Pregnancy is a breathtaking and awe-inspiring experience for women. Nothing quite like the anticipation of bringing a new life into the world.
Every married woman hopes and dreams of giving birth to a healthy and happy child. For a pregnancy to take place, it requires a mature egg to be released from a woman’s ovaries and fertilised by a man’s sperm during sexual intercourse.
This fundamental scientific principle has been studied and understood for years. However, have you ever heard of a virgin woman getting pregnant without any sexual contact whatsoever?
It may seem unbelievable, but cases of virgin pregnancies have been reported all over the world, leaving many to wonder if it’s genuinely possible. With this in mind, we are currently looking into an event resembling this remarkable phenomenon.
Latest incident from Sri Lanka
In the Hettipola area of Sri Lanka, there is a serious discussion going on regarding the pregnancy of a 13-year-old girl.
She was taken to the hospital for treatment of abdominal pain, where it was discovered that she was pregnant.
What’s intriguing is that even though she is pregnant, medical tests have confirmed that she is still a virgin. Moreover, several medical examinations have revealed that she has not had sexual intercourse.
This phenomenon has led to discussions about past religious and cultural beliefs about virgin pregnancies. People are intrigued and curious, trying to understand how this could have happened.
Historical Readings on Virgin Pregnancy
Throughout history, many myths and legends have been created around the concept of virgin pregnancy, often with strong religious or cultural beliefs.
One well-known example is the story of the Virgin Mary in Christian theology. According to tradition, Jesus was conceived in Mary’s womb without sexual intercourse, which was considered a miracle of God.
Similarly, Greek mythology tells of Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war, who was born without a mother from her father’s head, Zeus. And in Hindu mythology, Goddess Durga was created without intercourse to defeat a powerful demon.
It’s worth noting, however, that while such stories have endured for centuries, science tells us that virgin pregnancy is not a biological possibility for humans. In fact, a survey conducted in 2013 found that only 0.5% of women could identify virgin pregnancies.
Despite this, there have been rare cases where women claimed to have become pregnant without any sexual activity.
For instance, a 19-year-old girl named Samantha Leanne Isabel in America was referred for treatment of abdominal pain and was found to be five weeks pregnant.
However, a study of her case revealed no scientific explanation for her pregnancy, leading some to speculate that it may have been a rare and unexplained phenomenon.
Scientific traditions of culture
In certain parts of the Eastern world, there is a prevalent custom amongst the older generation where young women who have reached puberty are not allowed to bathe or wear a boy’s dress.
This practice also encompasses the taboo of using towels or sarees belonging to male family members or elders.
Although some may consider it a superstition, it is essential to understand the scientific and medical facts surrounding such customs, particularly about the possibility of virgin pregnancy.
Medical professionals have identified three ways in which pregnancy can occur: sexual intercourse, pregnancy without intercourse, and pregnancy caused by semen coming into contact with the vagina without intercourse.
However, it is essential to note that the risk of pregnancy without intercourse is shallow.
03 ways pregnancy can happen
It is a well-known fact that although sperm in semen cannot survive for long in average ambient temperatures if it falls on the vaginal opening during ejaculation, there is a higher chance of it remaining viable.
The fluid nature of the vaginal opening allows the sperm to travel from the mouth of the vagina to the uterus through the fallopian tubes and possibly lead to pregnancy. However, doctors have indicated that the chance of such a pregnancy is minimal.
Doctors have discovered that there is a small hole in the hymen located inside the vagina that allows menstrual blood to exit.
Through this hole, sperm can enter the vagina without damaging the hymen. It is also possible for sperm to enter the vagina through a stained garment, and pregnancy can occur during the woman’s ovulation period.
The third method is insemination, which is done through technical procedures. Although pregnancy resulting from a non-sexual encounter is an extremely rare event, it is scientifically recognised as not impossible.
Unfortunately, many people are not yet ready to accept this medically-accepted truth, and educating the public on this topic has become challenging. This lack of understanding and knowledge about sex education is problematic.
It is in this context that good sex education is essential. By providing adequate sex education, parents can ensure their children receive the necessary information and attention.
Responsibility and accountability
The story of a young girl in Sri Lanka who experienced a traumatic incident is a heart-wrenching reminder of the importance of mental health care.
Despite her young age, she has already faced unimaginable suffering, and it’s essential to recognise the potential long-term effects of such trauma on her mental health.
Organisations must take action by identifying and addressing any injustices that the girl or her family may face due to societal attitudes.
The girl is now pregnant, adding to the complexity of the situation. This only further emphasises the need for a compassionate and supportive response from society as a whole. It’s everyone’s responsibility to ensure that the girl’s future is not bleak but full of hope and opportunity.
In addition, Sri Lanka is currently grappling with the issue of sex education. Policymakers need to prioritise evidence-based policies and practices when it comes to educating young people about sex and relationships.
This includes a comprehensive approach that addresses the biological, psychological, and social aspects of sexual health. By taking a thoughtful and informed approach to sex education, Sri Lanka can help prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
