In contemporary healthcare, the concept of a premarital examination—a medical check-up for women before they marry—seems like a relic from the past. Yes, it exists, and no, you haven’t stepped back into the 1950s. This practice is still being offered at certain healthcare facilities, perpetuating outdated beliefs that women shouldn’t have had sexual experiences prior to their wedding night.
Take, for instance, the University of Utah’s Department of Women’s Health and Gynecology, which provides these exams. Despite being a public institution, it has historical ties to a culture, predominantly Mormon, that traditionally discourages premarital sex. The question arises: Why is a respected university endorsing such antiquated notions?
Dr. Sarah Miller, an OB/GYN and author of The Female Anatomy Handbook, has pointed out that the University of Utah has offered these exams for quite a while. A blog post from September 2019 highlighted how the term “premarital exam” was prominently featured on their website. Only recently was the language altered to “Sexual Health Visit,” although remnants of the old terminology remain.
Previously, the website alarmingly suggested that using condoms could heighten the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), a claim Dr. Miller countered with factual information. Perhaps more shocking was the recommendation for women who had never engaged in sexual activity to use a “sterile dilator” to prepare their bodies for intercourse. This perpetuates the patriarchal belief that women must “prepare” their bodies as if they are somehow inadequate without medical intervention.
Dr. Miller emphasizes that most women do not experience pain or bleeding during their first sexual encounter, especially when it occurs in a trusting and communicative environment. Yet, the institutions promoting these exams fail to provide the necessary education about healthy sexual relationships.
Following Dr. Miller’s critique, the University of Utah revised its website, removing some of the more problematic language. They now promote the exam as a general health visit rather than strictly a premarital one. However, the lingering assumptions that a woman’s first sexual experience must coincide with marriage remain problematic.
While consulting a healthcare professional about sexual health is undoubtedly beneficial, the notion that a woman’s first sexual encounter requires a doctor’s endorsement is both misguided and diminishes her autonomy over her own body. Why not provide ongoing sexual health education throughout a woman’s life? Moreover, why is there no equivalent support for men?
Interestingly, the premise for such exams stems from a perceived demand within the student body, many of whom adhere to religious doctrines prohibiting premarital sexual activity. Given that sex education is not part of the public school curriculum in Utah, the university is stepping in to fill a significant educational gap. Nevertheless, there is no justification for calling it a premarital exam, as this only reinforces outdated values.
For a more comprehensive understanding of sexual health, consider referring to resources like Mount Sinai’s infertility resources or explore options for home insemination, such as the at-home intracervical insemination syringe kit. For additional insights, check out our related post on home insemination.
In summary, the practice of premarital examinations is an outdated concept that perpetuates misconceptions about women’s sexual health. Instead of validating these archaic notions, we should advocate for comprehensive, evidence-based sexual education for everyone.
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