A prospective study of the sexual, emotional, and behavioral correlates associated with young women's first and usual coital events.

CONTEXT

First coitus is considered a major transitional event imbued with cultural relevance. Research has focused on classifying women as virgins, with primary interest in pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection prevention and less on sexuality. This study prospectively explored young women's sexual interest and love at first and subsequent coitus.

METHODS

Daily diary data were collected during a longitudinal study of young women's sexual health (N = 387; 14-17 years at enrollment). Variables of interest included sexual interest, love, and contraceptive and disease prevention behaviors. Analysis of variance and multinomial logistic regression were utilized.

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. Condom use was nine times more likely than no method at first compared to later coital events. For subsequent coitus, feeling of being in love was significantly higher compared to first coitus, with average sexual interest and love significantly higher with use of no contraceptive method over condoms. Condoms were associated with higher feelings of being in love, but lower sexual interest compared to hormonal contraception.

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.