While some boys will talk as though they've had plenty of sexual experience when they actually haven't, there are also some boys who will say they're virgins when they're not. How do you know for sure if a boy is a virgin when there is no physical, tangible way to tell? There are some behaviors that may point to a boy being a virgin, but when it comes down to it, trusting what he says on the matter may be the most reliable thing you have.

Can You Actually Tell?

Plenty of myths exist regarding how you can spot a male virgin, but these myths are largely just that - myths. They don't take into account the individual boy and his personality traits. The only absolutely reliable way to find out if a boy is a virgin is to ask him and he responds honestly. Unfortunately, there is no way to ensure he's being truthful.

Myth: Only Virgins Brag About Their Conquests

Lying about sexual history is not exclusively a male phenomenon. Many people make claims to have had more intimate encounters than they have actually had. Some people who boast about having sex do so because they did have sex and prefer not to be discreet. On the other hand, some people make claims of sexual conquests in an attempt to fit in. It can be tough to tell if he's lying or not, so consider what you know about him. Would it be completely out of character for him to lie about something?

Myth: A Bad Kisser Must Be a Virgin

Just because a boy isn't a very good kisser, it doesn't necessarily point to a designation of virginity. Keep in mind that perhaps his previous sexual partner didn't want to hurt his feelings, so they didn't mention anything about the less-than stellar kisses. Or perhaps he just has a different kissing style from what you prefer. Bad kissing is no guarantee of virginity.

Myth: If He's Shy About Touch, He's a Virgin

It's entirely possible for a boy to be nervous or shy about touching his partner even though it's not his first time. It may be that his first sexual encounters were brief or perhaps even unwanted, making him apprehensive about sexual contact in general. Just because a boy doesn't eagerly grope at his partner does not mean he's a virgin and this is his first time.

Myth: Concern About Consent Equals Virginity

Gaining consent before intimate contact is respectful and considerate - it's also becoming the norm in a society where nobody wants to later be called out as a sexual aggressor. If a boy consistently asks for consent from you before taking anything further, it does not mean he's a virgin. He may be a boy with ample sexual experience who quickly learned that partners are more receptive when they feel in control of the situation.

How to Ask

Since asking and receiving an honest response is the only way to know if a boy is a virgin or not, it's good to go into the conversation prepared to hear the answer. In other words, don't get angry if the answer isn't what you wanted to hear.

Young couple lying on blanket on lakesideSOURCE

Give No Expectations

Don't set the boy up for failure by revealing what you want the answer to be before you even ask. For example, don't say, "I've always hoped to one day marry a virgin. Are you a virgin?" or "I'd never want to take away someone's virginity. You're not a virgin, are you?" because phrasing it this way may compel him to give you an expected answer instead of the truth.

Set No Guidelines

Presenting your question alongside your own sexual history may backfire as he wants to match you. It's not a good idea to phrase the question along the lines of, "I've never had sex. You haven't, right?" or "You will be my fourth sexual encounter. What number will I be for you?" because both versions make certain assumptions and can make for an uncomfortable moment.

Justify Your Reasons

It really isn't your business if any boy is a virgin or not unless you're in a relationship with him and intend to become intimate eventually. Asking a male classmate if he's a virgin for no reason beyond your curiosity is not only inappropriate - it's rude. But if you have plans for intimate contact, you are well within your right to ask about sexual history (and if he's been tested for STDs). If this is the case, tell him you need to know what he's done in the past before you're willing to move forward. If he makes claims of being a virgin but you don't believe him, ask yourself if he's really someone you want to be intimate with if you can't trust him.

His History

A boy's sexual history may be a painful subject for him. Not wanting to talk about it doesn't automatically point to virginity - it may point to emotional trauma or simply discomfort with the topic. As a sexual partner, however, you are entitled to know about his previous sexual encounters; you don't have to hear all the details, but you should know enough to decide how much of a risk you'd take by being with him.

They contain important micro and macronutrients and have shown up in their fair share of scientific studies.

However, the nutrition profile of raw eggs and the nutrition profile of cooked eggs have some marked differences, including the fact that eating raw eggs or foods containing them raises concerns about the risk of contracting a Salmonella infection (1Trusted Source).

Here are some of the health benefits — and health concerns — around eating raw eggs.

Raw eggs are nutritious

Just like cooked eggs, raw eggs are extremely nutritious.

They’re rich in:

high-quality protein

healthy fats

vitamins

minerals

eye-protecting antioxidants

various other nutrients

One whole, large raw egg contains (2Trusted Source):

protein: 6 grams

fat: 5 grams

magnesium: 6 mg (1% of your Daily Value)

calcium: 28 mg (2% of your DV)

phosphorus: 99 mg (8% of your DV)

potassium: 69 mg (1% of your DV)

vitamin D: 41 IU (5% of your DV)

In addition, one raw egg contains 147 mg of choline (27% of your DV), an essential nutrient that has been shown to positively impact brain function. Choline may play a role in heart health as well (3Trusted Source, 4).

