Researchers at Aarhus University have observed a shift in sexual behavior among young men that warrants closer public health attention. In a study published in the Journal of Bioethics, the researchers note a rise in the share of men aged 18 to 24 who have not engaged in sexual activity within the past year. Using data from the periods 2000-2002 and 2016-2018, the study finds an increase from about 19% to 31% in this group. The same trend does not appear among women, and similar patterns have emerged in other investigations as well.
Concurrently, there is evidence that a growing portion of men report multiple sexual partners. The report cites a notable change in the distribution of sexual partnerships over time. For instance, among heterosexual men in the United States, the most sexually active 5% of individuals recorded an average of 38 partners in 2002, a figure that rose to about 50 by 2012. During the same period, the overall number of partners among heterosexual women remained relatively stable. A few researchers have tracked comparable dynamics in diverse populations, suggesting a broader pattern rather than isolated cases.
Commentators on the data underscore a striking inequality in sexual partnerships that mirrors patterns seen in wealth distribution within highly unequal economies. They argue that such uneven access to sexual relationships can have implications for public health, potentially affecting mental and physical well-being. The conversation acknowledges that sexual activity, or its absence, can influence stress levels, social connectedness, and overall health outcomes, though the precise mechanisms may vary across individuals and cultures.
The trend toward fewer intimate encounters among some groups is not confined to a single country. For example, in Finland, the share of men who reported difficulty finding partners appeared to rise between the early 1990s and mid-2010s, hinting at a broader European context that warrants sustained examination. In framing these findings, researchers emphasize the importance of considering social, economic, and cultural factors that shape dating norms, access to dating markets, and attitudes toward sexual activity. The evolving landscape invites policy makers, educators, and health professionals to consider how these shifts may affect sexual health education, mental health support, and access to inclusive prevention resources for diverse populations. Overall, the studies call for ongoing monitoring, careful interpretation, and actions that address potential health risks while respecting personal autonomy and differences in behavior across communities.