They were also asked about how connected they felt to their partner, including whether they felt respected and loved, and how they felt afterwards.
The volunteers, who answered the questions anonymously, were then asked to fill in an online diary detailing any s*xual experiences they had over the next fortnight.
They were also asked how they would rate their s*xual relationships overall.
In more than two-thirds of cases, the volunteers said they were in a relationship when they lost their virginity.
Analysis of their answers showed that those who were most emotionally satisfied the first time still found their s*x lives the most fulfilling. The same was true of physical satisfaction.
A better first time also tended to lead to fewer feelings of disappointment, the Journal of s*x & Marital Therapy is to report.
Researcher Carrie Smith, of the University of Mississippi, said:
‘These results suggest that one’s first-time s*xual experience is more
than just a milestone in development.
‘Rather, it appears to have implications for their s*xual well-being years later.’Co-researcher Matthew Shaffer, of the University of Tennessee, said that while the study doesn’t prove that a better first time makes for a better s*x life in general, a person’s experience of losing their virginity may set the pattern for years to come.
‘The happier the experience initially, on the whole, the happier in future