Let’s talk about the absurdity of premarital exams. Yes, they exist, and no, you haven’t been transported back to the 1950s—although it sure feels like it sometimes. Incredibly, there are healthcare clinics that provide these exams for women before their wedding night, based on the outdated notion that a woman must be a virgin until marriage.
You read that right. The University of Utah’s Women’s Health and Gynecology department is one place that actually offers these exams today. While the university is situated in a region with a significant Mormon population (who traditionally abstain from sex before marriage), it’s important to note that the institution itself is secular. So, why are they promoting something so antiquated?
Dr. Lisa Hargrove, an OB/GYN and author of “The Truth About Women’s Health,” has pointed out that the University’s website has undergone some revisions, but not enough. Initially, it boldly proclaimed “GETTING READY FOR YOUR WEDDING NIGHT WITH A PREMARITAL EXAM.” Fortunately, Dr. Hargrove brought attention to this issue, leading to a slight rebranding. Now they refer to it as a “SEXUAL HEALTH VISIT (OFTEN REFERRED TO AS A PREMARITAL VISIT).” But let’s be real—this is still steeped in the assumption that a woman’s first sexual experience will be on her wedding night.
The website also mistakenly suggested that using condoms could increase the likelihood of developing a UTI, which Dr. Hargrove debunked. They even recommended that women who have never had sex should use a “sterile dilator” to prepare their bodies. Seriously? This perpetuates the misguided belief that women must be prepped for sex as if their bodies are fragile or broken—something that’s simply not true. Most women do not experience pain or bleeding during their first sexual encounter when there’s effective communication, trust, and a bit of foreplay involved.
Despite the efforts to update their messaging, the term “premarital exam” is still prevalent on their site. It raises the question: why should a woman feel she needs to seek a doctor’s permission before having sex? This isn’t a medical issue; it’s a personal decision, and the idea that women need to “prepare” for their first time is laughable.
Interestingly, The Washington Post highlighted that the demand for these exams stems from the student population, many of whom are raised in environments where sex education is lacking. Utah public schools don’t offer sex ed, which means young adults are often left in the dark. However, that’s no excuse for a university to adopt outdated terminology that reinforces misogynistic beliefs.
Instead of framing sex as something requiring medical approval, we should advocate for comprehensive sex education throughout life. This would allow both women and men to receive inclusive, evidence-based sexual health information without the stigma. If you’re curious about this topic, check out more on home insemination and what experts have to say about preparing for sexual health here.
In summary, let’s move past the outdated concept of premarital exams and embrace a more modern approach to sexual health. It’s time to provide compassionate, science-based education that empowers individuals to make informed choices about their bodies.