Virginity

What is virginity?

Virginity is the the state of never having had sexual intercourse.

Tampons and virginity

A common question asked by young girls and teenage girls is "Am I still a virgin if I wear a tampon?". A virgin is someone who has never had sexual intercourse. Using a tampon will not take away your virginity.

Girls who are virgins usually have a hymen. A hymen is a very thin piece of skin-like tissue that stretches partly across the opening of the vagina. Some virgins do not have a hymen. A girl who is a virgin may have torn her hymen in a way that has nothing to do with having sex. For example, it is a girl may have torn her hymen while horseback riding, falling on a bike, inserting a tampon, strenuous exercise, gymnastics, dancing, and using a menstrual cup.

Why some teens wait to have sex

Some teens are waiting longer to have sex. Some teens wait because they don't want to worry about unplanned pregnancy. Others wait because they don't want to increase their risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease. Some teens don't have sex because their religion prohibits it . Other teens may recognize that they aren't ready emotionally and they want to wait until they're absolutely sure they can handle it.

Deciding when to have sex

When it comes to sex, remember that you are ultimately the person in charge of your own happiness and your own body; and you have a lot of time to wait until you're totally sure about it.

Confused about sex

If you feel confused about decisions related to sex, you may be able to talk to an adult (like a parent, doctor, older sibling, aunt, or uncle) for advice. Everyone's opinion about sex is different and even though another person may be able to share useful advice, the decision is up to you.

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