Incels have long dominated discussions on loneliness and sex, but a broader trend shows that young women are increasingly choosing to abstain. According to the National Survey of Family Growth, nearly 13% of young adult women between 22 and 34 years old haven’t had sexual intercourse in the past year – up from just 8% in 2013. Their reasons range from global anxiety over political upheavals like Roe v Wade’s overturning to a desire for autonomy.

Online, the language of choice is evolving: terms such as 'femcel' and 'boys sober' have emerged, reflecting a collective shift towards celibacy. The phenomenon has caught the attention of media outlets, which recently spoke with three prominent figures who are embracing this lifestyle: Dominique Silver, a former porn star turned advocate for celibacy; Lynn Saga, an ex-Mormon YouTuber and demisexual activist; and an ambitious entrepreneur who is saving herself for marriage. Each shares their unique perspective on why they have chosen to abstain.

Silver, now a trans woman and former Pornhub brand ambassador, cites her experiences in the adult film industry as a catalyst for her decision to take a break from sex. ‘Every person you sleep with, you take a little piece of them,’ she says, emphasizing the need for personal space and comfort before diving into relationships. Meanwhile, Saga’s journey to acceptance as an asexual reveals that many women no longer find themselves needing men in the same way they once did.