12 de junio de 2026

How to Apply Vaginal Estrogen Cream

por Tara Langdale en Cuidado

TLDR

It might feel a little awkward in the beginning, but using vaginal estrogen cream is actually pretty simple and can really help with dryness and discomfort. You start off using it regularly, then ease into a routine that works long term. The results do not show up instantly, but if you keep at it, you will likely start feeling more comfortable and like yourself again.

Feeling Unsure? You Are Not Alone

You know that moment when you are in the bathroom late at night, holding this little applicator and a tube of cream, and you just wonder if you are messing it up. It happens to a lot of people, I think. Women get prescribed vaginal estrogen cream for things like dryness or that burning feeling, especially during sex, but the directions from the doctor always seem so quick and not very helpful. What really helps is having something straightforward to go by, something that feels normal and not like a medical textbook.

What This Cream Actually Does

This cream has estradiol in it, which is basically a type of estrogen that your body makes on it's own. When estrogen drops, like in menopause, the tissues down there get thin and dry, and it is called vaginal atrophy or something like GSM, the genitourinary syndrome of menopause. The cream puts the estrogen right where it is needed, so it does not go all over your system like pills might. It helps bring back moisture and makes things less sensitive, I guess.

Why People Use It

People use it for dryness, pain when things get intimate, irritation that burns, or even more urinary infections and that urgent feeling to go. All from low estrogen, it seems. And yes, it can get better with regular use.

You might start noticing more natural wetness, less irritation, and tissues that feel more flexible. Intimacy does not hurt as much after a while. But it is not instant, you have to stick with it.

How to Apply Vaginal Estrogen Cream

Before You Start

First off, get ready. Empty your bladder, wash your hands, and find a quiet spot where you will not be interrupted. Maybe put a towel down and make sure the lights are on so you can see. Doing it before bed is smart because lying down keeps the cream in place.

Step 1: Measure the Dose

To measure, take the cap off the tube, screw on the applicator tightly, and squeeze until it hit's the mark your doctor mentioned, like one gram usually. Do not guess, follow what they told you.

Step 2: Find a Comfortable Position

Then pick a position that works for you. Lying on your back with knees up, or standing with one leg higher, or even squatting if that's easier. Just relax, it helps.

Step 3: Insert the Applicator

Hold the barrel part and slide it in gently, aiming back a bit, not up like towards your belly. Go in two or three inches, nothing forced. If it's uncomfortable, shift around and breathe.

Step 4: Release the Cream

Push the plunger slow to let the cream out. You might feel it cool, that's fine.

Step 5: Clean the Applicator

Pull it out carefully, wash with warm water and soap that's not harsh, and dry it off. Keeps things clean so no infections start.

What to Expect After Use

Afterward, some people notice changes in a couple of weeks, like less dryness. Over time, daily comfort improves, intimacy feels better, and the tissue may feel healthier.

Everyone is different though. Consistency matters more than rushing results.

Common Things You Might Notice

Some cream may leak out, especially in the morning. That is normal. You can use a liner if it bothers you.

If inserting the applicator hurts, try using a small amount of lubricant, relax your muscles, or change your position. It usually gets easier with time.

You can apply it without the applicator, but it is harder to measure the correct dose, so it is better to check with your doctor first.

Routine and Dosage

The routine is usually daily for a few weeks at the beginning, then reduced to two or three times a week. Do not change the schedule on your own.

Possible Side Effects

Side effects are usually mild, like slight irritation, discharge, or rarely spotting. Serious problems are uncommon, but if anything feels unusual, it is better to speak with a doctor.

Simple Tips That Help

To make it work better:

Drink enough water
Avoid harsh soaps
Wear cotton underwear
Try to manage stress
Eat a balanced diet

These small things can make a difference.

When to Talk to a Doctor

If nothing improves after a few weeks, if pain gets worse, or if you notice unusual bleeding, talk to your doctor. Also reach out if you feel unsure about how to use it.

The Emotional Side

This whole thing isnt only about the body. Lots of women feel frustrated or embarrassed, anxious about being close to someone. It messes with confidence, relationships even. But it's okay to feel that, and it's fixable.
You're not the only one going through it.

Getting Comfortable With It

At first, applying the cream feels strange, awkward maybe. But it turns into a routine that helps you feel normal again in your body.

Kind of takes time to get there.

FAQs

1. Can vaginismus go away on its own?
Sometimes it settles down a bit on its own, but most of the time it does not fully fix itself. A lot of people notice it keeps coming back or staying the same until they actually get some kind of help for it.

