Researchers find an association between age of first intercourse and divorce

A recent study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family indicated that there is a strong association between early intercourse and divorce, especially when teens were not sure if they wanted to have sex.

According to the study's results, 31 percent of women who had sex for the first time as teens divorced within five years and 47 percent terminated their marriage within 10 years. However, the divorce rate for women who delayed sex until later in life was significantly lower - 15 percent at five years and 27 percent at 10 years.

The researchers said that some circumstances associated with having sex as a teen, such as having a higher number of sexual partners throughout life and unwanted pregnancy, may be indirectly related to this group's high divorce rate.

The findings showed that 31 percent of women who had an adolescent sexual debut had premarital sex with multiple partners, compared to 24 percent of those who waited until they were at least 18. Furthermore, 25 percent of participants who lost their virginity at a young age became pregnant before they were married, while only 10 percent of those who waited did.