Hymen Examination

What Is a Hymen Examination?

A hymen examination is a gynecological evaluation performed to obtain information about the condition of a person’s hymen. It is carried out to assess the integrity, elasticity, or trauma-related changes of the hymen [1].

However, it is necessary to emphasize an important medical fact at this point: international medical authorities, especially the World Health Organization (WHO), ACOG, and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), have scientifically established that the appearance of the hymen does not provide reliable information about a person’s sexual history. The hymen may vary due to factors such as sports activities, tampon use, accidents, or anatomical structure [2][3].

This examination is performed only through a physical evaluation; it does not require any laboratory test or biopsy. This procedure, performed by specialist gynecologists, is completed in a short time.

In Which Situations Is a Hymen Examination Performed?

A hymen examination may be requested for different reasons. The main reasons are as follows:

• Social and Cultural Requests: Especially in some societies, hymen examination before marriage may be requested as a personal or family expectation.
• Forensic Evaluation: In cases of sexual assault or abuse, a forensic gynecological evaluation may be performed; however, this evaluation should be interpreted independently of the appearance of the hymen [2].
• Medical Reasons: Evaluation of whether there is damage in the genital area after trauma, such as a fall or accident.

How Is the Examination Process?

A hymen examination is performed carefully and sensitively by a specialist gynecologist. The examination process generally includes the following steps:

• Preliminary Information and Consent: Before the examination, the gynecologist informs the patient about the details of the process; informed consent is obtained.
• Examination Position: The patient is placed in a comfortable position, and the examination is performed in a sterile environment.
• Examination Procedure: The genital area is examined gently. This stage is usually completed in a short time.
• Reporting: If necessary, a written report is prepared after the examination. The scope of the report is shaped according to the reason for the request.

This examination process is carried out while fully protecting the person’s privacy [1].

Scientific Facts About the Hymen

According to scientific statements published by WHO, ACOG, and RCOG, the following facts are known about the structure of the hymen [2][3]:

• The appearance of the hymen does not provide reliable medical information about a person’s sexual history.
• Elastic hymens may not tear during sexual intercourse; on the other hand, tears may occur due to reasons such as sports, tampon use, or accidents.
• The anatomical structure of the hymen varies significantly from person to person; this is a normal variation.
• No examination method can prove whether vaginal sexual intercourse has occurred [2].

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1. Republic of Turkey Ministry of Health. Patient Rights Regulation. (https://www.saglik.gov.tr)
2. World Health Organization (WHO), UN Human Rights, UN Women. Eliminating Virginity Testing: An Interagency Statement. Geneva: WHO, 2018. (https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-RHR-18.15)
3. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG). Virginity Testing and Hymenoplasty: RCOG Position Statement. London: RCOG, 2021. (https://www.rcog.org.uk)