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Virgins at age 26: who are they?
Marion Meuwly1, Joan-Carles Suris1, Diane Auderset1
1Research Group on Adolescent Health, Department of Epidemiology and Health Systems, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Route de la Corniche 10, CH 1010 Lausanne, Switzerland.
Sexual Health
|August 18, 2021
Summary
About 5.3% of young adults remain virgins, with males and those reporting poorer health being more likely to be so. Reasons for virginity vary by gender, highlighting the need for health professionals to address sexual inactivity.
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- Public Health
- Psychology
Background:
- Studies on virginity among young adults are limited.
- This research investigates the characteristics, motivations, and implications of virginity in young adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the demographic and psychosocial characteristics of virgin young adults.
- To identify the reasons cited for remaining virgin.
- To examine the social and health implications associated with virginity in young adults.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the 2017 Swiss study on sexual health and behaviour among young adults.
- Analyzed a sample of 5175 participants, categorizing them as virgin or non-virgin based on sexual history.
- Defined virginity as never having had a sexual partner.
Main Results:
- 5.3% of participants were identified as virgins, with males being more prevalent.
- Virgins reported poorer health outcomes and lower engagement in social activities and substance experimentation.
- Key reasons for virginity included not finding the right partner (females) or not having the opportunity (males).
Conclusions:
- Virginity affects approximately 1 in 20 young adults, often associated with fewer adolescent experimentations and greater health challenges.
- Gender-specific reasons for virginity suggest stereotyped responses.
- Health professionals should consider sexual inactivity in young adults to ensure well-being and facilitate open dialogue.
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