2. Is vaginismus all in my head?
No, it really is not. The tightening is something your body is actually doing, you are not making it up. Stress or fear can be part of it, but the pain and reaction are very real.

3. Can I still get pregnant?
Yeah, you still can. It might feel complicated right now, but a lot of women do go on to conceive, especially once things start improving with treatment.

4. Does it mean something is physically wrong with me?
Not really. In most cases, everything is physically normal. It is more about how your body is responding, not that something is “damaged” or wrong.

5. Will treatment hurt?
It should not feel forced or overwhelming. Treatment usually goes step by step, at your pace, so you stay within what feels manageable.

6. Can vaginismus start suddenly?
It can, yeah. Some people notice it just shows up out of nowhere after something like an infection, childbirth, or even a stressful phase. It is not always something that builds up slowly.

7. Do I need a specialist?
It is not a must right away, but it really helps. Someone who deals with this kind of thing regularly will usually understand what is going on much faster and guide you better.

8. Can it come back after treatment?
It can happen, but not that often. And if it does, it is usually easier to handle since you already know what worked for you before.

9. Is this condition common?
More common than people think. It just does not get talked about much, so it can feel like you are the only one dealing with it.

10. What is the first step to healing?
Honestly, just understanding what is happening in your body is a big first step. Once you know it has a name and can be treated, things start to feel a lot less scary.

Citations

The North American Menopause Society. "The 2020 genitourinary syndrome of menopause position statement of The North American Menopause Society." Menopause, vol. 27, no. 9, 2020, pp. 976-992.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. "Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause: ACOG Committee Opinion No. 659." Obstetrics & Gynecology, vol. 127, no. 3, 2016, pp. e27-e32.
Gandhi, J., et al. "Genitourinary syndrome of menopause: an overview of clinical manifestations, pathophysiology, etiology, evaluation, and management." American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, vol. 215, no. 6, 2016, pp. 704-711.
Faubion, S. S., et al. "Genitourinary syndrome of menopause: management strategies for the clinician." Mayo Clinic Proceedings, vol. 92, no. 12, 2017, pp. 1842-1849.
Sturdee, D. W., et al. "The management of genitourinary syndrome of menopause." Climacteric, vol. 20, no. 4, 2017, pp. 333-341.
Simon, J. A., et al. "Effective treatment of vaginal atrophy with an ultra-low-dose estradiol vaginal tablet." Obstetrics & Gynecology, vol. 112, no. 5, 2008, pp. 1053-1060.
Lethaby, A., et al. "Local oestrogen for vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women." Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, no. 8, 2016, Article CD001500.
Nachtigall, L. E. "Comparative study: replens versus local estrogen in menopausal women." Fertility and Sterility, vol. 61, no. 1, 1994, pp. 178-180.
Kingsberg, S. A., et al. "Vulvar and vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women: findings from the REVIVE (REal Women's VIews of Treatment Options for Menopausal Vaginal ChangEs) survey." Journal of Sexual Medicine, vol. 10, no. 7, 2013, pp. 1790-1799.
Bachmann, G., et al. "Efficacy of low-dose estradiol vaginal tablets in the treatment of atrophic vaginitis: a randomized controlled trial." Obstetrics & Gynecology, vol. 111, no. 1, 2008, pp. 67-76.

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Citations American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2021). Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines. ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 168. Retrieved from https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-bulletin/articles/2016/10/cervical-cancer-screening U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. (2018). Screening for Cervical Cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. JAMA, 320(7), 674-686. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.10897 World Health Organization. (2020). Cervical Cancer Screening and Treatment Guidelines. Geneva: World Health Organization Press. National Cancer Institute. (2022). Cervical Cancer Prevention (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/types/cervical/hp/cervical-prevention-pdq American Cancer Society. (2022). The American Cancer Society Guidelines for the Prevention and Early Detection of Cervical Cancer. Atlanta: American Cancer Society. Saslow, D., et al. (2012). American Cancer Society, American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology, and American Society for Clinical Pathology screening guidelines for the prevention and early detection of cervical cancer. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 62(3), 147-172. Moyer, V. A. (2012). Screening for cervical cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. Annals of Internal Medicine, 156(12), 880-891. Massad, L. S., et al. (2013). 2012 updated consensus guidelines for the management of abnormal cervical cancer screening tests and cancer precursors. Journal of Lower Genital Tract Disease, 17(5), S1-S27. Fontham, E. T., et al. (2020). Cervical cancer screening for individuals at average risk: 2020 guideline update from the American Cancer Society. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 70(5), 321-346. Curry, S. J., et al. (2018). Screening for cervical cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. JAMA, 320(7), 674-686.

