The age someone first has sex could be linked to how they age decades later, according to new research.
Researchers at China’s Shandong University analyzed data from nearly 400,000 people in Britain to examine whether age at first sexual intercourse was associated with aging-related health outcomes.
Their findings suggest that people who had sex at a younger age may face a higher risk of age-related health issues later in life, including frailty, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and what researchers described as “miserableness,” the Daily Mail reports.
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.”
Linked to biological aging
The research, published in “Healthcare and Rehabilitation,” notes that aging involves a gradual decline in physical function, the accumulation of chronic diseases, and overall changes in health, according to VT. Researchers said it has remained unclear whether age at first sexual intercourse plays a direct role in that process.
To better isolate the relationship, the team compared participants’ reported age at first sexual intercourse with their genetic predisposition for a range of aging-related outcomes, including frailty, sedentary behavior, cognitive performance, and vision and hearing.
“Frailty index, miserableness, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder appeared to play especially important roles,” Wang said.
“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.”
Previous research has also linked earlier sexual activity with a greater risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections.
The study’s corresponding author, Long Sun, said the findings reinforce the importance of comprehensive sexual education.
“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.”
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