Sexual Experience Research Articles

Sexual Harassment, Sexual Violence, and Mental Health Outcomes: Causal Inference with Ambiguous Exposures.

Social exposures and their impact on mental health has proven hard to capture, partly owing to the complex and multifaceted nature of social reality. Sexual harassment and sexual violence (SHV) are no exceptions. SHV can be conceptualized as a continuum of negative sexual experiences whose severity vary depending on multiple determinants. Further, SHV can be conceptualized as either discrete events or as a generally hostile sexual environment represented by latent variables. With any of these conceptualizations, SHV constitutes a broad construct containing many kinds of negative experiences. This ambiguity poses challenges for determining the mental health consequences, as different forms of SHV may vary in terms of their mental health impact. We discuss different conceptualizations of SHV in relation to mental health outcomes through the lens of the potential outcomes framework, with a focus on the consistency condition. The multiple versions of treatment theory is presented to show how to provide formal interpretations of causal estimates under ambiguous exposures. Lastly, we provide suggestions on how the increase the clarity and interpretability of the effects of SHV on mental health, by increasing the precision of the causal questions and the use of more specific definitions of SHV.

Sexuality and Gender Issues in Autistic Youth: A Series of 6 Cases and a Literature Review

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) involves challenges in social communication and repetitive behaviors, impacting daily functioning. Individuals with ASD face unique difficulties regarding sexuality, often experiencing mismatches between sexual development and social maturity, leading to potential inappropriate behaviors. Social competence deficits may limit their understanding of sexuality, increasing risks of offending or victimization. Gender differences in sexual behavior are evident, with males showing earlier and more frequent sexual activity, while females demonstrate greater flexibility in sexual orientation. This paper presents six clinical cases highlighting the diverse experiences of sexuality and gender identity in autistic individuals, offering insights into the complex interactions between ASD, gender, and sexual behavior.

Chemsex and its impact on gay and bisexual men who have sex with men: Findings from an online survey in Belgium.

The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of sexualized drug use, or chemsex, in a wide group of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) in Belgium. It examined which drugs gbMSM used before and during sex, the frequency with which they used it, whether they experienced non-consensual sex, and evaluated the impact of chemsex on the health and professional and social lives of respondents. We conducted an online survey among Belgian gbMSM. Five specific questions on chemsex were included in the survey. These questions assessed whether gbMSM engaged in chemsex. If they did, they were asked to provide information on which drugs they had used and how often. We asked whether their and their partners' boundaries had been respected and whether and how engaging in chemsex had affected a range of life domains. Of 836 respondents, 258 (30.9%) self-reported having had sex under the influence of substances ("chemsex") in the previous 6 months. Of these, 227 (88%) were considered chemsex users according to the definition used for the analysis. Poppers (73%), gamma-hydroxybutyrate/gamma-butyrolactone (GHB/GBL; 69%) and cathinones (68%) were the most commonly reported substances. Almost half of respondents (45%) engaging in chemsex were high on drugs during at least half of their sexual encounters. Nearly 1 in 10 (9%) reported that boundaries had not been respected, suggesting non-consensual sexual activities. The 82 respondents experiencing negative impacts from their chemsex use reported that mental health (65%), physical health (40%) and sexual health (38%) were most impacted. Our findings provide a snapshot of the current chemsex situation in Belgium. The frequency of chemsex is concerning because several health, professional and social aspects are impacted. Almost 1 in 10 respondents using chemsex reported that chemsex impacted consent around sex, requiring additional efforts to eradicate these non-consensual sexual experiences. Therefore, larger scale research focusing on respected boundaries and consent during chemsex and the frequency of drug use for sex seems required. Additionally, sensitisation, as well as care and support programmes are critical.

Sex Differences in Risk Factors for Generalized Anxiety Disorder in Korean Adolescents.

