While sexual problems have historically been associated with an older crowd, new research is finding that young adults are being afflicted with problems, too.
Researchers enlisted 114 boys and 144 girls ages 16 to 21 to fill out an anonymous online questionnaire asking frank questions about their sex lives. The questionnaire tasked the participants with assessing their sexual function; for example, problems achieving an erection, difficulty ejaculating, or problems with sexual desire.
The study found that the participants reported extensive sexual experience, and that most of the subjects were heterosexual and in committed relationships. Over half of the participants reported experiencing sexual problems, and half of the respondents admitted to being significantly distressed about their problem.
“Sexual problems are clearly prevalent among adolescents, and distressing to many who experience them,” the researchers wrote in their study.
While previous studies have examined the issues of sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies amongst adolescents, there have been few studies into sexual issues. Consequently, not much is known about the sexual problems facing teenagers.
Despite the average teenager beginning to have sex at 16, there is very little information available for young adults about sexual issues.
“Adolescents need to be provided with youth-friendly information about how to deal with sexual problems,” the researchers concluded.
Evan Hopkins is a 24 year old writer operating out of Atlanta, GA. When he isn’t writing, he enjoys reading books, drinking coffee, and folk music.