Sexual initiation for heterosexual individuals in northern Chile

Abstract

This article reports on a study conducted in northern Chile that examined first sexual intercourse and its characteristics, especially prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Using a psychosocial approach, the author assessed sexual initiation experiences of heterosexual men and women ages 18 to 69. Interviews showed that Chilean men constructed themselves as desiring subjects and women as without desire, reproducing cultural images of male and female sexuality. Women gave more importance to affection as a precondition for sex, although the number of women whose sexual initiation was motivated by curiosity has increased. The author found age synchronization of young Chilean men’s and women’s age at sexual initiation but, in contrast to trends in other Western countries, no greater early initiation in younger generations. Results suggest that effective approaches to preventing pregnancy and STDs in Chilean youth would emphasize contraceptive use for men and sexual relationship management for women.