Sexual initiation among women from vulnerable social sectors in four Argentinean provinces

The article examines the timing and context of sexual initiation based on a survey of 1571 female adolescents and young women (18 to 24 y.o.) in three Argentinean provinces and the metropolitan area of Buenos Aires. Firstly, we describe the age at which sexual debut took place for different generations. Then, we analyze the role played by family, school and romantic relations in precipitating or delaying sexual initiation. Finally, we describe the circumstances of debut, including type of relation with partner, use of contraception, and the role played by school, family and peers regarding information on sexuality and contraception. We compare the experience of adolescents and young women to identify generational changes in the timing and context of the transition to sexual initiation.