been debunked for over a century but continue to impact women globally. The first myth is that the hymen breaks and bleeds during the first act of vaginal sex, suggesting that the absence of blood indicates a woman was not a virgin. The second myth is that the hymen is permanently altered or lost after the first sexual intercourse, allowing for virginity checks. These myths have cultural significance and have been used to control women's sexuality, leading to harmful practices such as honor killings and forced virginity checks. The speakers highlight the absurdity of these beliefs and the need to end the 'virginity fraud.'

05:02

🌟 Hymen: More Than a Myth

The speakers continue to dismantle the myths about the hymen by comparing it to a scrunchie or a rubber band, emphasizing its elasticity and variability. They explain that the hymen's shape can range from a doughnut or half-moon with a central hole to having fringes, multiple holes, or lobes. This natural variation makes virginity checks unreliable. The idea that the hymen must break during sex is also challenged, as it can stretch without damage for many women, and even if it tears slightly, it does not disappear or significantly alter its appearance. A historical medical case and a study on pregnant teenagers further illustrate the fallacy of virginity testing. The speakers argue that the myths about the hymen are not only unscientific but also harmful, perpetuating sexual oppression and control over women.

10:04

🌱 Challenging Cultural Control

In the final paragraph, the speakers acknowledge that the myths about the hymen are rooted in cultural and religious control over women's sexuality, which is a deeper issue than mere anatomical misunderstanding. They emphasize their role as medical professionals to educate about the hymen's true nature and to counteract the use of the hymen as a tool for controlling women. The speakers advocate for the removal of the hymen as a criterion for virginity and suggest that the only valid way to determine a woman's virginity is through her own disclosure, which should be respected as her choice. They conclude with a call to action for change and a reminder of the importance of accurate knowledge in promoting women's rights and autonomy.

Keywords

💡Hymen

The hymen is a thin membrane that partially covers the vaginal opening in some females. In the video, it is debunked as a proof of virginity, challenging the myth that it breaks and bleeds during the first sexual intercourse. The speakers explain that the hymen's elasticity and variability in shape make it an unreliable indicator of virginity, which is a central theme in the video.

💡Virginity

Virginity, as discussed in the video, is a social construct often associated with a woman's sexual history, particularly the lack of sexual experience. The video critiques the cultural and religious significance placed on virginity and the myths surrounding it, highlighting how these beliefs can lead to the oppression and harm of women.

💡Anatomical myths

Anatomical myths refer to the incorrect beliefs about the human body, specifically, in this video, the misconceptions about the hymen's role in determining virginity. The speakers clarify that these myths have been scientifically disproven but continue to influence cultural practices and beliefs, affecting women's lives negatively.

💡Cultural significance

Cultural significance in the context of the video pertains to how cultural practices and beliefs shape the understanding and importance of certain body parts or conditions, such as the hymen. The video argues that the cultural significance of the hymen has been misused to control women's sexuality across various societies, religions, and historical periods.

💡Virginity checks

Virginity checks, as mentioned in the video, are invasive and often forced examinations of a woman's hymen to supposedly determine her sexual history. The video condemns this practice as degrading and scientifically invalid, emphasizing that the hymen's condition cannot accurately reflect a woman's virginity status.

💡Honor killings

Honor killings are extreme acts of violence where women are killed by family members who believe that she has brought shame upon the family, often due to perceived sexual impropriety. The video connects these tragic acts to the cultural importance placed on virginity and the myths surrounding the hymen.

💡Sexual oppression

Sexual oppression refers to the control and limitation of women's sexual freedom and autonomy. In the video, it is linked to the myths about the hymen and the cultural and religious control over women's sexuality, which are deeper issues than mere anatomical misunderstandings.

💡Revirgination

Revirgination is a term used in the video to describe plastic surgery aimed at restoring the appearance of the hymen to mimic that of a virgin. This practice is highlighted as an example of how women are pressured to conform to the myths about the hymen and virginity.

