[The age at first intercourse has been stable since the 1960s, and early coital debut is linked to sexual risk situations].

This article reviews the 17 most robust Danish studies performed 1944-2006, in which coital debut was included as a specific variable. Women and men born before 1920 had their first sexual intercourse at the mean age of 21 and 20 years, respectively. Today, however, the median age of debut for both sexes is 16 years. The decrease in coital debut age culminated in the late 1960s, and no major changes have since occurred. Early debut is linked to sexual risk-taking and sexually transmitted infections. One fourth of current Danish adolescents do not use any protection at their sexual debut, and strengthened preventive measures are still needed.