The age at which you lost your virginity may be more than just a milestone in adolescence.
A study has revealed that it can also affect how you age.
Scientists from China’s Shandong University surveyed almost 400,000 Britons about the age when they first had sex to investigate their genetic predisposition to ageing outcomes.
The results revealed that those who lost their virginity at a young age are more at risk for several risk factors.
This includes frailty, miserableness, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Lead author Kaixian Wang said: ‘Our findings suggest that the timing of first sexual intercourse may be connected to aging through multiple psychological, behavioral, and disease-related pathways.
‘Nonetheless, our findings do not mean a single behavior determines a person’s future health.
‘Instead, they highlight how early-life experiences may cluster with mental health challenges, chronic disease risks, and functional decline over time.’
The age at which you lost your virginity may be more than just a milestone in adolescence. A study has revealed that it can also impact how you age
The results revealed that those who lost their virginity at a young age were more at risk for several risk factors. This includes frailty, miserableness, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Previous studies have shown that losing your virginity at a young age is associated with a higher risk of sexually transmitted infections.
However, how this experience influences you much later in life has remained a mystery.
Writing in their study, published in Healthcare and Rehabilitation, the researchers explained: ‘Aging, as the terminal event of the life course, encompasses physiological function decline, chronic disease accumulation, and changes in health status.
‘However, whether AFS [age at first sexual intercourse] has a causal impact on aging remains unclear.’
To get to the bottom of it, the researchers surveyed 397,338 Britons about the age when they first had sex.
They then compared their answers to the participants’ genetic predisposition to ageing outcomes, including sedentary behaviour, cognitive performance, frailty, and vision and hearing.
The results revealed a key link between age of first sex and several ageing factors.
‘Frailty index, miserableness, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder appeared to play especially important roles,’ Dr Wang said.
The findings come shortly after a YouGov poll revealed that the average age for a person to lose their virginity in Britain is 17
While the reason for this link remains unclear, the researchers have several theories.
‘This may be attributed to elevated risks of unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, substance abuse, and physical health conditions during adolescence and adulthood, which are closely linked to earlier sexual intercourse, and can significantly compromise life expectancy and elevate aging-related vulnerabilities,’ they suggested.
Based on the findings, the researchers are calling for better sexual education around the world.
Corresponding author Long Sun said: ‘Prevention and intervention across the life course may help reduce later health disadvantages and promote healthier aging.
‘Our findings further affirm the value of early sexual health education and broader support for adolescents who may be at higher risk.’
The findings come shortly after a YouGov poll revealed that the average age for a person to lose their virginity in Britain is 17.
The survey of 2,588 Britons found that 3 per cent lost their virginity when they were 13 or younger, while 5 per cent were over 25.
Meanwhile, the same poll found that the average Briton has four sexual partners in their lifetime.
‘This figure is higher among men (5) than women (3) and highest among those in their forties and fifties (6),’ YouGov explained.
