Being a virgin is the status of not having had any sexual relations. Originally, limited to women without prior sexual experience, the term “virgin” has since broadened to include a variety of definitions found in conventional, contemporary, and ethical conceptions. Virginity is a social construct used mainly within religious practices to symbolize personal purity, honor, and worth. The idea of virginity equaling moral and personal purity has been used to control women’s bodies.
In countless film and television series targeted towards young adults, the concept of female virginity is used as a plot device to signify their loss of innocence. Many of the characters in these shows discuss the consequences of “losing their virginity;” they fear that once they “give away a part of themselves” to another person they will never be the same. This is shown through Grey’s Anatomy where April says how she hasn’t lost her virginity and Christina says “Alex, go deflower her!”. This is repulsive as it shows how virginity is perceived as a flower that can’t be given back.
The hymen is a thin, membraneous fold that blocks the external hole of the vagina. However, for most religions and societies, it is a membranous fold that determines if a girl or woman is pure, untouched, and worthy of marriage. Except the hymen is an unreliable virginity indicator. In addition, 50% of teen girls who have had sex with a penis still have an intact hymen. The hymen can also be broken without intercourse with tampons, riding a bike, or even playing sports.
Virginity testing is a practice and process of determining whether a person assigned female at birth has had sexual intercourse. The test typically involves a check for the presence of an intact hymen. Typically on the flawed assumption that it can only be, and will always be, torn as a result of vaginal intercourse. Rapper TI accompanies his 18-year-old daughter to the gynecological exam each year since her 16th birthday to make sure her hymen (and therefore virginity) is checked. Dr. Quinlan said, “ You can tell if someone has had a vaginal delivery, but to tell if someone has had vaginal intercourse is not possible” and “the present or absence of a hymen does not indicate ‘virginity’”. The WHO stated that virginity testing has no scientific or clinical basis and is a violation of human rights, adding that it can be detrimental to women’s or girls’ well-being. In October 2018, the UN Human Rights, UN Women, and the World Health Organization (WHO) called for a ban on virginity testing as it is a painful, humiliating, and traumatic practice that constitutes violence against women. A virginity test is still legal in the United States.
In conclusion, the concept of virginity is deeply entrenched in societal norms and is often used to control women’s bodies and dictate their worth. However, it’s crucial to recognize that virginity is a social construct with no scientific basis. The idea that a hymen determines purity or worthiness is outdated and harmful, as it disregards individual autonomy and perpetuates harmful stereotypes. The portrayal of virginity in media, as seen in shows like Grey’s Anatomy, often reinforces these dangerous ideas, equating virginity with innocence and implying that it can never be regained once lost. This not only contributes to societal pressure but also fosters unrealistic expectations and fears surrounding sexual experiences. Moreover, the practice of virginity testing, as highlighted by the case of rapper TI and his daughter, is not only scientifically unfounded but also a violation of human rights. The World Health Organization, along with other international bodies, has condemned virginity testing as a form of violence against women and called for its ban. It’s essential to challenge and dismantle the notion of virginity as a measure of purity or worth, and instead promote a culture of consent, autonomy, and respect for individuals’ choices regarding their own bodies and sexual experiences. Embracing a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of sexuality is crucial for fostering healthy attitudes and relationships.
