Where did "virginity" come from?

Where did "virginity" come from?

Author: Danielle Bezalel, MPH: Sex Educator | Pleasure Expert February 21, 2025 Duration: 12:13

It's a concept we all grew up with, and it's certainly shaped the way Hollywood tells stories about sex, but have you ever stopped to ask where the idea of virginity even came from? In this bonus episode, DB breaks down the history of virginity as a social construct, how it's been used to control women, and why the hymen was never a reliable "proof" of anything.

What would sex look and feel like if it wasn't about losing something? Let's rethink the way we talk about first-time sex!

Mentioned in this episode:

"The 40 Year Old Virgin": The Bro Comedy That Hates Women

Planned Parenthood on Virginity

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ABOUT THE SHOW
Sex Ed with DB is your go-to podcast for smart, science-backed sex education—delivering trusted insights from top experts on sex, sexuality, and pleasure. Empowering, inclusive, and grounded in real science, it's the sex ed you've always wanted.

SEASON 11 TEAM
Creator, Host & Executive Producer: Danielle Bezalel (DB)
Producer: Sadie Lidji
Communications Lead: Cathren Cohen
Logo Design: Evie Plumb (@cliterallythebest)


You have questions about pleasure, intimacy, and your own body that feel too complex or awkward to ask out loud. Sex Ed with DB: smart, science-backed sex education is the space where those questions are not only welcomed but explored with depth and clarity. Hosted by Danielle Bezalel (DB), a sex educator with a Masters in Public Health, this podcast moves beyond basic biology to address the real, often unspoken, aspects of our sexual lives. Each episode is built on a foundation of credible research and compassionate insight, dismantling the myths and shame that so often accompany these topics. You’ll hear DB in conversation with leading experts, therapists, and researchers, translating their knowledge into practical advice you can actually use. Whether it’s navigating communication with a partner, understanding your own desires more fully, or simply seeking a more confident and joyful connection to your sexuality, this series provides a trustworthy guide. The tone is direct, inclusive, and refreshingly free of judgment, meeting you exactly where you are in your personal journey. Tune in for a re-education that focuses not on what’s wrong, but on what’s possible for a more fulfilling and informed intimate life.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Sex Ed with DB: smart, science-backed sex education
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