Shandong Study Links Sex Before 17 to Poorer Aging as Gen Z Delays First Intercourse
Updated
Updated · Bored Panda · Jun 12
Shandong Study Links Sex Before 17 to Poorer Aging as Gen Z Delays First Intercourse
3 articles · Updated · Bored Panda · Jun 12
Summary
Shandong University researchers found earlier first sexual intercourse was associated with less favorable aging, including higher frailty, chronic illness and mental health problems later in life.
Using genetic data from people of European ancestry, the team applied Mendelian randomization to test likely cause-and-effect links between age at first sex and later health and longevity measures.
The study tied younger sexual debut to markers including COPD, ADHD and "miserableness," and said risks such as unintended pregnancy, sexually transmitted disease and substance abuse may help explain the relationship.
Researchers cautioned that one behavior does not determine future health and said broader studies are needed, but argued early sexual-health education and adolescent support could reduce later disadvantages.
The findings land as sexual activity is falling among younger Americans: the CDC said the average first intercourse age is 17, while only 30% of Gen Z teens reported having had sex in 2021.