Development of Sexual Behavior

Stages of Development: Adolescence

Erotic Behavior 3

World-wide, the average age of the first sexual intercourse now lies between 17 and 18 years, and in some Western countries it is much lower. The exact figures vary from one country to another, but there is a general trend towards an earlier start. In the 1950’s, the average age of first coitus was still around 21 but already then began to fall. The introduction of the contraceptive pill in the 1960’s and the “sexual revolution” in the 1970’s only reinforced this tendency. One also has to keep in mind that all over the world both girls and boys reach puberty at an ever earlier age, and that in many countries the age of marriage keeps going up. This means, among other things, that young people are less likely to wait until they are married before they begin sexual intercourse. In view of this, the current statistics are hardly surprising.

Average age of first sexual intercourse (girls and boys)
In selected countries
Source: Durex Global Sex Survey 2004 In selected European countries
Source: IPPF European Network 2006