This study aimed to examine sex differences in the risk factors associated with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) among Korean adolescents to provide insights for drafting more effective prevention strategies. Data from 51845 middle and high school students in the 18th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey were analyzed. GAD was assessed using the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder tool, and factors such as grade, academic performance, economic status, living arrangements, smoking, drinking, sexual experience, and physical activity were included. The prevalence of GAD and its association with these factors were compared between male and female students using chi-square tests and logistic regression. Odds ratios were compared statistically to identify sex-specific differences. GAD prevalence was higher among girls (42.1%) than boys (30.1%). Both sexes showed increased GAD risk with lower academic performance, lower economic status, smoking, drinking, and sexual experience. Boys living apart from their families had a higher GAD risk, but this was not significant for girls. Additionally, smoking and drinking were associated with a higher increase in GAD risk in girls than in boys. This study underscores the importance of considering sex differences in the prevention of GAD among adolescents. Tailored sex-specific interventions are crucial for effective prevention and management of GAD in Korean adolescents.

Phenomenal Eros: For a History of Sensuality

Forty years of scholarship in the history of sexuality and gender studies have delivered a considerable amount of knowledge, framed by an encompassing premise: power is paramount. A preferred object of this kind of attention are the erotic cultures of ancient Greece and Rome. The focus on power leads contemporary scholars to adopt binary thinking, namely the attribution to ancient writers and thinkers of dichotomies such as domination versus subjection, or activity versus passivity. This is a fixist view that obliterates the dialectic of desire and, therefore, its fundamental mobility. Desire aims at the other person’s desire; roles are exchanged; age and social status can play in surprising ways; hyperactivity can become subjugation. It is time for a change. It is time to look at what mattered for the Ancients themselves: the subjective experience of sensations, bodies and situations; the felicitous, ironic, or tragic reversals of intersubjective games. More importantly: the quest for pleasure, rather than the use of pleasures. The Greeks thought the sexual experience as sensuality. And sensuality inflects what they thought about gender. In poetry, narrations and philosophy, concrete details draw our attention to the felt phenomena of lived bodies – in the plural. When we look for the logic of gender, we discover that bodies can be compared, not as totalities, but as bundles of multiple discreet qualities, ready to be combined and recombined, allotted and exchanged. Qualities can be bits and pieces of anatomy, manners and garments; but also fragments of experience, moments of sensory awareness. The logic of the concrete meets the phenomenal body. For the body is a challenge, to be taken up – as a cinematic life, frame after frame. Sensations can be shared across the boundaries of female and male, which are adjectives, not substances. A granular, corpuscular, pointilliste redistribution of traits, distinctive – or not. Sensuality is queer. Like Plato’s pharmacy, erotic materialism can deliver us, beautifully, cathartically, refreshingly from the modern strictures of binary thinking. This is what the Greeks have to tell us. Let us listen!

‘I Still Struggle to Ensure that I am Truly Listening’: Understanding Gender, Sexuality, and Sexual Violence During the Holocaust. A Conversation

ABSTRACT While perspectives on gendered and sexual experiences, practices, and norms during the Holocaust have significantly changed in recent decades, questions remain about how to understand and represent these topics, particularly gender-based and sexual violence. In this conversation, six Holocaust scholars, from varied backgrounds and representing different generations, respond to questions posed by the special issue editors, Dorota Glowacka and Regina Mühlhäuser. They discuss the current state of debates about gender, sexuality, and sexual violence during the Holocaust. Reflecting on the material conditions and distinguishable geographical and ideological coordinates in which they have conducted their work, they recount ideas and scholarly currents that have helped them generate their specific modes of understanding. They consider the challenges and obstacles to knowledge production they have faced at various stages of their work, revealing how ingrained assumptions about gender and sexuality circumscribe research questions, methods of inquiry, and the ways in which their findings are interpreted, presented, and received. While they address the impact of changing social sensibilities and perceptions of gender and sexuality on their work and point to the emergence of new themes and areas of study, they also draw attention to the subjects that remain unexamined, socially sanctioned, or excluded from rigorous examination.

