Forensic point of view on proving virginity

Abstract

Aim: Chastity is a moral virtue, whereas virginity is a physiological state indicated, but not conclusively, by an intact hymen. Sometimes, the post-pubertal hymen can be elastic, and hence some sexually active women were found to have intact hymens. Therefore, the absence of any hymen injuries should be used to rule out the possibility that the adolescent has experienced vaginal penetration. Consequently, a false virgin may claim to be a true virgin. Objectives: The current study aims to establish medico-legal aspects concerning proving virginity among Egyptian candidates. Subjects & Methods: A comparative study of two examined groups of married females coming to private section during the first week after the wedding. One group complained of bleeding, and the other complained of severe bleeding with the first intercourse, discussing the types of hymens found, medico-legal and ethical concerns regarding virginity concepts, and their husbands' feelings and attitudes. Results: The results revealed that of 189 women examined for bleeding with the first intercourse, 82.5% of them were found to have an annular elastic hymen. Only 15.8 % of 114 cases examined for severe bleeding during the first intercourse had a deflorated hymen, and the rest had an elastic hymen.