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Why Does Deep Penetration Hurt? Causes, Relief Tips & When to Seek Help

TL;DR If deep penetration hurts, you are definitely not the only one dealing with it. For some women it feels sharp and sudden, for others more like cramping, pressure, or a bruised ache deep inside. Tight pelvic muscles, cervical contact, Endometriosis, cysts, fibroids, infections, hormone changes, or even certain angles during sex can all make deep thrusting uncomfortable. When Deep Penetration Starts Hurting Things start off okay during sex, you know, feeling present and all. But then when it gets deeper, your body just reacts right away. It might feel sharp or crampy, like something bruised inside, or just wrong somehow. I think a bunch of women go through this without saying much. Pain like that from deep penetration confuses people because everyone assumes sex only hurts at the start if you are not relaxed enough. But that is not always it. There are real physical reasons for pain deeper inside. Sometimes tight muscles in the pelvic floor cause it. 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They are like a hammock under the pelvis, helping with bladder stuff, orgasms, and support. But if they stay tense, penetration feels like hitting a wall inside. That tension can come from: Stress Anxiety Fear of pain Past bad experiences Trauma Habits of clenching Previous infections Even if you want it, your body might still brace up. Cervix Sensitivity and Deep Thrusting The cervix sits at the end of the canal, and some women are sensitive to it getting hit. Deep thrusting bumps it and can cause: Sharp pain Cramps A deep ache that sticks around It is more likely if: Foreplay is short You are not aroused enough Positions angle upward deeply Your cervix naturally sits lower You are near your period When fully aroused, the vagina lengthens and the cervix moves up a bit. Without that, there is simply less space. Endometriosis, Cysts, and Fibroids Endometriosis is big for this kind of pain. Tissue like the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, often in pelvic spots behind the cervix or ovaries. Thrusting presses those inflamed areas and can cause: Sharp pain inside Cramping Pain lasting after sex It can also come with: Painful periods Back pain Digestive issues during periods Some women do not connect it to sex for years. Cysts on the ovaries or fibroids in the uterus can also add pressure and tenderness. Deep penetration shifts things and may cause: Localized sharp pain Fullness Cramping afterward Pain mostly on one side Infections and Hormone Changes Infections or inflammation can make the pelvis hypersensitive. Things like: UTIs Yeast infections Bacterial vaginosis PID can come with: Burning when peeing Weird discharge Fever Pain outside sex Odor changes If pain suddenly appears with those symptoms, see a doctor for sure. Low estrogen can thin tissues, dry them out, and make them less stretchy. 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Longer foreplay is not extra. It prepares the body. Use Lubrication Add lube anyway because it reduces friction. Water based lube works well Silicone based usually lasts longer during deeper penetration Try Positions You Control Positions you control can help, like: On top Side spooning Modified missionary Shallow thrusting positions Some people also use a hand at the base to limit depth. Relax the Pelvic Floor Relaxing the pelvic floor may help too: Deep breaths Gentle stretches Warm baths Reverse kegels Pelvic floor therapy A lot of people clench all day from stress without realizing it. Communicate During Sex Talk during intimacy too. Say things like: “Slower feels better.” “That angle hurts.” “Can we stay shallow?” “This position feels good.” Not just silently enduring it. Pelvic Floor Therapy Pelvic floor physical therapy helps a ton for some women. It can help relax muscles, release trigger points, improve breathing, lower pain, use dilators, and calm the nervous system. For chronic tension, it can make a big difference over time. When to See a Doctor See a doctor if the pain is: Severe Getting worse Causing bleeding afterward Coming with fever or discharge Lasting for hours or days Making penetration impossible This is not something you are supposed to just live with. Healing Is Possible Healing is possible, even though a lot of women think they just have to tolerate it forever. Causes can be muscular, hormonal, inflammatory, structural, or even position related. Sometimes better arousal and positioning help. Sometimes therapy or medication helps. Sometimes it is a mix of everything. Your body is communicating, not betraying you. You deserve safe, comfortable, pleasurable intimacy. It seems like once you start addressing it, things begin to shift, though I am not