Advice

Virginity, or being a virgin, is when you haven't had sexual intercourse (sex). You 'lose your virginity' when, and only when, you have sex for the first time. This usually refers to penetrative penis in vagina, heterosexual sex.

The average age of first (heterosexual) intercourse is 16 in the UK. It was 21 in the 1950s.

What is it?

Being a virgin, big V, chastity, cherry

What is it?

Virginity, or being a virgin, is when you haven't had sexual intercourse (sex). You 'lose your virginity' when, and only when, you have sex for the first time. This usually refers to penetrative penis in vagina, heterosexual sex.

The average age of first (heterosexual) intercourse is 16 in the UK. It was 21 in the 1950s.

How do I know if I'm still a virgin?

If you've had sex - then you are no longer a virgin.

Even if your penis was only inside her for a second

Even if he didn't ejaculate (come)

However, masturbating, using tampons or being fingered by someone else doesn't mean you've lost your virginity.

Nor does the presence of our hymen tell if we're a virgin. Our hymen can break long before we've had sex. Some hymens don't break even after penetrative intercourse.

When should I lose my virginity?

If you're under the age of consent, it's illegal. Other than that, you shouldn't have sex until you're certain that you're ready for it. This could be when you're relatively young, or at any time in your life. Whatever feels right for you.

Don't do anything until you're clued-up on safe sex and you understand what sex is all about. If you aren't sure you're ready, you're probably not, no matter how old you are or however long you've been with your boyfriend.

What if none of my friends are virgins?

It's difficult when you feel like you're inexperienced compared to your friends, but try not to let it get you down.

You're an individual and you shouldn't let what other people do stop you from doing what's right for you.

The earlier we start having sex, the less likely we are to use contraception. And the more likely we are to have many casual partners, get STIs and unwanted pregancies. Plus we're less likely to do well at school.

According to a survey of sexually active young people ages 12 to 17*

• Sixty-three percent of sexually active adolescents reported wishing they had waited longer before becoming sexually active.
• Seventy-eight percent of all adolescents surveyed believed adolescents should not be sexually active.
• Eighty-nine percent of those surveyed would advise their own brother, sister or friend not to have sex until at least after finishing secondary school.