Introduction: Spanish Sapphic modernity: building bridges of solidarity

ABSTRACT In this special issue on Spanish Sapphic Modernity, we introduce artists, writers, and performers whose women-loving relationships and cultural production were connected to and through Spain, Europe (Ireland, Greece), the United States, and Hispanophone transatlantic spaces (Chile, Argentina). In light of decades of Anglophone modernist scholarship on female-authored life writing (e.g. Radclyffe Hall’s 1928 The Well of Loneliness), conversation about Spain’s “las modernas,” women writers whose works queerness intersects, is relatively scant. However, modern Spanish women found queer and feminist ideas through Anglophone readings and intellectual contacts (often in translation) passed within their intellectual circles. Within a Sapphic framing, we approach often intersecting explorations of feminism, sexuality, community, modernity, and nationhood from the middle of the nineteenth to the first decades of the twentieth centuries, opening them to cross-section with a broad range of positive same-sex affect not limited to “queer” and “lesbian.” The seven contributors to this special issue situate Spanish agents and productions within wider modernist spaces of queer and feminist collaborations, conviviality, and coalition building in Spain, Europe, and spaces of Spanish exile in the Americas.

Bladder Pain Syndrome (BPS): A Comprehensive Review of Treatment Strategies and Management Approaches.

Bladder pain Syndrome presents a multifaceted challenge in contemporary urological practice, marked by LUTS, negative behavioural, sexual, or emotional experiences, and the potential for sexual dysfunction. We meticulously explored the existing literature of conservative, non-invasive and invasive interventions, aiming to provide clinicians with a nuanced understanding of available options for comprehensive BPS management. We delve into the effectiveness and safety profiles from behavioural approaches through lifestyle changes and physical therapy, to oral or intravesical medications, until the definitive surgical treatment. The best option evaluated is the involvement of a multidisciplinary team, including urologists, urotherapists, gynaecologists, pain specialists, primary care physicians and psychologists, educating those patients regarding the condition and its chronic course and tailoring the perfect treatment for each person. Despite this, BPS remains a challenge for urologists. Indeed, our objective is to contribute to the evolving landscape of BPS management, fostering informed decision-making and personalized care for individuals grappling with this challenging condition.

Aversive sexual learning in the kissing bug Rhodnius prolixus: Modulation of different sexual responses in males and females

Although sexual learning can be a key process in the reproductive success of animals, research focused on the experience-dependent modulation of courtship in insects is scarce. In kissing bugs, the behavioural steps implicated in mating have been exhaustively studied, but not the involvement of learning in them. Our objective was to determine whether the sexual behaviour of Rhodnius prolixus could be modulated by experience. During training, couples were submitted to eight assays, in which they received a vibration (negative reinforcement) when the male attempted to copulate the female. Immediately after, they were separated, not allowing the occurrence of copulation. We found that along training, males’ latency to perform a copulatory attempt increased, male’s copulatory attempts were less frequent, and females’ locomotor activity did not change. These results suggest that males, and not females, learned to avoid the vibration by reducing their intention to copulate. In post-training tests, conditioned males presented with new naïve females reverted to low copulatory attempt latencies, suggesting that the modulation was partner-specific. Besides, conditioned females increased their rejection frequencies to males’ copulatory attempts, suggesting that a second type of learning occurred in females. These results constitute the first evidence of sexual learning in hematophagous insects. Males and females seem to change their selectivity according to their previous sexual experience. We discuss the relevance that this plasticity might have in the fitness of this epidemiologically relevant insect.