Raw eggs are also high in lutein and zeaxanthin. These important antioxidants protect your eyes and may reduce your risk of age-related eye diseases (5Trusted Source).

It’s important to note that almost all of these nutrients are concentrated in the yolk. The egg white mostly consists of protein.

SUMMARY

Raw eggs are nutrient-dense and packed with protein, good fats, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that protect your eyes, brain, and heart. The yolks contain most of the nutrients.

Raw eggs may decrease protein absorption

Eggs are one of the best sources of animal protein out there.

In fact, they contain all 9 essential amino acids. For this reason, they’re often referred to as a “complete” protein source (6Trusted Source, 7Trusted Source).

However, according to one very small, much older study, eating the eggs raw may decrease your absorption of these quality proteins.

The study compared the absorption of protein from both cooked and raw eggs in 5 people and found that 90% of the protein in cooked eggs was absorbed, while only 50% of the protein in raw eggs was absorbed (8Trusted Source).

This issue with absorption is something to consider if eggs are your main source of protein, but the size and date of the study make it impossible to draw any real conclusions.

SUMMARY

It’s possible that your body will not absorb the protein in raw eggs as well as the protein in cooked eggs, but more research is needed.

Raw egg whites may hinder biotin absorption

Biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin, also known as vitamin B7.

This vitamin is involved in your body’s production of glucose and fatty acids. It’s also important during pregnancy (7).

While egg yolks provide a good dietary source of biotin, raw egg whites contain a protein called avidin. Avidin binds to biotin in the small intestine, preventing its absorption. Because heat destroys avidin, this is not an issue when the egg has been cooked (7, 8Trusted Source).

In any case, even if you eat raw eggs, it’s highly unlikely it will lead to actual biotin deficiency. For that to happen, you would need to consume raw eggs in large amounts every day (9Trusted Source).

SUMMARY

Raw egg whites contain the protein avidin, which may block the absorption of biotin, a water-soluble B vitamin. However, it’s unlikely to cause deficiency unless you eat a lot of raw eggs.

Raw eggs can be contaminated with bacteria

Raw and undercooked eggs may contain Salmonella, a type of harmful bacteria (10Trusted Source).

Salmonella contamination can happen in one of two ways:

either directly during the formation of an egg inside the hen

indirectly when Salmonella contaminates the outside of the egg and penetrates through the shell membrane

Indirect contamination can happen during the production process, during handling, or during food preparation (10Trusted Source).

Consuming contaminated eggs can cause food poisoning.

Symptoms of Salmonella food poisoning include stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. These symptoms usually appear 6 hours to 6 days after contracting an infection and may last 4 to 7 days after eating the food contaminated with the bacteria (1Trusted Source).

Between 1995 and 2002, eggs were identified as the source of 53% of all cases of Salmonella reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In 2013, it was estimated that Salmonella caused around 1 million instances of illnesses in the United States (11Trusted Source, 12Trusted Source).

Pasteurization is one method that is often employed to prevent the possibility of Salmonella contamination. This process uses a heating treatment to reduce the number of bacteria and other microorganisms in foods (13).Trusted Source

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) considers it safe to use in-shell raw eggs if they are pasteurized (14).

SUMMARY

Raw eggs may contain a type of pathogenic bacteria called Salmonella, which can cause food poisoning. Using pasteurized eggs lessens the possibility of contracting a Salmonella infection.

Salmonella infection can be riskier for certain people

While most people who experience Salmonella food poisoning get better quickly, there are people who are at a higher risk for contracting an infection and who may have more severe symptoms.

Those who are older, pregnant, living with a compromised immune system, and young children should avoid eating raw eggs and foods that contain them — especially if the eggs have not been pasteurized (10Trusted Source, 14).

SUMMARY

Young children, pregnant people, older adults, and those living with compromised immune systems should avoid eating raw eggs.

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How to minimize the risk of bacterial infection

According to the CDC, there are a few ways you can minimize the risk for contracting a Salmonella infection (1Trusted Source):

Buy pasteurized eggs and egg products, which are available in some supermarkets.

Only buy eggs kept in the refrigerated food section of the grocery store.

Keep eggs refrigerated in your home. Storing them at room temperature may induce rapid growth of harmful bacteria.

Don’t buy or consume eggs past their expiration date.

Get rid of cracked or dirty eggs.

Wash hands and anything else that may have come into contact with raw eggs.

While all of these steps help, one of the best ways to eliminate the risk of contracting Samonella is to cook eggs thoroughly.

SUMMARY

Buying pasteurized and refrigerated eggs can lower the risk of contracting a Salmonella infection. Proper storage and handling after you purchase them is also important.

The bottom line

Raw eggs have many of the same nutritional benefits as cooked eggs.

However, protein absorption may be lower from raw eggs, and the uptake of biotin may be prevented.

Most concerning is the risk of raw eggs being contaminated with bacteria leading to the potential contraction of a Salmonella infection. Buying pasteurized eggs will lower your risk for infection.