Comparison of the Sexual Well-Being of Individuals with and Without a Herpes and/or Human Papillomavirus Infection Diagnosis

Abstract

ABSTRACT. This study compared individuals with and without herpes and/or human papillomavirus (HPV) on several aspects of sexual well-being. We also investigated whether gender and relationship status moderated these relationships. Participants were 183 individuals with herpes and HPV and 299 without a diagnosis who completed measures of sexual activity, sexual concerns, and sexual cognitive–affective factors. Individuals with herpes and HPV reported being less sexually satisfied and were more likely to experience a distressing sexual problem than were those with no sexually transmitted infections. However, they reported high-quality sexual well-being overall and, contrary to prediction, reported more positive sexual well-being compared with individuals without a diagnosis on some dimensions. Outcomes were largely the same regardless of gender and relationship status. The results are discussed in terms of the importance of examining a broad range of factors related to sexuality to understand the potential impact of herpes and HPV on sexual well-being.