💡Virginity quick fixes

Virginity quick fixes are methods women use to fake the appearance of virginity, such as using fake hymens with artificial blood or undergoing 'revirgination' surgery. The video discusses these as desperate measures taken by women to avoid shame and fulfill societal expectations.

💡Sexual health

Sexual health in the video is not just about physical well-being but also encompasses the social, emotional, and cultural aspects of sexuality. The speakers, as medical professionals, advocate for accurate knowledge about the hymen to promote sexual health and combat the myths that harm women.

💡The Wonder Down Under

This is a popular science book mentioned in the video, authored by the speakers, which discusses the female genitals. The book is part of their effort to educate the public about the anatomy and function of the female body, aiming to dispel myths and promote understanding.

Highlights

The belief in the hymen as proof of virginity is based on anatomical myths.

Medical communities have known the truth about the hymen for over 100 years.

Two main myths about the hymen persist: virgins bleed and hymens are lost forever.

The myths about the hymen are used to control women's sexuality across cultures.

Women face mistrust, shame, and even honor killings due to these myths.

In some countries, virginity checks are forced on women for employment or marriage.

Women resort to 'virginity quick fixes' like plastic surgery or fake hymens to meet societal expectations.

The hymen is a rim of tissue with a natural variation in appearance.

The hymen's elasticity allows it to stretch without damage during intercourse for many women.

The idea of virginity testing is debunked as it cannot accurately determine a woman's sexual history.

The myths about the hymen are not just anatomical misunderstandings but tools for cultural and religious control.

The authors advocate for ending the virginity fraud and breaking the myths about the hymen.

The book 'The Wonder Down Under' aims to educate about the female genitals and dispel myths.

The authors use a hula hoop analogy to illustrate the elasticity and variability of the hymen.

The authors call for a cultural shift to stop using the hymen as a measure of a woman's worth or purity.

The ultimate solution proposed is to not use any physical attribute as proof of virginity, respecting a woman's autonomy.

Transcripts

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 difficult

for women around the world.

Ellen Støkken Dahl: The first myth is about blood.

It tells us that the hymen breaks and bleeds

the first time a woman has vaginal sex.

In other words, if there is no blood on the sheets afterwards,

then the woman was simply not a virgin.

The second myth is a logical consequence of the first.

Since the hymen is thought to break and bleed,

people also believe that it actually disappears

or is in some way radically altered during a woman's first intercourse.

If that were true,

one would easily be able to determine if a woman is a virgin or not

by examining her genitals,

by doing a virginity check.

NDB: So that's our two myths:

virgins bleed,

and hymens are lost forever.

Now, this may sound like a minor issue to you.

Why should you care

about an obscure little skin fold on the female body?

But the truth is, this is about so much more

than an anatomical misunderstanding.

The myths about the hymen have lived on for centuries

because they have cultural significance.

They have been used as a powerful tool

in the effort to control women's sexuality

in about every culture, religion and historical decade.

Women are still mistrusted,

shamed,

harmed

and, in the worst cases, subjected to honor killings

if they don't bleed on their wedding night.

Other women are forced through degrading virginity checks,

simply to obtain a job,

to save their reputation

or to get married.

ESD: Like in Indonesia,

where women are systematically examined to enter military service.

After the Egyptian uprisings in 2011,

a group of female protesters were forced to undergo virginity checks

by their military.

In Oslo, doctors are examining the hymens of young girls

to reassure parents that their children are not ruined.

And sadly, the list goes on.

Women are so afraid not to live up to the myths about the hymen

that they choose to use different virginity quick fixes

to assure a bleeding.

That could be plastic surgery,

known as "revirgination,"

it could be vials of blood poured on the sheets after sex

or fake hymens bought online,

complete with theater blood

and a promise to "kiss your deep, dark secret goodbye."

NDB: By telling girls that no deed can be kept secret,

that their bodies will reveal them no matter what,

we have endowed them with fear.

Girls are afraid of ruining themselves,

either through sport,

play,

tampon use

or a sexual activity.

We have curtailed their opportunities and their freedoms.

