Virginity: Everything You Need to Know

The term “virgin” is usually used to describe someone who hasn’t had sexual intercourse, but what it means can vary depending on culture and personal views. Research shows it might also include different kinds of sexual activity.
There’s no reliable way to tell if a woman is a virgin just by examining her body. The best evidence suggests that asking the person is the only real way, but this can raise privacy concerns.
Talking about a woman’s virginity can come across as disrespectful, especially if it’s done without her consent or in a way that feels shaming. This topic is controversial in many cultures.
Men caring about whether a woman is a virgin might be tied to cultural norms, personal preferences, or expectations about loyalty. Studies suggest this focus could reflect double standards about gender.
Instead of seeing a woman’s “virginity” as something that defines her worth, it’s better to view it as a personal choice—because that’s exactly what it is.

A girl is selecting sanitary napkins in the supermarket

Virginity is a word that sparks curiosity, debate, and even emotion across cultures and individuals. Commonly understood as the state of never having had sexual intercourse, virginity is more than just a physical status—it’s a concept shaped by history, society, and personal beliefs. But what does it really mean to be a virgin? And why does it matter to so many people?

In this article, we’ll unpack the topic of virginity from multiple angles: its cultural significance, its health implications, and its emotional weight. Whether you’re here to learn for yourself or to better understand someone else, we’ve got you covered with clear, trustworthy information.

Table of Contents

What Does It Mean to Be a Virgin?

A virgin is typically defined as someone who has not engaged in sexual intercourse¹. Simple enough, right? Well, not quite. What counts as “sexual intercourse” can differ depending on who you ask. For some, it’s strictly penile-vaginal penetration. For others, it might include oral or anal sex. This flexibility shows that virginity isn’t a universal checkbox—it’s a personal and cultural idea.

Historically, virginity has been tied to notions of purity and value, especially for women². Think of the white wedding dress, often seen as a symbol of a bride’s untouched state. Yet, as Wikipedia’s entry on virginity points out, these meanings have shifted over time, and today, many challenge the idea that virginity defines a person’s worth.

Cultural and Societal Views on Virginity

Virginity has been a big deal in many cultures for centuries. In some societies, it’s been celebrated as a sign of purity or moral strength—particularly for women. In traditional weddings, for instance, a bride’s virginity might be highlighted as a gift to her husband³, reflecting deep-rooted ideas about honor and exclusivity.

But let’s flip the coin. Not every culture puts virginity on a pedestal. In some places, sexual experience is just a natural part of growing up, no judgment attached. And for people in the LGBTQ+ community, virginity can take on entirely different meanings, since traditional definitions often assume heterosexual intercourse.

Why Do Some Men Care So Much?

There’s an old saying: “Men want to be a woman’s first love, while women want to be a man’s last.” This hints at a cultural trend—some men place a high value on a partner’s virginity⁴. Why? It’s not just about purity. For some, it’s about possession—a desire to be the only one to “mark” their partner. Historically, this mindset grew stronger in male-dominated societies, like during Japan’s medieval Kamakura era, where virginity became a status symbol for women under men’s control⁵.

Poet and feminist Yosano Akiko once called this obsession a one-sided male fantasy, arguing it’s more about men’s insecurities than women’s choices. She’s got a point—studies suggest some men fear comparison to past partners, worrying they won’t measure up⁶. But here’s the reality check: this “virginity complex” isn’t universal, and it’s fading as societies evolve.

Media’s Role

Movies and TV don’t help. They often paint virgins as either saints or punchlines—think of the awkward teen in a comedy or the pure heroine in a drama. These stereotypes can pile on pressure, making people feel they’re either “behind” or “above” everyone else based on their sexual status.

Health Aspects of Virginity

Let’s talk facts: being a virgin doesn’t mean you’re off the hook for sexual health. You don’t need to have intercourse to catch certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs)—some, like herpes or HPV, can spread through skin-to-skin contact or oral sex⁷. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stresses that everyone, virgin or not, should know the basics of staying safe⁸.

Health Tips for Virgins

Know your body: Learning about sexual health isn’t just for the sexually active—it’s for everyone.
Consent is king: Whether it’s your first time or not, any sexual activity should feel right for both people involved.
STIs aren’t exclusive: Virginity doesn’t shield you from all infections, so awareness matters.
Be ready: If you’re thinking about sex, take time to consider your emotional and physical comfort.

Health experts agree: deciding to become sexually active isn’t about rushing to meet someone else’s timeline. It’s about you, your values, and your readiness.

Psychological and Emotional Sides of Virginity

Virginity can weigh heavily on the mind. Ever felt judged for being “too old” to still be a virgin? Or pressured to lose it just to fit in? You’re not alone. Society often sends mixed messages: “Stay pure!” but also “Hurry up!” This tug-of-war can spark anxiety or self-doubt.

For some men, there’s a flip side—they might feel more forgiving toward a partner who’s a virgin, thinking, “She chose me first.” But for others, the fear of being measured against past lovers looms large. Women, meanwhile, rarely judge men the same way, showing how uneven these expectations can be.

What the Research Says

A study found that virginity-related pressures can push people into risky choices or mess with their mental health⁹. The takeaway? There’s no “perfect” time to lose your virginity—only your time.

Busting Virginity Myths

Let’s clear up some confusion:

Myth: You can tell if someone’s a virgin by looking at them (or their hymen).
- Truth: Nope. The hymen can stretch or tear from sports, tampons, or nothing at all. No physical test proves virginity—check out Healthline’s take on this.
Myth: Virginity is only about straight sex.
- Truth: It’s personal. People of all orientations define it their own way.
Myth: Losing it changes everything.
- Truth: It might feel big, or it might not. It’s just one moment, not your whole story.

In short, judging a woman’s character by “whether she is a virgin” is a completely wrong idea. A woman’s value should be determined by her whole life rather than by a certain standard.

The Bottom Line

Virginity is a puzzle with many pieces—culture, health, emotions, and more. It’s been praised, debated, and overhyped, but at its core, it’s just one part of who you are. Whether you’re a virgin by choice, circumstance, or timing, your value doesn’t hinge on it.

So, what does virginity mean to you? There’s no wrong answer—just your truth. Stay informed, trust yourself, and let your choices reflect what matters most to you.