Untrue myths about virginity

In many cultures, virginity, particularly among women, has been associated with special powers, for example, the power to effect medical cures on other people, the powers of self-denial, self-sacrifice and self-discipline and military prowess.

In Zimbabwe from 1995 on, the myth that sexual relations with a virgin woman can cure a man of AIDS has been disastrously exacerbating the spread of AIDS.