A Preliminary Study on Hymenal Morphology in Indian Females Without a History of Sexual Intercourse Presenting With Gynaecological Complaints

TL;DR

This study examines hymenal morphology in Indian females without sexual history to better understand its natural variations and implications for forensic assessments.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into hymenal structure and non-specific changes due to nonsexual factors in a specific demographic.

Findings

The annular hymen type was the most commonly observed in the study population.

Superficial notches were the predominant non-specific finding in 58.5% of cases.

Erythema was noted on the hymen during genital infections, but no additional inflammation was observed.

Abstract

Forensic examiners need to conduct detailed physical and genital examinations in medicolegal cases to testify as experts. In female genitalia, the hymen is a mucosal tissue surrounding the vagina that varies in appearance and thickness among individuals, adding to the complexity of female genital anatomy. There is limited research on the hymen, but understanding its structure and possible injuries is important for forensic examinations. This study aimed to look at the hymen's structure in female participants without a history of sexual intercourse who came to the gynaecology outpatient department (OPD) for gynaecological complaints. A detailed hymen examination was conducted, along with colposcopic photo documentation. This study also explores how daily physical activities and nonsexual genital infections affect the hymen. The study involved a cohort of 41 female participants aged between 3 and 30 years, with a median age of 17. The annular hymen type was identified as the most frequently observed. Additionally, superficial notches were documented as the predominant non-specific finding in the hymenal membrane, occurring in 58.5% of cases. Erythema was observed on the hymenal membrane during a genital infection; however, the study population showed no additional signs of inflammation associated with the hymen.

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