Virginity is the state of a person who has never engaged in sexual intercourse. Like chastity , the concept of virginity has traditionally involved sexual abstinence. The concept of virginity usually involves moral or religious issues and can have consequences in terms of social status and in interpersonal relationships. The term virgin originally only referred to sexually inexperienced women, but has evolved to encompass a range of definitions, as found in traditional, modern and ethical concepts. The word virgin comes via Old French virgine from the root form of Latin virgo , genitive virginis , meaning literally "maiden" or " virgin " [11] —a sexually intact young woman or "sexually inexperienced woman". As in Latin, the English word is also often used with wider reference, by relaxing the age, gender or sexual criteria.
Breaking the Hymen: 6 Facts and Myths About Virginity
What happens when you lose your virginity? Facts and myths
In a recent interview on the podcast Ladies Like Us , rapper T. What T. Across the world, women are subjected to these tests to determine everything from whether they can go to school or get married. The procedure, which is based on dubious science, is not medically necessary, and can be psychologically damaging.
The concept of female "virginity" has a complicated history, and has often been incorrectly linked to breaking the hymen. Bleeding after intercourse was thought to be proof of an unbroken hymen, and thus, proof that a woman had not had sex before. The reality, however, is that the state of your hymen has nothing to do with sexual activity.
Losing your virginity is a unique experience. It can be hard to know just what to expect. What will it feel like, when should you do it, and how can you stay safe during your first time?