It's time we put an end to the virginity fraud.

It's time we break the myths about the hymen

once and for all.

ESD: We are medical students,

sexual health workers

and the authors of "The Wonder Down Under."

(Laughter)

That's a popular science book about the female genitals.

And in our experience, people seem to believe

that the hymen is some kind of a seal covering the vaginal opening.

In Norwegian, it is even called "the virgin membrane."

And with this, we picture something fragile,

something easily destructible,

something you can rip through,

perhaps like a sheet of plastic wrapping.

You may have wondered why we brought a hula hoop onstage today.

We'll show you.

(Laughter)

Now, it is very hard to hide

that something has happened to this hoop, right?

It is different before and after I punched it.

The seal is broken,

and unless we change the plastic,

it won't get back to its intact state.

So if we wanted to do a virginity check on this hoop right here,

right now,

that would be very easy.

It's easy to say that this hoop is not a virgin anymore.

(Laughter)

NDB: But the hymen is nothing like a piece of plastic

you can wrap around your food,

or a seal.

In fact ...

it's more like this --

a scrunchie or a rubber band.

The hymen is a rim of tissue at the outer opening of the vagina.

And usually, it has a doughnut or a half-moon shape

with a large, central hole.

But this varies a lot,

and sometimes hymens can have fringes,

it can have several holes,

or it can consist of lobes.

In other words, hymens naturally vary a lot in looks,

and that is what makes it so hard to do a virginity check.

ESD: Now that we know a bit more about the hymen's anatomy,

it's time to get back to our two myths:

virgins bleed,

hymens are lost forever.

But the hymen doesn't have to break at all.

The hymen is like a scrunchie in function as well as in looks.

And you can stretch a scrunchie, right?

(Laughter)

You can stretch a hymen, too.

In fact, it's very elastic.

And for a lot of women,

the hymen will be elastic enough to handle a vaginal intercourse

without sustaining any damage.

For other women, the hymen may tear a bit to make room for the penis,

but that won't make it disappear.

But it may look a bit different from before.

It naturally follows that you can't examine the hymen

to check for virginity status.

This was noted over 100 years ago in 1906

by the Norwegian doctor Marie Jeancet.

She examined a middle-aged sex worker

and concluded that her genitalia were reminiscent of a teenage virgin.

But that makes sense, right?

Because if her hymen was never damaged during sex,

then what were we expecting to see?

ESD: Since hymens come in every shape and form,

it is difficult to know

if a dent or a fold in it is there because of previous damage

or if it's just a normal anatomical variant.

The absurdity of virgin testing

is illustrated in a study done on 36 pregnant teenagers.

When doctors examined their hymens,

they could only find clear signs of penetration

in two out of the 36 girls.

So unless you believe in 34 cases of virgin births --

(Laughter)

we must all agree

that also our second myth has taken a vital blow.

You simply cannot look a woman between her legs

and read her sexual story.

NDB: Like most myths, the myths about the hymen are untrue.

There is no virgin seal that magically disappears after sex,

and half of virgins can easily have sex without bleeding.

We wish we could say that by removing these myths,

everything would be OK,

that shame, harm and honor killings would all just disappear.

But of course, it's not that simple.

Sexual oppression of women comes from something much deeper

than a simple anatomical misunderstanding about the properties of the hymen.

It's a question of cultural and religious control of women's sexuality.

And that is much harder to change.

But we must try.

ESD: As medical professionals, this is our contribution.

We want every girl, parent and [future] husband to know

what the hymen is and how it works.

We want them to know

that the hymen can't be used as a proof of virginity.

And that way, we can remove one of the most powerful tools

used to control young women today.

After telling you this,

you may wonder what the alternative is,

for if we cannot use the hymen as a proof of virginity for women,

then what should we use?

We opt for using nothing.

(Cheering)

If you --

(Applause)

If you really want to know if a woman is a virgin or not,

ask her.

(Laughter)

But how she answers that question is her choice.

Thank you.

(Applause)