Explore the effectiveness of virginity tests. Meri Sehat delves into the cultural practice, its accuracy, and the ethical implications surrounding it.

Do Virginity Tests Even Work?

The two finger tests have been around for a while and as degrading as it is, it is also inaccurate. Even Pakistani courts now recognise how it robs the victim of their dignity and its overall ineffectiveness and do not permit it as evidence anymore.

Overview

Karachi-based writer Amna Khan was about to get married. She was 25-years-old and her parents had arranged for a match with a doctor based in London, United Kingdom. After the wedding dates were finalised, Amna&rsquo;s mother took her to the gynaecologist for a &lsquo;check up&rsquo;.

The purpose of the trip? To check of Amna was still &lsquo;intact&rsquo;. It was perhaps one of the most traumatising experiences of Amna&rsquo;s life. 
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&ldquo;It was humiliating,&rdquo; whispered Amna to her female colleagues and friends the next day at work. They were gathered in the bathroom, the one place they got together to exchange pleasantries and have quick conversations. &ldquo;My mother wouldn&rsquo;t believe me,&rdquo; says Amna. &ldquo;She forced me to go. I felt like a sacrificial lamb that was being checked to see if I was good enough. I didn&#39;t matter. My words, thoughts, feelings&hellip; nothing mattered. I had to open my legs for a stranger to poke through and certify that everything was okay. I was so scared and humiliated.&rdquo; 
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problems with this practice

Let me make it clear: virginity tests do not work. Virginity testing is a controversial and widely discredited practice that has been used for centuries to determine whether a woman has had sexual intercourse. The tests typically involve a physical examination of the female genitalia to look for signs of sexual activity, such as the presence or absence of the hymen. However, there are many problems with this practice. 
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First, the hymen is a thin membrane that partially covers the vaginal opening and it can be torn or stretched by a variety of activities other than sexual intercourse, such as sports, tampon use, or even just regular physical activity. Therefore, the presence or absence of the <a href="https://merisehat.pk/article/the-great-hymen-myth">hymen</a> is not a reliable indicator of whether or not a woman has had sex 
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Second, the tests are often invasive and can be traumatising for the women being tested. The tests may involve a doctor or other medical professional inserting fingers or instruments into the vagina, which can be painful and humiliating. 

The tests involve a physical examination of the genitalia. It typically involves looking for the hymen. This practice is repulsive and unethical. Not only this, there is no need for it. The most ideal way to check for someone&rsquo;s virginity is by simply asking them. 
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Third, virginity testing is not based on sound medical science. There is no medical or scientific evidence to support the idea that a woman&rsquo;s virginity can be determined through a physical examination. In fact, many medical organisations, including the World Health Organization, have spoken out against the practice, citing its lack of scientific validity and potential for harm.

In some cultures, a woman&rsquo;s virginity is highly valued, and there is a lot of pressure on young women to remain &ldquo;pure&rdquo; until marriage. This pressure can lead families and communities to subject young women to virginity testing, either to confirm their &ldquo;purity&rdquo; or to prove that they have been &ldquo;defiled.&rdquo; In some cases, women who &ldquo;fail&rdquo; the test may face social ostracism, violence, or even honour killings. 
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Finally, virginity testing is a form of gender-based violence and a violation of women&rsquo;s human rights. The tests are often forced on women by their families or communities, and they can lead to shame, stigma, and even violence against women who are found to have &ldquo;failed&rdquo; the test. 
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Bottom Line

Virginity tests do not work, and they are a harmful and discredited practice that should be abandoned. Instead, we should focus on promoting comprehensive sex education, gender equality, and respect for women&rsquo;s bodily autonomy and human rights.