First coitus for adolescents: understanding why and when

Correlates of initiation of coitus for teenagers were examined, and participants were asked their reasons for initiating or postponing the onset of coitus.

Questionnaires were completed privately by 218 patients aged 13 to 18 years. Questions explored the reasons adolescents cite for their sexual decisions and the role of peer influence in these decisions.

Correlation was noted in young teenagers between perception of peer sexual behavior and participant's initiation of coitus. Reasons stated for engaging in first intercourse reflect both active choices and loss of control. Reasons for refraining included fear of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, lack of developmental readiness and opportunity, and social sanctions. Morality was cited infrequently as a reason for postponing sexual behavior.

Results suggest that sexuality education should address the direct and curious questions of younger teenagers about sexuality, help youth define strategies that they can use to evaluate and resist peer pressure, and give more generalized attention to ways of helping youth feel competent. Physicians and other health educators might focus on helping older youth define how and when they know they are ready to have intercourse, consider ways of expressing sexuality that do not jeopardize health, and improve communication skills when talking with friends and potential partners about sexual issues.