Definition
Virginity is the state of a female who has not experienced sexual intercourse.
True Virgin vs False Virgin
| Feature | True Virgin | False Virgin |
|---|---|---|
| Sexual Intercourse | Never occurred | Has occurred |
| Hymen | Usually intact | May be torn/healed |
| Vaginal Orifice | Narrow | Relatively wider |
| Vaginal Walls | Rugose and narrow | Less prominent rugosity |
| Fourchette | Intact | May show old tears |
| Labia Majora | Closely apposed | Relatively lax |
| Cervix | Nulliparous type | May show changes due to intercourse/childbirth |
Caution
Do not over-interpret the hymen.
- Intact hymen does not prove virginity.
- Ruptured hymen does not prove loss of virginity.
- Virginity cannot be certified with certainty solely from genital examination.
High Yield
Important forensic principle
- Intact hymen ≠ proof of virginity.
- Torn hymen ≠ proof of previous sexual intercourse.
- Virginity cannot be certified with absolute certainty.