{"title":"Continuous hymenal rim following first Penile–Vaginal intercourse: A case series and review","authors":"Mohanad Jaber , Alaa R. AL-Ihribat","doi":"10.1016/j.jflm.2026.103146","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The hymen has long been symbolically associated with virginity, particularly in conservative societies. However, from a medical and anatomical standpoint, the presence of an intact hymen is not a reliable indicator of sexual history.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To document and analyze seven clinical cases in which women presented with intact hymens following consensual first sexual intercourse, and to compare these findings with the existing scientific literature.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Seven women between ages 19–23 presented to a forensic medicine clinic between January 2024 and May 2025. All underwent detailed clinical examination with documentation. A literature review was conducted using PubMed and Scopus.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>All patients demonstrated estrogenized hymens with a central orifice and a continuous hymenal rim, without complete posterior transection, despite reported penile–vaginal penetration. Examination revealed structural patterns that support distension without rupture.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Hymen integrity is anatomically variable and does not confirm or negate previous sexual activity. Misconceptions about its role in determining virginity must be challenged through education, legal reform, and forensic objectivity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16098,"journal":{"name":"Journal of forensic and legal medicine","volume":"120 ","pages":"Article 103146"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7000,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Journal of forensic and legal medicine","FirstCategoryId":"3","ListUrlMain":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1752928X26000788","RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"2026/4/17 0:00:00","PubModel":"Epub","JCR":"Q3","JCRName":"MEDICINE, LEGAL","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background
The hymen has long been symbolically associated with virginity, particularly in conservative societies. However, from a medical and anatomical standpoint, the presence of an intact hymen is not a reliable indicator of sexual history.
Objective
To document and analyze seven clinical cases in which women presented with intact hymens following consensual first sexual intercourse, and to compare these findings with the existing scientific literature.
Methods
Seven women between ages 19–23 presented to a forensic medicine clinic between January 2024 and May 2025. All underwent detailed clinical examination with documentation. A literature review was conducted using PubMed and Scopus.
Results
All patients demonstrated estrogenized hymens with a central orifice and a continuous hymenal rim, without complete posterior transection, despite reported penile–vaginal penetration. Examination revealed structural patterns that support distension without rupture.
Conclusion
Hymen integrity is anatomically variable and does not confirm or negate previous sexual activity. Misconceptions about its role in determining virginity must be challenged through education, legal reform, and forensic objectivity.
期刊介绍:
The Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine publishes topical articles on aspects of forensic and legal medicine. Specifically the Journal supports research that explores the medical principles of care and forensic assessment of individuals, whether adult or child, in contact with the judicial system. It is a fully peer-review hybrid journal with a broad international perspective.
The Journal accepts submissions of original research, review articles, and pertinent case studies, editorials, and commentaries in relevant areas of Forensic and Legal Medicine, Context of Practice, and Education and Training.
The Journal adheres to strict publication ethical guidelines, and actively supports a culture of inclusive and representative publication.