Age at Sexual Debut and Subsequent Sexual Partnering in Adulthood Among American Men

Abstract

This study examined the association of sexual debut and sexual partnering among men in the United States aged 21 to 44 years who participated in the 2006-2010 National Survey of Family Growth. Age at debut was categorized as <15 years, 15 to 17 years, and ≥18 years to permit comparison with previous research. Sexual partnering was defined as being concurrent, serial monogamist, or monogamist in prior year. Eleven percent reported concurrent partnerships and 6% serial monogamy. Sexual debut <15 and 15 to 17 years was associated with concurrency (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] < 15 = 2.22; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.37-3.61; aOR 15-17 = 1.69; 95% CI = 1.05-2.74). Irrespective of age at sexual debut, interventions to reduce risky lifetime number of partners may prevent risky sexual behavior in early adulthood and later in life.