Artificial hymen

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An artificial hymen is a type of prosthetic created for the purpose of simulating an idealized human hymen, usually to fake virginity, [1] [2] which some wrongly believe can be identified by the appearance, tightness, or bleeding of the hymen during vaginal penetration. [3] [4]

Contents

Use

Artificial hymens are made of a material which, when properly inserted, adhere to the inside of the vagina, temporarily giving the appearance of an idealized "intact" hymen and releasing a red liquid that looks like blood when subjected to pressure. [5]

Artificial hymens do not mimic real hymens, but an false idealized popular image of hymens. While there is a popular misconception that hymens are either "intact" or "broken", there is no such distinction, and there is no medical or scientific way to prove or disprove virginity by the state of the hymen. Real hymens do not in fact "break", and more often than not do not tear or alter during vaginal intercourse, being quite elastic after puberty. Hymens have few blood vessels and may not bleed significantly even if torn. Vaginal walls are more likely to bleed, due to lack of lubrication or forced penetration. Vaginal tightness [3] [4]

Controversy

There are various opinions on artificial hymen treatments and related "hymen reconstruction" surgeries. These arguments may range from the perspectives and experiences of medical professionals performing the procedures to the women who are directly involved in seeking them out. These outlooks are founded on discussing what the role of the prosthetic is on society's adherence to the concept of virginity, specifically the virginity of women. In addition to medical professionals arguing against these procedures, there have also been feminist writers and other individuals who have argued against the use of artificial hymen for differing reasons. Alternatively, there are other accounts from feminist writers and different women who argue for the existence of these procedures for various reasons.[ citation needed ]

The majority of the retaliation for artificial hymen stems from different individuals finding it either oppressive to women or deceitful towards others. Many scholars find the artificial hymen and related procedures to be degrading of women. They specifically argue that these procedures act in parallel with other forms of patriarchal control over women's bodies. [6] [7] The medical community has also established how it is typical for many women to not bleed during their first intercourse, [8] [9] and that hymen "restoration" procedures further glorify myths surrounding hymens alongside patriarchal ideals surrounding female virginity. [10] In continuation, other scholars argue that by obtaining these procedures women are giving up bodily autonomy and complying with societal expectations of the concept of virginity. Alternatively, more conservative-leaning individuals argue that these procedures should be banned because they are morally wrong and deceitful towards others. More specifically, Egyptian lawmakers have argued for the banning of artificial hymen products because they believed they encouraged women to participate in pre-marital sex by allowing them to fake their virginity, which goes against the standards set in place through their religious beliefs. [11] [12]  

The existence of the artificial hymen has also been supported by medical professionals, feminist scholars, and women seeking out the procedures. In overview, these individuals generally argue that these procedures further degrade the patriarchy while providing women with bodily autonomy and a means to cope with trauma. Feminist scholars and professors who have written on this subject have held a controversial opinion in stating that hymen "reconstruction" procedures exist as a manner for which women could further weaken the control that the patriarchy holds over them. They see the choice to obtain an artificial hymen and related procedures as empowering by allowing women to obtain control over their sexuality. [13] Research on hymen "reconstruction" focused on interviewing the women obtaining these procedures has further revealed their personal experiences. Some of these studies have highlighted how women that have suffered sexual trauma find these procedures as a form of coping. [14] [15]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vagina</span> Part of the female reproductive tract

In mammals and other animals, the vagina is the elastic, muscular reproductive organ of the female genital tract. In humans, it extends from the vulval vestibule to the cervix. The vaginal introitus is normally partly covered by a thin layer of mucosal tissue called the hymen. The vagina allows for copulation and birth. It also channels menstrual flow, which occurs in humans and closely related primates as part of the menstrual cycle.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hymen</span> Membrane that surrounds or partially covers the vaginal opening

The hymen is a thin piece of mucosal tissue that surrounds or partially covers the vaginal introitus. A small percentage are born with hymens that are imperforate and completely obstruct the vaginal canal. It forms part of the vulva and is similar in structure to the vagina. The term comes straight from the Greek, for 'membrane'.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Virginity</span> State of a person who has never engaged in sexual intercourse

Virginity is the state of a person who has never engaged in sexual intercourse; it is considered a social construct, not an objective term with an operational definition. Social definitions of virginity therefore vary. Heterosexual individuals may or may not consider loss of virginity to occur only through penile-vaginal penetration, while people of other sexual orientations often include oral sex, anal sex, or manual sex in their definitions of losing one's virginity. The term virgin encompasses a range of definitions, as found in traditional, modern and ethical concepts. Religious rituals for regaining virginity exist in many cultures. Some men and women consider themselves born-again virgins.

