Like a virgin, city croons

Some women opt for hymenoplasty with their mother's blessings because Bangalore is, in many ways, still very conservative

Virginity is a big issue for Bangaloreans.

After hundreds of would-be brides were reportedly forced to undergo virginity tests for a mass marriage ceremony organised by the Madhya Pradesh government, MiD DAY finds out what the scene is like in Bangalore.

Dr Mala Prakash, gynaecologist:
"Before marriage, many couples come over to get tested for hepatitis, blood group and now, due to the growing awareness about sexually transmitted diseases, a lot of people come in for an HIV test, if they have been sexually active.

"I have seen cases where women come to get their hymen repaired if they are from a conservative background and sexually active. Hymenoplasty is the solution if these girls are not getting married to the man they have been sleeping with."

Dr Jaya Bhat of Manipal Hospital:
"I have not come across cases of hymenoplasty. Couples do come for tests before marriage but it's basically for contraceptive methods and queries on when to start a family. We even test them for hepatitis, rubella, toxo plasmosis and blood grouping. When it comes to STDs, the couple comesu00a0 together if they are going steady or if the marriage is fixed."

Dr Lindaa Talwar, Sankarambal Nursing Home:
"While mostu00a0 couples come to ask about contraception methods, there are even cases of girls coming to get their hymen repaired. Strangely, mothers who know their kids are sexually active get them to go in for hymenoplasty. The cases are rare, however, and I have hardly come across 6 to 7 cases in my experience.

"Most of them do not come because hymenoplasty is expensive and can cost anywhere between Rs 25,000 and Rs 50,000 and many girls are unaware that something like this exists."