LEARNING CENTRE
Virginity testing and Hymenoplasty
What is it?
Virginity testing refers to any examination of female genitalia, with or without contact, with the intention to determine whether vaginal intercourse has occurred. It includes procedures like the “two-finger test” or hymen inspection. These practices have no scientific value, are medically unreliable and psychologically harmful.
Hymenoplasty is a procedure aimed at reconstructing the hymen. It is typically done to give the appearance that the hymen is intact and usually involves stitching pieces of the hymen to recreate a thin membrane, or surgically reconstructing a hymen using vaginal tissue. The purpose of the procedure is to cause bleeding during future intercourse, which some associate with virginity. However, there is no certainty that the procedure will completely restore the hymen or lead to bleeding when penetration occurs.
An ‘intact’ hymen is not at all an accurate test of whether someone has had sex. The hymen can stretch or tear from non-sexual activity, such as exercise. Some people are born with a hymen. And for some, the hymen might simply stretch during intercourse, without tearing and bleeding.
Virginity testing and hymenoplasty are most commonly carried out on girls and women aged from 13 to 30, however they can also be carried out on younger children.
The risk is not limited to any particular cultural group and these practices can affect individuals regardless of ethnicity, religion, or socioeconomic status, particularly where communities uphold rigid notions of ‘purity’.
Harms caused by virginity testing may include:
- Invasive
- Perpetuates harmful myths around ‘virginity’
- Physical pain and injury
- Risk of infection
- Anxiety, depression or PTSD
- Stigma and shame
- Abuse from family or community members
- ‘Honour’- based violence
- Forced or early marriage
- Social isolation and disownment
- Coercion into hymenoplasty procedures
- Suicide
Virginity testing and hymenoplasty are harmful practices often linked to so-called ‘honour based’ abuse. Women and girls are pressured, shamed, or forced into these procedures by family or relatives of an intended partner to prove they have not had sex before marriage.
These tests and surgeries are requested due to traditional ideas and expectations of ‘purity’ and ‘virginity’. In some cases, certificates are issued to claim someone has passed a virginity test, contributing to stigma.
Coercion is a common factor and pressure to undergo such procedures may come from family members, community leaders, or potential spouses and their relatives, often under the guise of upholding ‘honour’ or cultural expectations.
Virginity testing and hymenoplasty are often triggers for forced marriage and other coercive behaviours.
Under the Health and Care Act 2022, it is illegal in the UK to carry out virginity testing or hymenoplasty, offer these procedures, or assist in any way. UK nationals and residents are also prohibited from performing these acts abroad, even if consent is given. Violations of this law can result in sentences of up to five years’ imprisonment.
- Pressure to “prove virginity” before marriage
- References to “honour,” “shame,” or “family reputation” tied to sexual behaviour
- Fear of being disowned or punished for perceived sexual activity
- Threats of forced marriage or actual arrangements being made
- Plans to travel abroad for ‘medical’ procedures
- Mention of hymen reconstruction or virginity certificates
- Emotional distress linked to family or community expectations around virginity
- Vaginal pain, bleeding, or infections that may suggest a procedure has taken place
- Use of “virginity blood pills” or references to “white sheet tests”
What can we do?
Call 999 if someone is in immediate danger
– Report to your Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
– Report to Social Care / MASH if appropriate
– Link with a specialist agency upon obtaining consent (if the victim survivor is an adult)
– Offer non-judgmental emotional support
– Keep accurate records and use professional curiosity when asking questions
– Avoid engaging in any family and community mediation
Specialist support services for virginity testing and hymenoplasty
Support is available for anyone who is experiencing, or is at risk of harmful practices, as well as those who are worried for someone they know.
Karma Nirvana supports victims of ‘honour’-based abuse and forced marriage
National helpline, Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm Tel: 0800 5999 247
IKWRO Women’s Rights Organization supports Middle Eastern, North African (MENA) and Afghan women and girls who are living in the UK. Monday – Friday 9:30am – 5:30pm Tel: 0207 920 6460
Freedom Charity offers a 24/7 helpline, and advice service for victims of ‘honour’- based abuse, including virginity testing. Tel: 0845 607 0133
NSPCC FGM Helpline offers a 24/7 helpline and support over the phone, including on virginity testing. Tel: 0800 028 3550
Useful resources