totally sure how quick that looks for everyone. That emotional part really stands out too, how fear keeps looping back into the pain. Frequently Asked Questions Frequently Asked Questions 1. Why does deep penetration hurt but shallow penetration feels fine? A lot of the time, shallow penetration just does not reach the sensitive areas deeper in the pelvis. Deep thrusting can press against the cervix, tight pelvic muscles, ovaries, or inflamed tissues, and that is usually where the pain starts showing up. 2. Is deep penetration pain normal? A little discomfort once in a while can happen, especially if arousal is low or a position feels awkward. But sharp, ongoing, or intense pain is not something you are supposed to just ignore or “push through.” 3. Can hitting the cervix cause cramping afterward? Yeah, it definitely can. For some women, hitting the cervix creates cramping, pelvic aching, or even that bruised feeling that sticks around for hours after sex. 4. Can stress really cause painful penetration? Honestly, yes. Stress puts the whole body on edge, and the pelvic floor muscles tighten up without you even realizing it sometimes. When those muscles stay tense, deeper penetration can start feeling uncomfortable or painful. 5. Does endometriosis always cause painful periods too? Not always. Some women notice pain during deep penetration long before they realize something else like Endometriosis could be involved. Everyone’s symptoms can look a little different. 6. What sexual positions are usually easier with deep pain? Usually the positions where you can control the depth feel a lot safer and more comfortable. Things like women on top or side spooning tend to work better because you can slow things down and adjust angles more easily. 7. Can lubrication alone fix deep penetration pain? Sometimes lubrication helps a lot, mostly because it cuts down friction and that raw uncomfortable feeling. But deep pain is not always about dryness. If something deeper in the pelvis is irritated or tense, lube may help a little without fully stopping the pain. 8. How do I know if my pelvic floor is too tight? Signs may include painful penetration, tampon discomfort, constipation, pelvic pressure, or feeling like your body is “clenching” during intimacy. 9. Can hormonal birth control contribute to pain? It is possible. Hormonal birth control changes the body in different ways, and for some people that means less natural lubrication or more sensitivity during sex, especially with deeper penetration. 10. Should I stop having sex completely if it hurts? Not always. A lot of couples just adjust things for a while instead of avoiding intimacy completely. Slower penetration, different positions, more external stimulation, or staying more shallow can sometimes make sex feel a lot more comfortable while you work on the underlying cause. Citations American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2023). Dyspareunia: Diagnosis and management. Committee Opinion No. 686. Obstet Gynecol, 141(2), e45-e58. Bergeron, S., Meana, M., Binik, Y. M., & Khalifé, S. (2020). Painful sex: Understanding and treating dyspareunia. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 17(8), 1220-1235. FitzGerald, M. P., & Kotarinos, R. (2021). Rehabilitation of the pelvic floor muscles utilizing trunk stabilization. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America, 32(3), 471-490. Goldstein, A. T., Pukall, C. F., Brown, C., Bergeron, S., Stein, A., & Kellogg-Spadt, S. (2022). Vulvodynia: Assessment and treatment. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 19(7), 1005-1027. Lamont, J. A. (2020). Vaginismus. Women's Health, 16(4), 1-8. Pastore, L. M., Katzman, W. B., & Hanes, D. A. (2021). The correlation between pelvic floor muscle dysfunction and sexual dysfunction in women with chronic pelvic pain. International Urogynecology Journal, 32(6), 1467-1474. Reed, B. D., Harlow, S. D., Sen, A., & Edwards, R. M. (2023). Vulvodynia incidence and remission rates among adult women: A longitudinal study. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 141(4), 824-832. Rosenbaum, T. Y. (2022). Pelvic floor involvement in male and female sexual dysfunction and the role of pelvic floor physical therapy in treatment. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 19(5), 789-801. Tommola, P., Unkila-Kallio, L., & Paavonen, J. (2021). Surgical treatment of deep dyspareunia: A systematic review. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica, 100(2), 191-201. Yong, P. J., Williams, C., & Allaire, C. (2020). Deep dyspareunia in endometriosis: Role of the posterior cul-de-sac. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada, 42(7), 848-857.

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12 de junio de 2026

Can a Doctor Tell If You Lost Your Virginity?