Vaginoplasty is any surgical procedure that results in the construction or reconstruction of the vagina. It is a type of genitoplasty. Pelvic organ prolapse is often treated with one or more surgeries to repair the vagina. Sometimes a vaginoplasty is needed following the treatment or removal of malignant growths or abscesses to restore a normal vaginal structure and function. Surgery to the vagina is done to correct congenital defects to the vagina, urethra and rectum. It may correct protrusion of the urinary bladder into the vagina (cystocele) and protrusion of the rectum (rectocele) into the vagina. Often, a vaginoplasty is performed to repair the vagina and its attached structures due to trauma or injury.

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An imperforate hymen is a congenital disorder where a hymen without an opening completely obstructs the vagina. It is caused by a failure of the hymen to perforate during fetal development. It is most often diagnosed in adolescent girls when menstrual blood accumulates in the vagina and sometimes also in the uterus. It is treated by surgical incision of the hymen.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cystocele</span> Protrusion of the bladder into the vagina

The cystocele, also known as a prolapsed bladder, is a medical condition in which a woman's bladder bulges into her vagina. Some may have no symptoms. Others may have trouble starting urination, urinary incontinence, or frequent urination. Complications may include recurrent urinary tract infections and urinary retention. Cystocele and a prolapsed urethra often occur together and is called a cystourethrocele. Cystocele can negatively affect quality of life.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Uterine prolapse</span> Medical condition

Uterine prolapse is a form of pelvic organ prolapse in which the uterus and a portion of the upper vagina protrude into the vaginal canal and, in severe cases, through the opening of the vagina. It is most often caused by injury or damage to structures that hold the uterus in place within the pelvic cavity. Symptoms may include vaginal fullness, pain with sexual intercourse, difficulty urinating, and urinary incontinence. Risk factors include older age, pregnancy, vaginal childbirth, obesity, chronic constipation, and chronic cough. Prevalence, based on physical exam alone, is estimated to be approximately 14%.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Reproductive medicine</span> Branch of medicine

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Hymenorrhaphy or "hymen reconstruction surgery" is the surgical alteration of the hymen, with the goal of producing bleeding on intercourse and a tight vaginal introitus, falsely believed to indicate virginity. The term comes from the Greek words hymen meaning "membrane", and raphḗ meaning "suture". It is also known as hymenoplasty, although strictly this term would also include hymenotomy.

Hematocolpos is a medical condition in which the vagina is pooled with menstrual blood due to multiple factors leading to the blockage of menstrual blood flow. The medical definition of hematocolpos is "an accumulation of blood within the vagina". It is often caused by the combination of menstruation with an imperforate hymen. It is sometimes seen in Robinow syndrome, uterus didelphys, or other vaginal anomalies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vaginal hypoplasia</span> Birth defect in which the vagina fails to completely form

Vaginal hypoplasia is the underdevelopment or incomplete development of the vagina. It is a birth defect or congenital abnormality of the female genitourinary system.

