Regaining Virginity: Is it Really Possible?

Before we get started, keep in mind that virginity isn’t a one size fits all concept. Its meaning can change depending on the time period, culture or even the individual involved. It’s a grey area that helps us to understand why the idea of ‘becoming a virgin again’ is both controversial and fascinating.

Virginity is often associated with having one’s first sexual relation, but its meaning can vary enormously. For some, it’s linked to vaginal penetration, for others not at all.

The hymen- often considered as the ‘proof’ of a woman’s virginity- is actually simply a piece of tissue located at the vaginal opening, that can stretch or tear in a number of different ways: when doing sports, when inserting a tampon, or simply due to the way your body is. Contrary to popular belief, it is not a trustworthy indicator of virginity.

In social and cultural contexts, virginity is sometimes idealised, other times it’s stigmatised. In some traditions, it’s a gauge for purity and moral aptness, whereas in other contexts, losing one's virginity is seen as a rite of passage. These two opposing ideas show us to what extent discussions around virginity are extremely subjective.

There are people out there looking to ‘become a virgin again’, and they sometimes turn to medicine to achieve their goal.

• Hymenoplasty: this is a form of surgical intervention that consists of reconstructing the hymen in order to recreate that ‘first time’ feeling. It is practiced in some countries, however it raises a lot of ethical questions. This procedure can cost around £3,000 and, like any form of surgery, is not without risks.
• Temporary artificial solutions: capsules or gels that are supposed to make it look like one is experiencing a light bleed during penetration. It’s questionable whether these options are reliable, although they give the impression of an intact hymen. Their use can also pose health risks.
• Vaginal exercises and toning up: some people associate ‘being a virgin again’ with feelings of tightness. In this case, pelvic floor exercises (like kegel exercises) can serve as a natural way of recreating sensations similar to one’s ‘first time’, without resorting to surgery.

These methods, however, raise a core question: why do some people want to erase past intimacies? Do they do it for themselves, their partner, or due to outside influences?

Becoming a virgin again can also be seen in a symbolic light. It’s not necessarily about going backwards, but more so offering oneself a fresh start.

Some people feel like this is needed after going through a breakup, a toxic relationship or a traumatic experience. Rediscovering sexual ‘innocence’ can be done through rebuilding one’s self esteem, rediscovering one’s body and reappropriating one’s pleasure.

This internal rebirth can sometimes be a lot more significant than reconstructing the hymen as it builds a path towards conscious, freeing and decisive sexuality.

‘Becoming a virgin again’ isn’t born out of nothing. Societal, familial or religious pressures carry a lot of weight. In some contexts, female virginity remains associated with a woman’s honour or value, pushing some people to resort to radical solutions.

Within relationships, the question may emerge: does one need to prove that their past is pure enough in order to be loved? The answer resides within communication, trust and mutual respect. Couples must work together on redefining what it means to ‘share a first time’, as this can help to nourish a healthy relationship in which they do not need to conform to outer pressures and norms.

So, is it possible to become a virgin again? From a physical point of view, the answer is complex and often artificial. But on an intimate and symbolic level, it’s a very real possibility. Becoming a virgin again can mean taking hold of one’s sexual history, starting a new chapter of one’s life, and freeing oneself from the weight of judgement.

Virginity isn’t a fixed state. It’s up to the individual to decide what they see it as: a step in life, a memory, or a fresh start.