Exploring the Prevalence and Influencing Factors of Sexually Explicit Internet Material (SEIM) Consumption among Adolescents and Young Adults in Cambodia

Purpose: This study investigates the prevalence and factors associated with the consumption of sexually explicit Internet material (SEIM) among adolescents and young adults in Cambodia. Methods: Utilizing a cross-sectional study design, data were collected through a survey administered to 1,271 participants. The survey focused on measuring SEIM consumption, sexual sensation seeking, perceived reality of SEIM, and sexual attitudes. Findings: The study revealed a SEIM prevalence of 27.2%, with notably higher rates among males (35.5%) than females (18.6%). Significant predictors of SEIM consumption included being male, having a father with a middle-level education, engaging in alcohol or substance consumption, spending more than five hours daily on electronic devices, having friends with sexual experience, frequent thoughts about sex, a heightened interest in sex compared to peers, perceiving SEIM as realistic, and maintaining a permissive attitude towards sex. Conclusions: These findings underscore the importance of implementing education programs to address SEIM consumption and its potential risk factors. Such initiatives are crucial for preventing the use of SEIM among Cambodian youth, promoting a healthier understanding of sexuality, and fostering responsible online behavior.

University students’ access and use of sexual and reproductive health services in Australia

University attendance can lead to changes in sexual behaviour that place people at increased risk of negative sexual and reproductive health (SRH) experiences; however, relatively few studies have explored access to and use of SRH services by university students in Australia. A convenience sample of students (N = 4291) from five universities completed an online survey to examine barriers and facilitators to accessing SRH services. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse variations by gender, sexuality, and enrolment status. Content analyses were conducted on responses to two open-ended questions. Over half (59%, 2934) had never spoken to a health professional about SRH issues. Of the 41% (1357) who had, female, non-binary/gender diverse, and Australian-born students were significantly more likely to have done so than students identifying as male, heterosexual, or as an international student. Frequently reported barriers to use of SRH services were ‘feeling embarrassed’, ‘being judged’ and ‘not knowing where to go’. LGBTQIA+ students along with international and overseas-born domestic students faced specific access barriers. Recommendations targeting student-identified barriers to access are offered, calling for universities to support student wellbeing by providing supportive, non-judgemental, and inclusive SRH promotion and health services that cater to needs of diverse student cohorts.

Pelvic autonomic dysfunction is common in patients with pure autonomic failure.

Pure autonomic failure (PAF) presents primarily as cardiovascular autonomic failure and may phenoconvert to other neurodegenerative disorders. However, the involvement of other autonomic functions has been poorly evaluated. This study aims to characterize genitourinary and bowel dysfunction and explore their relationship with cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction. Pure autonomic failure patients underwent cardiovascular autonomic testing and an assessment of pelvic autonomic dysfunction using urinary, sexual symptoms questionnaires and a bladder diary. Demographic, clinical features and related medical comorbidities were assessed. Twenty-five patients (10 males) with PAF were included (mean age 71 ± 8 years; disease duration 13 ± 8 years). 96% (24/25) reported lower urinary tract symptoms, of which overactive bladder symptoms were most commonly reported (n = 23; 92%; median overactive subscore 8, interquartile range [IQR] 3-11), followed by voiding difficulties (n = 19; 76%; median low stream subscore 2, IQR 1-3) using the Urinary Symptom Profile; however, only four (16%) required clean intermittent self-catheterization. Sexual dysfunction was common (n = 21; 84%) using the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale. Mild faecal incontinence and constipation were reported. 86% (19/22) had nocturnal polyuria (NP) and the median NP index was 47% (IQR 38%-51%; normal range <33%). 77% (10/13) had voiding dysfunction and 31% (4/13) had post-void residual urine >100 mL. There were no significant correlations between the need for catheterization and the degree of NP with age, disease duration and cardiovascular autonomic parameters (p > 0.05). Nocturnal polyuria, genitourinary and bowel symptoms are commonly seen in PAF. The pathophysiology of NP in PAF is most likely multifactorial and may occur independent of cardiovascular autonomic failure.

