What is virginity?

The word ‘virgin’ means one who has not had sexual intercourse, which may be verified by an intact hymen. However, a girl whose hymen is intact may have had intercourse; whereas a girl who has never had intercourse may not have an intact hymen. The idea of chastity and virginity needs to be clarified. There are virgin individuals who are not chaste and chaste individuals who are not physiologically virgin.

Is it a fact that girls who menstruate early also tend to begin intercourse early?

No. The timing of coitus depends upon individual sex drive, situational factors and sociocultural background.

Does pre-menstrual tension affect sexuality?

Yes, it does. Women tend to become irritable with associated symptoms such as nausea, backache and breast tenderness. There is a feeling of discomfort in the pelvic region and, at times, there may be emotional disturbances and varying degrees of depression. In some, however, it is found that the sex drive is enhanced, perhaps resulting from increased pelvic congestion, insufficient to cause discomfort but sufficient to cause intense pelvic ‘awareness’.

Do oral contraceptive pills prevent pre-menstrual tension?

Yes, oral contraceptive pills do prevent premenstrual tension in about 50% and painful periods in over 90% of the women.