New research suggests that alcohol and first sexual experiences should not mix.

Researchers from the University of Buffalo claim that woman were more at risk for problems such as sexual assault,  and this risk may persist in her future, if her first sexual experience involved alcohol.  

"Drinking to intoxication places adolescent females at increased risk through exposure to high-risk sexual partners found in drinking contexts such as parties. These partners may be significantly older, more aggressive, not well-known or substance users themselves," researcher Jennifer Livingston said in a statement. "Over time, these young women continued to use alcohol in conjunction with sex, which further exposed them to high-risk partners. In these contexts, there is less discussion of birth control and greater risk of sexually transmitted diseases, sexual assault and unintended pregnancy."

For the study, researchers collected and analyzed data from more than 200 women ages 18 and 20. Participants were asked about their sexual experiences and drinking habits.  The average age the women began drinking was 14 and the average age for first sexual intercourse was 16.

The study showed that sexual experiences involving alcohol were most likely to occur outside the context of a relationship (a "hook-up"), with a partner who was also using substances and after a social gathering involving alcohol. Alcohol-involved first experiences were less planned, less desired and rated more negatively overall than those not involving alcohol, which usually occurred in the context of a romantic relationship and were described as wanted, planned and more positive.

They also found that nearly 20 percent of the young women in the alcohol-involved group reported their first intercourse experiences were without consent, or rape. Even more troubling, these young women were found to be three times more likely to be victims of incapacitated rape in the future.

Livingston says this study raises questions about how schools and parents approach talking about drinking and sex.

"Traditionally, substance use prevention efforts and sexuality education aimed at middle and high school students have been approached separately," Livingston said. "Results of this study suggest that it would be beneficial to combine the two. Alcohol-related risks should be addressed in sexuality education and sexual risks included in substance use prevention. Interventions aimed at delaying the initiation of alcohol use or reducing heavy drinking may have the added benefit of reducing risky sexual behavior."

The findings are detailed in the Journal of Adolescence.