Views On Marriage and Love Following Sexual Harassment Experiences: A Moderated Mediation Analysis

Objectives: The current research aimed to explore the mechanism behind sexual harassment experiences and views on marriage and love (ML) among Chinese college students. Methods: 424 college students were recruited to complete the questionnaires about sexual harassment experiences (SH), subjective social status (SES), sexual knowledge (SK), and their views on ML. Results: The results of the moderated mediation model showed a negative association between SH and views on ML, explained through the mediating effect of SK. The negative moderating effect of SES between SH and SK was also found. Conclusion: The findings provide implications for supporting college students who have experienced SH in navigating their future romantic relationships, with the consideration of varied SES backgrounds.

Sexual and reproductive health: level of knowledge and source of information in adolescence.

To date, there is a lack of a structured national plan of sexual education in Italy, with large interregional differences and poor uniformity in the promotion and learning of sexual health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge on sexuality and reproductive function among adolescents before and after a sexual education program, considering gender differences in the results. A longitudinal and interventional study was conducted on high school students. Six sessions for each class were carried out by a multidisciplinary team. Anonymous questionnaires were administered to investigate basic knowledge of human sexuality and reproduction before and after intervention. Participants were high school students who completed the questionnaires. Outcomes included pre and posttest answers on the knowledge questionnaire in study population. We obtained data from 842 high school students (mean ± SD age, 16.11 ± 1.74years). The main informative sources on sexuality were social media in 37.9% of participants; family, school, and scientific material were the main source in 15.1%, 5.2%, and 4.4%, respectively. A total score of 12.6 ± 3.4 (range, 1-20) was obtained on the knowledge questionnaire; specifically, the score was higher in females than males (12.8 ± 3.4 vs 11.9 ± 3.4, P = .0001). In males and females, a statistically significant increase in level of knowledge was found after the multidisciplinary intervention (14.5 ± 3.6, P = .0001). The lack of sexual education programs in schools in Italy compels adolescents to refer to frequently unreliable sources, such as social media and peers, contributing to misinformation and adoption of risky sexual behaviors. This study is based on a large sample size and highlights the importance of sexual education programs. The main limitations are a greater representation of the female population and the inclusive nature of the school (ie, an artistic school), attracting students who identify with sexual minorities. Adolescents have limited knowledge about sexuality and reproduction, with a notable gender disparity; sexual education programs in schools, providing information from sexuality experts, led to a substantial increase in knowledge and a reduction in the gender gap.

The relationship of childhood maltreatment, adult sexual victimization, depressed mood and symptoms of trauma with fear of childbirth

Background: Fear of childbirth (FoB) is experienced to some degree by most pregnant people and can be intense enough to merit treatment. Despite significant research on the topic of FoB, studies investigating various forms of maltreatment and mental health symptoms in relation to FoB are very limited. In particular, studies including multiple forms of maltreatment along with mental health symptoms as predictors of FoB are extremely limited. We sought to fill this gap and clarify the relative contributions of these variables to the prediction of FoB. Methods: This was a secondary analysis of data from pregnant people in Canada. Participants (N = 881) provided demographic and reproductive history information, completed self-report measures of FoB, childhood maltreatment (multiple forms), adult sexual victimization, depressed mood and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They were also administered a diagnostic interview to assess for specific phobia, FoB. Analyses included descriptive information, Wilcoxon rank sum tests, linear and logistic regression, and path analysis. Results: Most forms of maltreatment showed some association with increased FoB. However, when assessed together, only emotional maltreatment remained a significant predictor of FoB. Both depressed mood and symptoms of PTSD contributed more to FoB than maltreatment, and mediated the relationship of emotional maltreatment with FoB. The only direct effects of childhood emotional maltreatment on FoB were for fears of medical interventions and feelings of embarrassment during labour and delivery. Limitations: Study findings fill significant gaps in our understanding of the relationship between maltreatment, mental health symptoms and FoB. However, the study sample was limited to Canadian participants, most of whom were socio-economically advantaged, cis-gender women of European descent, thus limiting the generalizability of the findings. Further, as childhood maltreatment and sexual assault experiences in adulthood were reported retrospectively, study findings are also vulnerable to recall bias. Conclusions: Findings contribute to our understanding of the relationship between childhood maltreatment, adult sexual victimization, mental health and FoB. These findings can facilitate future research and improved care via a focus on depressed mood, symptoms of PTSD, emotional maltreatment and specific fears of medical interventions and social discomfort as significant contributors to one's experience of FoB.

