[Sportschosun Reporter Jang Jong-ho] A study has found that the earlier a person’s first sexual experience occurs during adolescence, the more vulnerable they may be to aging.
Researchers at Shandong University in China analyzed health data from about 397,000 people in the United Kingdom and reported a correlation between the age of first sexual intercourse and aging-related health indicators. The study was recently published in the international journal Healthcare and Rehabilitation.
According to the study, people who had sexual experiences at an early age, from the late teens to before the early 20s, were more likely to face a range of health vulnerabilities in later life.
These included physical frailty, mental distress, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
The researchers explained, "The findings show that childhood experiences may cluster into mental health problems, chronic disease risks, and functional decline."
Until now, many studies have linked early sexual activity to a higher risk of sexually transmitted infectious diseases (STIs), but its impact on health in middle and older age has not been clearly established.
In response to the findings, the researchers suggested that a combination of factors may have been at work, including increased risks of unintended pregnancy, sexually transmitted infectious diseases, substance abuse, and various physical illnesses during adolescence and adulthood. They said these factors could lower life expectancy and increase vulnerability to aging.
The researchers emphasized the importance of expanding early sex education and strengthening support policies for adolescents.
They added, "This study confirms the need for early sexual health education and broader support for high-risk adolescents."
Meanwhile, according to a survey by the National Evidence-based Healthcare Collaborating Agency, the most common age range for first sexual experience among Koreans, for both men and women, was 20 to 24. About 65.9% of men and 57.4% of women reported having their first sexual intercourse during this period. Some respondents said they had their first experience at age 19 or younger, including 8.9% of men and 6.0% of women.
Jang Jong-ho, bellho@sportschosun.com
