Virginity
Updated:Virginity is a term used to describe a person who has never engaged in sexual intercourse. Historically and culturally, it has often been associated with a person's moral character or worth, but these are social constructs not based in biology. The concept of virginity is complex, subjective, and means different things to different people.
Additional Information
There is no medical or scientific definition of virginity, and it does not have a verifiable physical indicator. The presence or absence of a hymen is not a reliable sign of virginity, as hymens naturally have openings and can be stretched or torn from non-sexual activities.
The concept of "losing" one's virginity often refers to penile-vaginal intercourse, but this excludes many sexual acts and orientations. Virginity is a social construct shaped by cultural and religious beliefs. Many people today prefer the term "sexual debut" to describe their first sexual experience.
Examples
Someone who has never engaged in penetrative vaginal sex may consider themselves a virgin.
A person's sexual debut or "loss of virginity" may involve oral sex, manual stimulation, or other acts, depending on their definition.