Subjective outcomes of female genital cosmetic procedures: a prospective study with a median follow-up of 18 months

Aims: To investigate the affects of labiaplasty and/or vaginoplasty on sexual function and satisfaction, as well as the potential to improve body image and genital self-image. Methods: A total of 131 heterosexual sexually active women receiving either a vaginoplasty and/or labioplasty were included in the study population. Patients were subsequently divided into three groups: labioplasty (LP) (n=44), vaginoplasty (VP) (n=44), and labioplasty-vaginoplasty (LVP) (n=43) for statistical evaluation. All participants were administered preoperatively and postoperatively validated questionnaires including Body Image Scale (BIS); Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire-Female (SQOL-F), Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS), Female Genital Self-Image Scale (FGSIS), and Quality of Sexual Experience Scale (QSES). Results: The median follow-up was 18 months after the female genital cosmetic procedure (FGCP). FGSIS, BIS, SQOL-F, QSES, and FSDS postoperative questionnaires total scores improved significantly in the LP, VP, and LVP groups. FSFI postoperative total scores improved among all groups, but no statistically significant difference was detected in the LP group, unlike the VP and LVP groups. No intraoperative complications occurred. Postoperative complications were detected in 2 (4.5%) women in the LP group and 1 (2.3%) woman in the LVP group. These complications were wound dehiscence (

The Fear of COVID-19 Pandemic Effects on Couples' Relationship and Sexual Quality of Life Female: A Study from Iran

Background: The enduring COVID-19 pandemic has implications for the sexual wellbeing of diverse populations, notably women. This worldwide emergency persists in affecting daily routines of individuals, as research indicates that alterations in lifestyle and imposed limitations are linked to mental health challenges. Aim: The objective of this research is to examine the interpersonal dynamics of couples and the sexual well-being of women in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This cross-sectional research involved 395 female participants who utilized Google Forms to complete online questionnaires in Iran from November 2022 to December 2022. The data collection instruments comprised the Sexual Quality of Life-Female (SQOL-F) questionnaire, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS), Relationship Rating Scale (RAS), and Fear of COVID-19 Scale. Statistical analyses employed in the study included independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, Tukey post hoc test, and Univariate and Multiple linear regression. Results: The average age of female participants in the study was 31.97 years, with a standard deviation of 9.04. The mean scores for sexual quality of life among women were 64.82 with a standard deviation of 11.93, 18.28 with a standard deviation of 4.48 for DASS, 22.48 with a standard deviation of 4.30 for RAS, and 12.88 with a standard deviation of 3.93 for fear of COVID-19 scale. Univariate linear regression analysis indicated a significant association between the quality of sexual life and fear of COVID-19 (P = 0.001), DASS (P = 0.001), and RAS (P = 0.007). The study found a noteworthy and negative impact of fear related to COVID-19 and DASS on the sexual quality of life of women (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: The anxiety stemming from the COVID-19 outbreak seems to have repercussions on the dynamics of romantic partnerships and the sexual well-being of women. Furthermore, the pandemic is associated with heightened levels of anxiety, stress, and depression. It is recommended that further research be undertaken to explore the mental health of women and its implications on their sexual experiences in the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis.

"What Is Normal?": A Qualitative Exploration of Health Practitioners' Reports of Treating Patients Presenting with Unpleasant Sexual Experiences.

