Scientists uncover surprising traits of people who've never had sex

"Yet a new study suggests that for more than 400,000 adults worldwide, sexlessness is a reality, linked to a range of genetic, environmental, physical and mental factors. Researchers analyzing data from over 400,000 UK adults and 13,500 Australians found that men who had never had sex tended to have lower grip strength and smaller arm muscles. However, both men and women without sexual experience were more likely to be highly educated, introverted and exhibit higher cognitive ability."

"Certain mental health traits were more common among sexless individuals, including autism spectrum disorder and anorexia, while depression, anxiety and ADHD were less prevalent. Physical markers, such as wearing glasses at an earlier age, were also noted. Brendan Zietsch, associate professor at The University of Queensland, penned in The Conversation: 'Wearing glasses at an early age, and other stereotypically 'nerdy' features, may affect adolescent dating experiences. 'This, in turn, may affect one's romantic confidence into adulthood.'"

Data from 405,117 British individuals of European descent and 13,500 Australians included 3,929 adults who reported never having vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse. Analysis of 251 traits across mental health, sleep, exercise, substance use, risk-taking, cognition, general health, and occupation identified 148 traits significantly associated with lifelong sexlessness, with 35 traits explaining at least one percent of variation. Common associations included higher education, introversion, higher cognitive ability, lower alcohol or drug use, fewer social visits, less mobile phone use, and physical markers like early eyeglass use. Men without sexual experience showed lower grip strength and smaller arm muscles. Certain mental-health profiles such as autism spectrum disorder and anorexia were more prevalent, while depression, anxiety and ADHD were less common.

Read at Mail Online