A virginity test is the pseudoscientific practice and process of determining whether a woman or girl is a virgin; i.e., to determine that she has never engaged in, or been subjected to, vaginal 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. Virginity tests have been practiced since ancient times but their recent use in the United Kingdom dates back to the 1970s. It is legal for doctors in the United States to perform virginity tests.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Judith Stacey</span>

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References

  1. ↑ CNNGo: "The unlikely Chinese product that could start a trade war" Archived October 10, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
  2. ↑ "Male orders hymen | Mohamed Al Rahhal". The Guardian. 2009-10-28. Retrieved 2022-05-13.
  3. 1 2 Mishori, R; Ferdowsian, H; Naimer, K; Volpellier, M; McHale, T (3 June 2019). "The little tissue that couldn't - dispelling myths about the Hymen's role in determining sexual history and assault". Reproductive Health. 16 (1): 74. doi: 10.1186/s12978-019-0731-8 . PMC   6547601 . PMID   31159818.
  4. 1 2 Moussaoui, Dehlia; Abdulcadir, Jasmine; Yaron, Michal (March 2022). "Hymen and virginity: What every paediatrician should know". Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health. 58 (3): 382–387. doi:10.1111/jpc.15887. ISSN   1034-4810. PMC   9306936 . PMID   35000235.
  5. ↑ Halkon, Ruth (December 17, 2015). "Women buying replacement HYMENS from firm to trick their husbands into thinking they're virgins". Daily Mirror . Retrieved July 3, 2021.
  6. ↑ Mernissi, Fatima (1982-01-01). "Virginity and patriarchy". Women's Studies International Forum. Special Issue Women and Islam. 5 (2): 183–191. doi:10.1016/0277-5395(82)90026-7. ISSN   0277-5395.
  7. ↑ Saharso, Sawitri (2022-01-03). "Hymen 'repair': Views from feminists, medical professionals and the women involved in the middle east, North Africa and Europe". Ethnicities. 22 (2): 196–214. doi: 10.1177/14687968211061582 . ISSN   1468-7968. S2CID   245692574.
  8. ↑ MCCRAW, R (May 1994). "Evaluation of the sexually abused child: A medical textbook and photographic Atlas Edited by Astrid Heger and S. Jean Emans. New York: Oxford University Press, 1992. 244 pages. $60.00, hardcover". Journal of Nurse-Midwifery. 39 (3): 174–175. doi:10.1016/0091-2182(94)90109-0. ISSN   0091-2182.
  9. ↑ Ohshima, Tohru (June 2003). "Jason Payne-James, Anthony Busuttil, William Smock (Eds.) Forensic Medicine: Clinical and Pathological Aspects, First publication, Greenwich Medical Media, 2003, 832 pages, over 500 color, black and white figures and line illustrations, hardcover, ISBN 1-84110-026-9, EUR 135". Legal Medicine. 5 (2): 114. doi:10.1016/s1344-6223(03)00047-6. ISSN   1344-6223.
  10. ↑ AYTEMİZ, Pelin (2017-01-11). "Lost and Found Virginity: A Critical Look to the "Reappearing Hymen" in Consumer Culture". Galatasaray Üniversitesi İletişim Dergisi (23): 97. doi: 10.16878/gsuilet.285315 . ISSN   1305-2411.
  11. ↑ Saletan, William (2009-10-06). "The Beauty of Artificial Virginity". Slate Magazine. Retrieved 2022-11-29.
  12. ↑ "Egypt anger over virginity faking". 2009-09-28. Retrieved 2022-11-29.
  13. ↑ Ozyegin, Gul (May 2009). "Virginal Facades". European Journal of Women's Studies. 16 (2): 103–123. doi:10.1177/1350506808101761. ISSN   1350-5068. S2CID   144315024.
  14. ↑ van Moorst, Bianca R.; van Lunsen, Rik H. W.; van Dijken, Dorenda K. E.; Salvatore, Concetta M. (2012-01-31). "Backgrounds of women applying for hymen reconstruction, the effects of counselling on myths and misunderstandings about virginity, and the results of hymen reconstruction". The European Journal of Contraception & Reproductive Health Care. 17 (2): 93–105. doi:10.3109/13625187.2011.649866. ISSN   1362-5187. PMID   22292534. S2CID   2652412.
  15. ↑ Wild, Verina; Poulin, Hinda; McDougall, Christopher W.; Stöckl, Andrea; Biller-Andorno, Nikola (2018-10-03), "Hymen reconstruction as pragmatic empowerment?", Body, Migration, Re/Constructive Surgeries, Routledge, pp. 173–191, doi:10.4324/9781351133678-11, ISBN   9781351133678, S2CID   240131891 , retrieved 2022-11-29
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