Sexual health, including sexual pleasure, is fundamental to holistic health and well-being, and is considered an area of priority health in Australia. Despite the importance of sexual functioning, women experience significant gaps in sexual well-being compared to men and often do not seek medical care or treatment. Health practitioners are central to the identification and treatment of sexual dysfunction, including fostering sexual well-being for patients. Despite this, minimal research has explored health practitioners' experiences in treating reports of unpleasant sex. This study aimed to explore health practitioners' experiences, responses, and confidence in treating patients presenting for unpleasant sexual experiences. An online, mixed-methods survey was completed by 96 participants. Thematic analysis identified 11 core themes. These themes included five patient centred themes (health risks, diverse sex acts, painful vaginal intercourse, relationship breakdown and violence, unwanted sex) and six health practitioner centred themes (communication and counselling, what is normal, ongoing care and follow up, emotional response, limited practical training, and highly prevalent). Participants described a complex sexual health landscape, with social contexts impacting women's sexual experiences and engagement in treatment. Additionally, health practitioners reported the need for a biopsychosocial approach to understanding and responding to unpleasant sexual experiences for patients, while simultaneously reporting limited education in this area. Findings reflect the need for health practitioners to be cognisant of matters related to sexual function, consent, coercion, client engagement, and treatment pathways, identifying a need for greater education and holistic approaches to sexual healthcare across medical settings.

Qualitative study exploring the experiences of sexual dysfunction in premenopausal women with type 1 diabetes

AbstractAimsTo explore the sexual experiences and interactions of women with type 1 diabetes to explicate an understanding of the impact of diabetes on women's sexual function. The study was conducted as part of a wider project to develop a patient‐reported outcome measure to assess sexual dysfunction (SD) in premenopausal women with type 1 diabetes.MethodsA qualitative study using face‐to‐face and virtual semi‐structured interviews was conducted with premenopausal women with type 1 diabetes who have had some difficulties related to sexual functioning. Participants were recruited from two National Health Services (NHS) sites in the UK and from social media platforms. The data were analysed to generate themes using Framework Analysis approach.ResultsEighteen women, aged 22–49, were interviewed (NHS sites n = 13; online n = 5). Five themes related to women experiences of SD were identified, these were; initiation of sexual activity, sexual confidence, sexual enjoyment, sexual engagement and sexual desire.ConclusionsSD in women with type 1 diabetes is a complex phenomenon impacting their experiences and quality of life. SD is related to multiple interacting biopsychosocial factors related to diabetes, including blood glucose levels, diabetes treatments, technologies and complications. A targeted measure of SD for women with type 1 diabetes specifically would allow for these factors to be assessed routinely in clinical care.

Beyond Force, Incapacitation, or Verbal Coercion: Rates and Outcomes of Sexual Assault without Warning

ABSTRACT To date, most sexual assault research has focused on specific perpetrator tactics, including verbal coercion, substance-related incapacitation, and force. Responding to recent calls to assess a broader range of nonconsensual sexual experiences, we examined the occurrence and outcomes of sexual assault without warning – when a perpetrator “just does” a behavior without giving a chance to say “no.” Participants were 850 college students (Mage = 19.70; 70% cisgender women, 28% cisgender men, 2% transgender/gender expansive), including 38% (n = 325) who reported sexual assault since age 14. Among these survivors, 72% reported sexual assault without warning, including 18% for whom this was the only tactic experienced. Sexual assault without warning was most often used to obtain nonconsensual sexual contact (23% of the sample) but also attempted (11%) and completed penetration (13%). Relative to no such experience, sexual assault without warning was associated with more severe posttraumatic stress, depression, and anxiety, but fewer past-month drinks per week. Although more alcohol use and related consequences were better predicted by incapacitated sexual assault, sexual assault without warning was consistently associated with mental health problems. Findings support the integration of this tactic into sexual assault assessments for college students of diverse gender and sexual identities.