Twentysomething Virgins Risk Later Sex Problems

Starting sexual activity in 20s linked to dysfunction later
By Colleen Barry,  Newser Staff
Posted Nov 30, 2007 4:04 PM CST
Twentysomething Virgins Risk Later Sex Problems
   (Index Stock)

People who wait to have sex until their 20s or beyond are more likely to suffer from sexual dysfunction later in life, scientists say. In particular, men who lose their virginity in their 20s tend to experience later sex-related troubles, ABC News reports. The delay doesn't necessarily cause the difficulty, according to a new study: "Men with sexual problems may avoid sexual interactions and consequently start later."

Still, sexuality experts, while noting that having sex too early carries problems of its own, said the study could be provocative. "It suggests that sexual experimentation is a normal developmental process, and when this process is inhibited or not guided, there can be poor sexual health outcomes," said one. The conclusions come from a study in the American Journal of Public Health. (More sexual health stories.)

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