The age of her first time and first child would be a combination of genetic, social and environmental factors.
- The study uncovered hundreds of additional genetic markers that shape some of the most fundamental milestones.
- Those who are genetically inclined to postpone sexual intercourse or the first birth are said to have better health outcomes and better longevity.
- Having a first time early is linked to health problems, such as cervical cancer and depression.
The study of certain genetic variants would make it possible to know in advance some of the major stages of life. British researchers from the University of Oxford and Cambridge have identified 371 sex-specific genetic variants that would indicate the time of first sexual intercourse and the first child. Their results were presented on 1er July in the magazine Nature Human Behavior.
Genes that may indicate longevity
Several previous studies have revealed the importance of socio-economic, environmental factors and level of education as factors that can predict the timing of reproduction. In this research, the scientists wanted to understand whether genetics also plays a role. They searched the entire human genome for a relationship between reproductive behavior and a particular genetic variant. They combined multiple data sources to look at age at first sex and at birth. They then calculated a genetic score explaining about 5 to 6% of the variability in the average age at first sexual intercourse or first child.
“Our study has uncovered hundreds of additional genetic markers that shape some of the most fundamental stages of our lives and have the potential for a better understanding of infertility, end-of-life diseases and longevity.says Melinda Mills, lead author of the study. We were intrigued to find literally hundreds of new genetic variants, but also to discover a relationship with drug addiction, personality traits such as openness and self-control, ADHD and even predictive of certain diseases and longevity.”
Healthier people delay their first sexual intercourse later
These results confirm that reproductive age is a combination of genetics, social predictors and environment. “It was amazing to see that the genetics underlying early sex and fertility were linked to behavioral disinhibition, like ADHD, but also drug addiction and early smoking.says Melinda Mills. Or those genetically inclined to postpone sex or first birth had better health outcomes and longevity, linked to higher socioeconomic status during childhood.”
Genetic factors that determine reproductive behavior are strongly linked to later diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. “It’s exciting that the genetics underlying these reproductive behaviors can help us understand diseases later in life.adds the researcher. Starting your sexual journey early is rooted in childhood inequality, but also has links to health issues, such as cervical cancer and depression. We found particularly strong links between early sexual debut, ADHD and substance abuse. We hope our findings will lead to a better understanding of adolescent mental and sexual health, infertility, later illnesses, and treatments to help them..”
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