Understanding Late-Life Virginity: Insights into Genetic, Psychological, and Social Factors

Recent research from renowned institutions such as Karolinska Institutet, the Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics in Germany, and Amsterdam UMC in the Netherlands has provided new insights into late-life virginity—adults who have never engaged in sexual intercourse. Published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the extensive study involving over 400,000 participants from the UK and Australia highlights that being a lifelong virgin is influenced by a complex interplay of psychological, social, and genetic components.

The study found that approximately 1% of UK adults aged 39 to 73 reported never having had sex. Interestingly, this group tended to have higher education levels, lower alcohol and tobacco use, but also experienced greater loneliness, nervousness, and reported lower happiness compared to their sexually active counterparts. Dr. Laura Wesseldijk of Karolinska Institutet emphasized the importance of romantic and sexual relationships as key sources of emotional support, noting that their absence can increase feelings of isolation and reduce well-being.

Further findings indicated that, for men, physical strength and regional sex ratios played a significant role, with higher rates of sexlessness observed in areas with greater income inequality. Genetic analyses showed that about 15% of the variation in sexual inactivity could be attributed to numerous genetic variants, each with tiny effects. Notably, one genetic variant linked to sexlessness has been decreasing in frequency over the past 12,000 years.

This research sheds light on a relatively understudied phenomenon—late-life virginity—by exploring its prevalence and contributing factors. The findings are valuable for sexologists and mental health professionals, offering a comprehensive understanding of how social, psychological, and biological factors shape sexual behavior in later years.

The study utilized a range of methodologies, including phenotypic and geographical analyses, genome-wide association studies, polygenic scoring, and examinations of ancient DNA, to explore both modern and historical facets of sexlessness. While the study enhances our understanding, it recognizes limitations such as the inability to distinguish between voluntary and involuntary virginity.

Overall, the results underscore that lifelong sexual abstinence is rarely due to a single cause but rather a complex interaction of various influences. Mapping these factors paves the way for further research into human sexual behavior, health, and evolution, deepening our comprehension of one of humanity’s most fundamental aspects.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-late-life-virginity-genetic-psychological.html