A prospective comparison of young women's first and later coital experiences: The influence of sexual interest and love on protective behaviors

Purpose: First coitus is considered a major transitional event imbued with cultural relevance. Research has focused on classifying women as virgins with the primary interest in pregnancy and STI prevention and less on sexuality. This study prospectively explored young women's sexual interest, love, and protective behaviors at first and later coitus.

Methods: Longitudinal daily diary data were collected about young women's sexual health (N=387; 14-17 years at enrollment). Variables of interest—sexual interest, love, and contraceptive and disease prevention behaviors—were analyzed utilizing multinomial logistic regression and ANOVA.

Results: For first coital events, love and sexual interest were reported about ‘half of the day' with sexual interest significantly higher on the day of first coitus compared to day after (p=.042). For later coitus, feeling in love was significantly higher compared to first coitus and higher with use of no method over condoms. About 50% (23/41) of first events and 30% (4082/14,230) of later events were condom protected (X2=13.42, df=1, p<0.001). Condom use was significantly more likely than no method at first compared to later coital events (OR: 9.69). Dual method use was reported in 5% of events with no method use more frequent (40% of first, 60% subsequent events).

Conclusions: The results indicated that sexual interest and love are independent components of coital behavior. Yet the results also suggest that young women's first coitus does not fully capture the expected significance of ‘losing one's virginity.' Thus, at first coitus women can actively engage in protective behaviors and focus on pleasure.