Study finds having sex earlier in life ages you faster

By Lauren Wilkin

A 2026 study has revealed the earlier you "lose your virginity," the faster you age later in life.

Data shows the average age at which people have their first sexual encounter in the UK is 16 — the legal age of consent.

Now, the extensive research, published in the Healthcare and Rehabilitation journal, has analyzed data from more than 300,000 people of European ancestry with varying ages at first sexual intercourse (AFS).

They then looked at six key indications of aging:

• Overall healthy aging
• Frailty
• Longevity
• Parental lifespan
• Healthspan
• Self-rated health

Those with a tendency toward earlier sexual intercourse also had a tendency toward greater frailty, shorter lifespans, shorter parental lifespan and worse overall aging scores.

However, the research did not identify a specific "safe" or "risky" age to first have sex. It simply proved that earlier experiences were linked to poorer aging.

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When getting to the bottom of this relationship, researchers said, "The impact of early sexual initiation on aging is a multi-pathway process," as they identified many different explanations behind the findings.

The study says that those with early sexual experiences are more likely to experience mental health problems and "risk-taking behaviors."

These include smoking, substance use and poorer lifestyle habits.

Interestingly, they also noted a higher likelihood of chronic diseases.

Most notable was chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which researchers hypothesized was linked to long-term smoking and other harmful exposures.

All of these factors then contribute to greater frailty and poorer health later in life, contributing to accelerated aging.

The research is quick to point out that early sexual experiences do not directly impact the body. Instead, they are likely to indicate a life trajectory with greater exposure to health risks.

Researchers say their findings show how essential sexual education is among teenagers, as well as mental health support.