Between the ages of 20 to 24, there are more men than women who are virgins. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that in this age range, 12.3% of females are virgins, compared to 14.3% of men. It is also reported that the average age in which Americans lose their virginity is 17.1 for both men and women.
The reasons for delaying vaginal sexual intercourse, the definition used to define virginity in the heterosexual community used for the CDC study, are many. Christian beliefs, fear of contracting a sexually transmitted disease, or an unwanted pregnancy can prompt a delay in sexual relations.
For men, it can often be that they suffer from extreme shyness, social anxiety disorder or anxiety about their bodies.
Childhood physical or sexual abuse, and emotional abuse can also lead to sexual abstinence. Then too, there are the people who may have a low sex drive cause by hormones, or even a lack of interest in sex, as is seen with asexuals.
Whatever the cause, Dr. Aline Zoldbrod, a sex therapist in Boston, cites the following things parents can do to promote healthy attitudes in children about sex:
- Encourage sexual curiosity
- Answer questions about sex in age-appropriate ways
- Respect and cultivate privacy
- Respect and cultivate independence
- Talk about sex with your children
- Openly demonstrate affection with your spouse
To hear the story of the 30 year old virgins, who waited until their wedding night to have sex, listen to The Joan Jerkovich Show this Saturday @ 6am or Sunday @ 8pm on News Radio 1150 KSAL! Also, listen to the 26 year old virgin, Jay, tell his story.
Excerpts for this blog were taken from an article by Jon Fortenbury titled, “On ‘Late’-In-Life Virginity Loss”.
Joan Jerkovich, BCC
Board Certified Life Coach
Click HERE to anonymously send Joan your question!
