Can a Gynecologist See If You're a Virgin?

A pelvic exam or a vaginal exam cannot reveal with absolute certainty that a woman is a virgin or has been sexually active. A gynecologist can't tell if you are a virgin by doing a physical exam because of the variation in different hymens and the absence of a hymen isn't an indicator of sexual activity.

In general, a pelvic exam or a vaginal exam cannot reveal with absolute certainty that a woman is a virgin or has been sexually active. It is always better to have an honest discussion with your gynecologist about your sexual history. This makes it easier for them to look for the early signs of pregnancy and test you for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as gonorrhea and genital herpes. You can also discuss proper methods of birth control with them.

Every person is unique. Many people believe in the concept of virginity and hold it sacred. Though being a virgin or being a responsible sexually active person is a personal choice, an intact hymen has been used as proof of virginity in the past. The truth is that the hymen is a flexible piece of mucosal tissue that may be thick, thin or even absent in some women. In some women, using a tampon, vigorous cycling, exercises and masturbatory activities may cause the hymen to rupture.

The appearance of a hymen often changes with age. There is no hard and fast rule here. Therefore, a gynecologist can’t tell if you are a virgin by doing a physical exam because of the variation in different hymens and the absence of a hymen isn’t an indicator of sexual activity.

• According to the United Nations, virginity tests are often performed by inspecting the hymen for tears or the size of its opening or inserting fingers into the vagina.
• However, the World Health Organization states that there is no evidence that the test can prove that a woman has had vaginal intercourse or not.
• The hymen can stretch or tear during many intense physical activities, such as cycling, swimming and horseback riding.
• Some hymens stretch more than others and will never split or bleed. It is impossible to tell by looking at a hymen whether you have had sexual intercourse or not.

A pelvic exam can be done even if you have never had sexual intercourse because the opening to your vagina is large enough to allow for the exam. Most of the time, a doctor can't tell if a girl has had sex just from a pelvic exam (and doctors don't usually give teen girls pelvic exams unless there's a sign of a problem). However, let the doctor know if you have had sex anyway. Having unprotected sex puts you at risk for STDs as well as unplanned pregnancy.