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The Lie: If a Woman Doesn’t Bleed, She’s Not a Virgin

Mary S. Cooke
6 min readFeb 16, 2025

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Debunking the Myth That Has Controlled Women for Centuries

For generations, the idea that a woman must bleed during her first sexual experience has been used to judge, shame, and control her. This myth has been passed down through cultures, reinforced by outdated beliefs, and weaponized against women’s autonomy. But here’s the truth: the absence of bleeding is not an indicator of virginity, and it never was.

It’s time to dismantle this harmful lie and replace it with facts, science, and a deep understanding of the female body.

The Origins of the Virginity Myth

The belief that a woman should bleed on her wedding night — or during her first sexual experience — dates back to ancient times. In patriarchal societies, a woman’s worth was often tied to her virginity, and the presence of blood was seen as “proof” of her purity.

This idea became deeply ingrained in cultural and religious traditions, leading to dangerous practices such as virginity testing, forced hymen examinations, and even honor-based violence.

But there’s a fundamental problem: this entire notion is biologically inaccurate.

Understanding the Hymen: The Truth Behind the Myth

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Mary S. Cooke
Mary S. Cooke

Written by Mary S. Cooke

Exploring the art of well-being, the science of intimacy, Health and Relationships and the secrets of financial freedom.

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