Wrestling with the hymen: Knowledge and attitudes

Abstract

Background There is a cultural gap between girls with virginity problems and the western healthcare professionals (HCPs) they approach for help.

Method The lack of knowledge concerning virginity-related issues among non-Western migrants in the Netherlands is illustrated by means of a selection of quotations from messages received by a single sexual health service. The differences in cultural beliefs between non-Western and Western societies are also overviewed.

Conclusion HCPs should have a better grasp of the ins and outs of the virginity norms prevailing in migrant communities. This would enable them to counsel the young women concerned more efficiently and to find practical, culturally acceptable solutions to their dilemmas.

Chinese Abstract

摘 要 背景 文化代沟存在于有处女问题的女孩及她们所寻求帮助的西方医疗专业人员（HCPs）之间。

方法 性健康服务中心通过收集、筛选信息，了解荷兰非西方移民中处女相关知识的缺乏情况。此外还对比了西方与非西方社会间此方面文化的差异。

结论 HCPs应更好地了解移民人群中处女规范的流行情况，以便针对年轻女性的困扰提供更加有效、实用且在文化接受范围内的咨询。

Keywords:

• Attitude
• Cultural norms
• Hymen
• Knowledge
• Virginity

Declaration of interest: The author reports no conflicts of interest. The author alone is responsible for the content and the writing of the paper.