TL;DR A lot of people quietly worry that a doctor will somehow be able to tell if they have had sex, especially during a pelvic exam. But that is not actually how the body works. The hymen is not some seal that “breaks,” and doctors cannot look at it and know your sexual history. Bodies naturally look different from person to person, and things like tampons, exercise, or even puberty can change hymenal tissue too. Pelvic exams are about checking your health, not judging your private life or your choices. Why People Get Nervous About Pelvic Exams A lot of people get really nervous about pelvic exams, like sitting there in that crinkly paper gown, stomach all knotted up. Not even because they worry about being sick, but just this fear that the doctor might figure out if they have had sex or something. I mean, it is kind of common, right, this quiet worry that hangs around. Some think the doctor will spot it right away from the hymen, or maybe from how the body looks after using tampons or touching yourself. Others freak out over fingering or actual sex changing things forever. But honestly, that is not how it goes. The myths make it sound way more dramatic than it really is. Doctors Cannot Tell If Someone Has Had Sex Doctors just cannot tell if someone has had sex. Not by staring at the hymen during an exam. Not from the vagina’s shape or if there was bleeding or not. Virginity is not something medicine can check off like a list. It confuses everyone at first, this whole idea. Virginity is not a medical thing, you know, not in any textbook as a real condition. It is more like a social idea, changes with culture or what people believe. For some, it means no penis-in-vagina stuff, but others see it differently based on religion or whatever. That is why doctors do not bother with it. They focus on actual health issues: Infections Pain down there Cervical issues Pregnancy worries Periods acting up Pelvic problems Not purity or personal secrets. The Truth About the Hymen The hymen gets talked about so much, but people have the wrong picture. They imagine it like a door that seals and breaks open with sex. That is not accurate at all. It is just this thin tissue fold near the opening, and it has holes already so blood can flow out during periods. If it did not, that would be a problem. Hymens vary a ton. Some are crescent-like, others ring-shaped or frilly, thin or thick, stretchy or barely there with multiple openings. There is no one standard normal. Some folks are born with almost none, others have elastic ones that do not tear easily. Even after sex, it might still look the same. That is all normal variation, I think. What Actually Changes the Hymen Sex might stretch it sometimes, or cause little tears, or nothing happens. But none of that proves anything about virginity. The same stretching comes from: Tampons Masturbation Exercise like gymnastics or biking Horseback riding Even just moving around daily Puberty softens it up with hormones too, making it more elastic over time. So a doctor looking cannot really say what your history is. Why Virginity Testing Is Not Scientific It seems sort of obvious once you hear it, but virginity testing is totally not scientific. The World Health Organization says it has no validity, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists calls it harmful and wrong. They do things like check the hymen or poke for tightness or penetration signs, but it does not work. Tightness is not about sex history either. It shifts with: Stress Anxiety How tense your pelvic muscles are Arousal levels Hormones Just your own body setup Nothing to do with purity myths from way back. What Doctors Actually Look For During a Pelvic Exam In a pelvic exam, it is all about checking health. Doctors look at: The vulva Vaginal tissues The cervix Infections or pain Weird bleeding Ovary or uterus issues STIs Cancer screening on the cervix That is the point, making sure everything functions okay. They are not judging your life. The Myth About Bleeding the First Time One big myth is bleeding the first time having sex. Not everyone does. Actually, many do not. When it happens, it is usually from friction or being dry, tense muscles, no lube, just irritation. Not some big hymen break. Discomfort varies too. Some feel it mild, others nothing. It does not prove virginity either way. Can a Doctor Tell From an Exam? From the exam itself, no, a doctor cannot tell. They might ask about sex to help with advice on: STIs Birth control Pain Reproductive health But it is from talking, not seeing some sign. The Emotional Impact of These Myths These myths cause real emotional mess. People feel shame tying worth to virginity, get terrified of exams, skip gyno visits, anxious about sex, guilty over their bodies. It can lead to pelvic floor tightening, like vaginismus where penetration hurts badly or cannot happen. But that is treatable with therapy. How Fear Affects the Pelvic Floor Pelvic floor muscles support the bladder, uterus, and bowels, helping with sex too. Fear makes them clench up automatically. Causes: Pain during sex Trouble with tampons Exam discomfort Burning feelings This is why good sex education is important. Misinformation turns into actual body issues. Tampons, Masturbation, and Virginity Myths Tampons or masturbation do not take away virginity, since it is not a