Hymen and virginity: What every paediatrician should know. (8th January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Moussaoui, Dehlia; Abdulcadir, Jasmine; Yaron, Michal
• Is Part Of: Journal of paediatrics and child health. Volume 58:Number 3(2022)
• Page Start: 382
• Page End: 387
• Publication Date: 2022-01-08
• Subjects: child -- hymen -- sex education -- virginity; Children -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; 618.92
• DOI: 10.1111/jpc.15887
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1034-4810

Abstract

Abstract : Paediatricians may face the notion of 'virginity' in various situations while caring for children and adolescents, but are often poorly prepared to address this sensitive topic. Virginity is a social construct. Despite medical evidence that there is no scientifically reliable way to determine virginity, misconceptions about the hymen and its supposed association with sexual history persist and lead to unethical practices like virginity testing, certificate of virginity or hymenoplasty, which can be detrimental to the health and well‐being of females of all ages. The paediatrician has a crucial role in providing evidence‐based information and promoting positive sexual education to children, adolescents and parents. Improving knowledge can help counter misconceptions and reduce harms to girls and women.