Sexuality in Adolescence (Ages 12 to 19)
10
Hormonal changes during puberty bring about a dramatic increase in sexual interest. Whether this results in sexual activity is individually determined.
If children have not begun masturbating before adolescence, they likely will begin this normal activity once the hormonal and physical changes of puberty start. Masturbation is less common among women than men and more common among Whites than Blacks, Hispanics, or Asians.
The average age for first intercourse has dropped in the past decade, to 17 years, with a significant percentage of teens being sexually experienced by the time they graduate high school.
The experience of first sexual intercourse, sometimes also referred to as sexual debut, often carries enormous personal and social meaning. The loss of virginity oftem symbolizes an important milestone of adolescent development.