Defloration is a laceration or rupture of the hymen as a result of sexual intercourse. All other laceration of the hymen which is not caused by sexual act are not considered as defloration.

Examination for Defloration:

1. Condition of the Vulva:

Normally the labia majora and minora are in close contact with one another covering almost completely the external genitalia. After defloration, the labia may gape exposing the intoitus vulvae.

The findinf may not be relied upon because some females may have inherently gaping labia, especially, asthenic women although there is no history of previous sexual act, while others may preserve the coaptated labia even if there has been previous sexual act.

2. Fourchette:

The normal V-shape of the fourchette is lost on account of the previous stretching during insertion of the male organ. Withdrawal of the stretching force will cause retraction of its walls with rounding of the base.

Retraction of the fourchette is not a good sign of defloration in as much as it can be due to other causes. Ballet dancing, separation of the thighs, tree climbing, cycling, horse riding, insertion of foreign body, etc. may cause retraction of the fourchette without previous sexual act.

The fourchette, together with the perineum and lower portion of the posterior vaginal wall, may be lacerated by sexual act or some other causes.

3. Vaginal Canal:

After repeated sexual acts, there is diminution of the sharpness or obliteration of the vaginal rugosities. There will be laxity of its wall so that insertion of a medium size tube during the medical examination can be done with slight resistance.

The changes in the vaginal rugosities or the laxity of its wall cannot be relied upon as a proof of defloration because instrumentation during medical examination, masturbation or insertion of foreign bodies or other similar or related acts will cause the development of such condition.

The vaginal wall, together with the vulva, may suffer injury during defloration or some other causes.

4. Hymen:

The hymen is lacerated during the initial sexual act. However, it is not always the case. Some hymens are thick, elastic and fleshy such that they can resist certain degree of distention without causing laceration. Some women may inherently have lacerated hymen probably on account of previous trauma during the early age. The fact that the hymen is intact does not prove absence of previous sexual intercourse and the presence of laceration does not prove defloration.

Other Causes of Hymenal Laceration:

• Passage of clotted blood during menstruation.

• Ulceration due to disease, like diphtheria.

• Jumping or running.

• Falling on hard and sharp object.

• Medical instrumentation.

• Local medication.

• Self-scratching due to irritation.

• Masturbation.

• Insertion of foreign bodies.

• Previous operation.

There can be complications of laceration, like secondary infection, hemorrhage, fistulae formation, stricture, and sterility.

Secondary Infection

Due to the activation of the bacterial flora in the vaginal canal or a superimposed infection may set in, mostly in women with poor hygienic habit.

Hemorrhage

A rare complication but this may be present in severe compound laceration of the hymen.

Fistulae Formation

Recto-vaginal or vesico-vaginal fistula may develop in the case of compound laceration.

Stricture

Hymenal laceration alone will not produce stricture but in case of involvement of the vaginal wall it may consequently result in narrowing of the canal on account of the scar formation.

Sterility

Trauma and infection may further involve the upper part of the female generative organ and may cause loss of procreation power.