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Source: CDC Surveys; WHO, 1997; AGI, 1995.
Slide 14
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Among unmarried youth who are sexually active, the average
age of first intercourse is well below the average age of marriage.
In most countries, boys report having sexual activity at a much
younger age than girls, according to surveys from the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization
and others.
In Latin America, among sexually active youth ages 15 to 19,
males begin sexual activity at age 14 to 16, while females report
first intercourse at age 16 to 18, depending on the country.
In comparison, the average age of first marriage for Latin American
women is 19 to 22. In two Asian countries, the Philippines and
Thailand, males begin sexual activity at age 16 to 17, compared
to age 17 to 18 for females. The nationwide age of marriage
for women in these countries is 21 to 22. In North America,
for males, the average age of first intercourse is 16.6, compared
to age 17.4 for females. The average age of marriage for women
is 24.3.
In sub-Saharan African countries, data from the Demographic
and Health Surveys indicate that the majority of unmarried adolescents
have been sexually active. The figures vary widely by country.
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