Many people nowadays are uncomfortable talking about topics related to sex. For them, it is some kind of taboo to openly engage in these types of discussions. However, sex education is important for growing teenagers, especially if it is about knowing what the ideal age to have sex is.
We all know that consent is very important when engaging in sexual intercourse, but aside from that, through a scientific lens, when is the right time to have sex? In this article, we discuss the right age ( physiologically) for both men and women to have sex, what are the changes in our body that signify this, and most especially, how to know when you are mentally and physically ready for it.
What Is the Ideal Age To Have Sex?
In reality, engaging in sexual intercourse is purely based on one’s own decision. The most important thing to consider is whether there is consent or not because that is really the most important part when deciding to have sex.
There are scientific studies, however, that show changes in the body that could signify biological maturity. These changes only tell us when the optimal time to engage in sexual intercourse with minimal health risks and higher chances of fertility. Aside from that, the ideal age for sex also covers when the person is already psychologically mature and fully understands sex and its consequences.
For Women
We all know that the legal age for both men and women is 18. The body starts developing during puberty (around ages 9 to 15), but both men and women are not yet fully developed emotionally and mentally during this period of puberty. For women, studies show that the most ideal age to have sex is around 20 to 25 years old.
Around this time, the female body has already fully matured, as well as their thinking. Moreover, women around this age range are shown to be the most fertile. Of course, there are still other factors when it comes to fertility, but it is from ages 20 to 25 when females have the highest chances of conceiving.
Women lose some healthy eggs as they age older. This means that around ages 30 and above, there will be a lesser chance of them conceiving a baby. Along with that, their body also starts to become less suitable for pregnancy. They might experience more complications like stillbirth, premature delivery, and other birth defects to the baby.
For Men
Just like women, men also need to become emotionally and mentally mature to understand sex and everything that comes along with it. Also like women, men’s sperm count decreases as they grow older.
However, this decline comes at a much later age, around 40 years old and later. It is important to note still that there are other factors that might affect one’s fertility and not just age. Young men below the age of 17 who engage in sex might get overwhelmed with the experience.
Statistics also show that those younger men tend to not use any type of protection, especially condoms. This increases the chance of these young men having sexually transmitted diseases (STD). Of course, there is also a higher chance of teenage pregnancy happening. That is why it is important to first be capable of fully understanding sex and everything in between before engaging in the act.
Key Takeaways
Like most people will tell you, the ideal age to have sex is the age when you are responsible enough to understand the possible consequences of it. If we are only looking at the biological perspective of this, as soon as your body undergoes puberty, that signifies that your body is ready to reproduce.
But sex is more than just that. We also have to develop both our emotional and mental capabilities to know fully understand what we are getting into. You can be 20 and still be not ready for sex. Just know that we all have our own pace and understanding of when we think is the right time. We should respect our partners if they’re ready and have them respect your decisions as well. The most important thing to remember is to ask for consent.
If you need to understand this topic further, consult your doctor or trusted peer or parent.
Learn more about Sexual Wellness here.
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