One day, she was constipated, so I decided to use a baby laxative. To this day, I feel so worried about her.
As I was putting the laxative in, I have a feeling (but I am not sure) that the laxative went in the vaginal area. There was a little blood on the laxative and I am very concerned. After that incident, I haven't and won't use laxatives on her again.
Also, there has never been any blood after that incident. I would like to know: could it have interfered with her virginity at such a young age?
Answer
In this counseling answer:
As there have been no further problems or issues with her health, I kindly advise you to relax.
Insha’Allah, you may want to read books or listen to some webinars about body anatomy.
You may also ask your child’s doctor for some good material to read.
Administering medication for constipation in the anus or for an infection in the vagina does not interfere with one’s virginity. For a girl/woman, virginity is defined as one who has not had sex. It has nothing to do with the hymen.
As salamu alaykum,
I am sorry to hear of your difficulty in administering a laxative to your daughter. As a parent, it can be challenging to know what to do when our children get sick, especially if we are not familiar with the condition or specific body parts.
Confusion in Applying Medication
In your daughter’s case, she was constipated and you used a baby laxative. That is what most parents do in addition to increasing fluid intake such as water and adding more vegetables and fiber to the child’s diet. However, as there was blood on the laxative tubing you are concerned. Additionally, you are not sure if you put the medication in her vagina or anus.
Consulting a Physician or Pharmacist
It is a good practice to consult a child’s pediatrician or even the pharmacist in cases where one is not sure of the correct way to administer medication.
Parents may feel shy to ask as it may seem like a simple treatment, but if you’re not sure, asking is the best thing to do.
Life is a constant learning process and we learn by asking questions, observing, and practicing.
This is especially true when we have children!
Knowing the Body
In addition to consulting your child’s pediatrician, knowing basic body anatomy will greatly help when treating a sick child.
It appears that there was some confusion as to which part of her body that the laxative went in. You were not sure if it was the anal or vaginal area. By becoming familiar with body parts, it takes the guesswork out of “what goes where”.
When giving children medication it is important to know body anatomy. When we know the basics about the body, how it works and which opening does what, it makes it easier to look for signs and symptoms of infections or problems. It also increases confidence that medication is administered in the right location.
Concerns About Medication Administration
Sister, in your case you were not sure if the medication went into your daughter’s rectum or vagina. It may be that it went in the correct place which would be the rectum because it appears to have worked for her and it did not harm her.
You did not state if she had any other symptoms or issues afterward thus she is likely okay. If the medication went into her vagina, there probably would have been a different reaction, I’m not sure as I am not a doctor.
If it went into the vagina instead of the anus, her constipation would have still been present and you may have seen leakage of the medication from the vagina.
Blood on the Medication Applicator
Sister, you are still concerned because there was a little blood on the laxative applicator. This could have happened because of a small tear or injury prior to you administrating the medication. Perhaps your child was straining to go to the bathroom and developed a little fissure or tear in the rectum tissue.
You may have caused a small tear in the rectum when you inserted it. Either way, as it has been six months, your daughter appears to be healed and doing well!
Virginity
As there was blood, you are worried that administering the medication it has affected or interfered with her virginity.
Sister, I am confused as to why you would think that she would no longer be a virgin, or that her status of virginity has changed.
Administering medication for constipation in the anus or for an infection in the vagina it does not interfere with one’s virginity. For a girl/woman, virginity is defined as one who has not had sex. Having sex means that a penis enters the vagina/anus.
As this did not happen, sister, there is nothing that you should worry about concerning this.
Conclusion
Sister, I am sure that your daughter is all right. As there have been no further problems or issues with her health, I kindly advise you to relax, know you did your best, and that your daughter is okay!
Insha’Allah, you may want to read books or listen to some webinars about body anatomy, how a child’s body changes with growth, as well as how to treat simple common childhood health issues.
You may also ask your child’s doctor for some good material to read.
Parenthood is challenging at times but by asking questions and learning, we somehow make it through!
You sound like a wonderful mom and your daughter is blessed to have such a caring and concerned parent.
We wish you the best.
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Disclaimer: The conceptualization and recommendations stated in this response are very general. They are purely based on the limited information provided in the question. In no event shall AboutIslam, its counselors or employees be held liable for any damages that may arise from your decision in the use of our services.
