The concept of “checking virginity” is a harmful and patriarchal practice that has no basis in medical science. The hymen, a thin membrane that partially covers the vaginal opening, can be broken through various activities other than sexual intercourse, such as sports, tampon use, or horseback riding.
Attempts to “check virginity” can be traumatic and painful for women and girls, and can lead to serious physical and psychological harm. There is no scientific evidence to support the idea that a woman’s sexual history can be determined by examining her hymen.