Where did "virginity" come from?

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

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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ROM-COM VOM SEASON 11 SPONSORS: Lion's Den, Uberlube, Magic Wand, & Arya. Get discounts on all of DB’s favorite things here!

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FOR SEXUAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS Check out DB's workshop: "Building A Profitable Online Sexual Health Brand"

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)

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