The virginity fraud | Nina Dølvik Brochmann & Ellen Støkken Dahl | TEDxOslo

Summary

This engaging presentation debunks longstanding myths surrounding the hymen and virginity, revealing that the belief that virgins bleed during first intercourse and that the hymen is lost is fundamentally flawed. Medical professionals highlight the cultural significance of these myths, which perpetuate control over women's sexuality and lead to harmful practices like virginity tests and honor killings. By educating the public about the anatomical realities of the hymen, the speakers advocate for a shift away from outdated notions of virginity, urging that women’s choices regarding their bodies be respected and that discussions around sexuality be open and informed.

Takeaways

• 😀 The belief that the hymen breaking and bleeding indicates virginity is a widespread myth.
• 😀 Myths about the hymen have persisted despite medical knowledge disproving them for over a century.
• 😀 The cultural significance of these myths has led to harmful practices, such as virginity checks and honor killings.
• 😀 Women face pressure to prove their virginity through degrading methods, including surgery and fabrications.
• 😀 The hymen is often misunderstood; it is not a seal that breaks but rather a flexible rim of tissue.
• 😀 Many women have elastic hymens that do not tear or bleed during intercourse, challenging the myth of virginity bleeding.
• 😀 Virginity cannot be determined by examining the hymen, as anatomical variations exist among women.
• 😀 Historical examinations of women's hymens have shown no reliable indicators of virginity status.
• 😀 The underlying issue of female sexual oppression extends beyond anatomical myths to cultural and religious control.
• 😀 Promoting understanding of the hymen and its true nature can help dismantle myths and empower women.

Q & A

What are the two main myths discussed in the transcript about female virginity?

The two main myths are: 1) Virgins bleed when they have vaginal sex, and 2) The hymen is lost or radically altered during a woman's first intercourse.

How long has the medical community known that these myths are false?

The medical community has known the truth about these myths for over a hundred years.

What cultural implications do the myths about the hymen have?

The myths have been used as tools to control women's sexuality, leading to mistrust, shame, and even honor killings in various cultures.

What are some examples of practices influenced by these myths?

Examples include forced virginity checks for job applications, military service in Indonesia, and examinations of young girls in Oslo to reassure parents.

How do some women attempt to conform to these myths?

Women may undergo plastic surgery for revirgination, use fake hymens, or even pour vials of blood on sheets after sex.

What anatomical explanation is given for the hymen's structure?

The hymen is described as a rim of tissue at the outer opening of the vagina, varying in shape, size, and elasticity, making it difficult to determine virginity status.

What analogy do the speakers use to explain the hymen's characteristics?

They compare the hymen to a scrunchie or rubber band, highlighting its elastic nature and ability to stretch without breaking.

What evidence is presented against the effectiveness of virginity checks?

A study found that among 36 pregnant teenagers, only 2 showed clear signs of penetration, which challenges the validity of virginity tests.

What do the speakers suggest as the best approach regarding questions of virginity?

They suggest that rather than relying on physical evidence, the best approach is to ask the woman directly if she is a virgin, leaving the answer to her discretion.

What do the speakers hope to achieve by debunking the myths about the hymen?

They aim to remove one of the most powerful tools used to control women today and promote a better understanding of female anatomy.