‘Something that stretches during sex’

Abstract

Although there is no scientific proof of a breakable membrane in the vagina, virginity controls are causing great suffering to women worldwide, and hymen (re) constructions are carried out in many countries. The hymen is called mödomshinna 'virginity membrane' in Swedish, which can reinforce the idea of a breakable membrane. In their work against female sexual oppression the Swedish Association for Sexuality Education launched a new term, vaginal corona. The aim of our study is to evaluate this initiative. By conducting a survey directed at youths and health professionals at youth clinics in Stockholm, we were able to show that knowledge of the new word had spread and that changes in the oppressive cultural beliefs connected to virginity and female sexuality in part can be connected to the word. The study thus supports the claim that initiatives aimed at changing vocabulary can be effective in changing cultural concepts. Feminist language activism initiatives are thus usable as part of feminist political work to promote women’s sexual rights and gender equality.

The concept of virginity from the perspective of Iranian adolescents: a qualitative study

“…The approach is influenced by the feminist view on the concept of virginity. Milles et al referred to the role of feminist approach in altering the concept of virginity [28]. Also, 3 male participants and 2 female participants mentioned virginity as a commitment.…”

“…In fact, such interpretation reflects a change in the value system of interviewees and the breakdown of social taboo on the lack of hymen, which is the greatest sign of virginity in the Iranian culture. Motamedi et al referred to the change of value system of participants regarding premarital sex [28].…”

Modern, Empowered, but Stigmatized: Analyzing the Construction of Menstrual Cups as Feminist Technologies

“…Because menstrual cups are an inserted product, the technology may be perceived to break the hymen and may therefore be confronted by the virginity complex. Given that this cultural concept oppresses women, certain organizations have begun educational campaigns about the physiology of female reproductive organs and the fact that no membrane that can rupture during penetrative sexual activity covers the entrance of the vagina (Milles et al 2018). 43 Despite these efforts to build awareness about the virginity complex and the new vocabulary of "vaginal corona" that replaces (and redefines) the term hymen, numerous menstrual cup companies have neglected to join these efforts despite directly mentioning the hymen and virginity on their webpages.…”

Diversity in sex and relationship education – limitations and possibilities in Swedish biology textbooks

“…Several books mention how the hymen as a sign of virginity may be considered a myth (myten om mödomshinnan) (Direkt 228; Puls 281; Spektrum 379). Attempts have been made in Sweden to find a more appropriate term for the hymen, and the word slidkrans (vaginal corona) has been introduced as an alternative concept (Christianson andEriksson, 2014;Milles et al 2018). All five of the textbooks use this new term, describing slidkrans (vaginal corona) as elastic and stretchable (Makro 308).…”