physical thing anyway. Might stretch tissue a bit, same as exercise. The body does not mark sexual stuff permanently. Cultural Pressure Around Virginity In cultures where virginity matters a lot, the pressure is overwhelming, tied to family or religion. But medically, it cannot be proven. The hymen does not show history reliably, no scientific confirmation. Even hymenoplasty just alters looks, not restores some virginity state, because there is no such medical state. You Deserve Respectful Healthcare You deserve care without shame. Providers should: Explain things Get consent Respect limits Avoid judgment Make it feel safe If not, switch doctors. Your body needs help, not blame. Final Thoughts The whole idea doctors can spot lost virginity has scared people forever. Science says no. The hymen is just varying tissue, stretches differently in bodies, not about morality. Doctors help health, not pry. Worth is not from sex or not. Your body does not owe proof. Frequently Asked Questions 1. Can a doctor really tell if someone has had sex? No, not really. A doctor cannot examine your body and magically know your sexual history, even during a pelvic exam. 2. Does the hymen always “break” the first time? Not the way people imagine it. The hymen usually stretches naturally, and for some people nothing noticeable even happens. 3. Is bleeding during first sex supposed to happen? A lot of people expect it, but honestly, many women never bleed the first time they have sex. Bodies just respond differently, and that is normal. 4. Can using tampons change the hymen? It can stretch the tissue a little sometimes, which is completely normal. The body does not treat tampon use as some permanent change or proof of sexual activity. 5. Can masturbation or fingering affect the hymen? Sometimes the tissue stretches a bit, yes, but bodies naturally change all the time. It does not “take away” virginity. 6. Why do people feel pain during penetration sometimes? For some people it feels less about the penetration itself and more about the body bracing against it. Things like tension, fear of pain, dryness, or pelvic floor tightness can all build into that. 7. What are doctors actually checking during a pelvic exam? Most of the time, doctors are focused on medical concerns like cervical health, pain, or infections. They are not sitting there trying to “figure out” anything about your sexual history. 8. Can exercise or sports stretch the hymen too? A lot of people are surprised to learn this, but exercise and sports can sometimes stretch the hymen naturally. Bodies are not as fragile or “sealed” as the myths make them sound. 9. Why is the virginity myth still everywhere? Honestly, most people were never properly taught how the hymen or body really works. So the myths just keep circulating from one generation to the next. 10. Is virginity actually a medical thing? Not really. Doctors do not see virginity as a medical condition or something they can test for, it is more of a social and cultural idea people define differently. Citations American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2019). Committee Opinion No. 793: Virginity Testing. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 133(5), e343,e344. Emans, S. J. (2000). Physical examination of the child and adolescent. In S. J. Emans, M. R. Laufer, & D. P. Goldstein (Eds.), Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology (5th ed., pp. 1,50). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Goodyear,Smith, F., & Laidlaw, T. (1998). What is an 'intact' hymen? A critique of the literature. Medicine and Law, 17(3), 299,303. Human Rights Watch. (2018). "I Wanted to Lie Down and Die": Trafficking and Torture of Eritreans in Sudan and Egypt. Retrieved from https://www.hrw.org/report/2018/02/15/i,wanted,lie,down,and,die/trafficking,and,torture,eritreans,sudan,and,egypt Kellogg, N. (2005). The evaluation of sexual abuse in children. Pediatrics, 116(2), 506,512. McCann, J., Miyamoto, S., Boyle, C., & Rogers, K. (2007). Healing of hymenal injuries in prepubertal and adolescent girls: a descriptive study. Pediatrics, 120(5), 1000,1011. Olson, R. M., García,Moreno, C., & Asghar, K. (2018). Virginity testing: A systematic review. Reproductive Health, 15, Article 61. Raifman, S., Decker, M. R., Alcaide, M. L., Sherman, S. G., Beckham, S. W., & Cohan, D. (2019). "Virginity testing": Current practices and knowledge of gynecologists in the United States. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 221(5), 510.e1,510.e7. Rogers, D., Stark, C., & McCabe, K. (1998). The detection of traumatic disruption of the hymen. Journal of Forensic Sciences, 43(4), 837,844. United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner. (2018). Eliminating virginity testing: An interagency statement. Retrieved from https://www.ohchr.org/en/statements/2018/10/eliminating,virginity,testing,interagency,statement World Health Organization. (2018). Eliminating virginity testing: An interagency statement. Geneva: WHO. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news/item/17,10,2018,eliminating,virginity,testing,an,interagency,statement Zilberman, Z., & Itskovitz,Eldor, J. (1996). Hymenotomy: A new approach to treatment for imperforate hymen. Israel Journal of Medical Sciences, 32(5), 383,384.

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