The pros and cons of sex before marriage can be highly subjective depending upon the person answering this request. Obviously, those who've lost their virginity before marriage would say that it really doesn't matter (being a virgin or not). On the other hand, those who've been virgins until they got married would say that it really matters and it was the right thing to do. Personally, I've come across both sets of people. To come back to the topic, what are the pros and cons?

PROS:

1. Experience: This is the most obvious pro that I can think of. You'd most definitely have a headstart over the uninitiated as regards to matters of sex and the art of satisfying your partner. There is no debating the fact that the more you do it, the better you get at it. You'd learn a trick or two or more when it comes to satisfying the opposite sex. Obviously, this would come in handy in making your first night a memorable one (especially for your partner).

2. Gratification: Obviously, choosing to remain celibate can be frustrating and unfulfilling. Therefore, the other apparent pro would be that you would be content and have a sense of fulfillment. Good sex obviously destresses you and perhaps makes you perform better (this is questionable).

CONS:

1. The most obvious con, on the other hand, is that you risk contracting any of the varied venereal diseases. Of course, there is the risk of catching HIV/AIDS too. Now, some might think that a condom might nullify the risks of catching those. However, it would be pertinent to note that not all sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can be prevented by using condoms. So, there is a risk of contracting STDs even with the regular usage of condoms.

2. Another con could be that you would perhaps compare your partner's sexual performance with that of an ex. Now, you may have had mindblowing sex with an ex, but if your spouse isn't anywhere close to matching that performance, can you bring yourself to live with that reality. Would you perhaps feel like wanting to go back to that ex (just once perhaps)? I would think the temptation would hang over your head constantly, wouldn't it? Now, that surely wouldn't be healthy for your marriage.

In closing, I would say - to each his/her own. I certainly wouldn't call a person choosing to remain a virgin "foolish." I would respect that decision totally. In fact I would admire a person making such a decision. It takes a lot of discipline to remain a virgin and if that is what the person has chosen to, well good for them I say. I wouldn't want to pressurize them, make fun of them, belittle them or goad them into losing their virginity. I don't think there is anything abnormal in wanting to remain a virgin until marriage.