In their TEDx talk, Nina Dølvik Brochmann and Ellen Støkken Dahl address two pervasive myths about female virginity linked to the hymen, which have been debunked by medical science for over a century. The first myth is that the hymen breaks and bleeds during a woman’s first sexual intercourse, implying that the presence or absence of blood can determine virginity. The second myth is that the hymen disappears or changes irreversibly after intercourse, leading to the false belief that virginity can be verified through physical examination.Brochmann and Dahl explain that these myths are deeply rooted in cultural and religious practices used to control women’s sexuality. They emphasize that the hymen, a flexible and varied tissue at the vaginal opening, does not function as a “seal” and can stretch or remain intact without causing bleeding. Consequently, some women may not bleed during their first sexual experience, and the hymen’s appearance can vary widely among individuals, making it an unreliable marker of virginity.The talk highlights the harmful consequences of these misconceptions, including forced virginity checks and honor-based violence. By debunking these myths, the speakers advocate for ending the practice of using hymen examination as proof of virginity and encourage a cultural shift towards respecting women’s autonomy and choices regarding their sexuality.
