Those Who Have Sex Later May Experience More Sexual Dysfunction, But There are Risks To Starting Early Also
New sexual development research indicates that young people who lose their virginity at a relatively later age, from around 21 to 23, may be more likely to experience sexual dysfunction problems later.
According to researchers at Columbia University and the New York State Psychiatric Institute’s HIV Centre for Clinical and Behavioural Studies, men who lose their virginity in their 20s, in particular, seemed to be more likely to experience sexual problems that include difficulty becoming sexually aroused and reaching orgasm.
The increase in sexual problems was also seen in those who had a comparably earlier sexual debut. And the researchers were quick to point out that there isn’t enough evidence to say for sure whether waiting to have sex necessarily leads to sexual dysfunction down the road.
“Our results do not allow for causal interpretations,” the study authors write.
Rather, they note in the study, there may be factors common to both the delay of sexual activity and the onset of sexual dysfunction—for example, they write, “Men with sexual problems may avoid sexual interactions and consequently start later.”
For women, she said, the message that “good girls” should not engage in or enjoy sex may cause women to shut down sexually, leading to dysfunction. For men, the opposite message—that “real men score”—may lead to negative mindsets both among those who lose their virginity early and those who become sexually active only later—mindsets that impact their ability to perform sexually.
