The relationship between first sexual intercourse and ways of handling contraception among college students.

Abstract

An investigation to determine the relationship between sexual behavior and means of handling contraception at first sexual intercourse was undertaken of never-married college men (594) and women (551). 75% of all men and 65% of all women had had sexual intercourse. Data indicated that men had their first intercourse at a younger age with less affection and were less likely to repeat intercourse again with their first partner than women. The majority of both sexes were unreliable contraceptors at first intercourse. Among women the level of affection for the first partner had no effect on contraceptive reliability. Older men at first sexual intercourse were more reliable contraceptors than younger men. Age appears to be the determining factor. Reliability towards contraception was unaffected by whether men had affection or no affection for their sex partners. The best explanation for lack of contraception during first intercourse is that it was unexpected. This reflects societys attitude toward sexuality. This study suggests that there is an inadequate basis for judging the extent to which variations in contraceptive behavior are directly ascribed to sexual socialization.