Sexual Experience Research Articles

Women's Experiences of Adult Sexual Assault, by Perpetrator Gender and Participant Sexual Orientation.

The vast majority of theoretical and empirical research assessing sexual assault (SA) focuses on man-against-woman SA (MWSA), leaving other forms such as woman-against-woman SA (WWSA) understudied. Relatively simple questions, such as the relative frequency of WWSA for women of different sexual orientations, the tactics (e.g., coercion, force), or forms (e.g., groping, vaginal penetration) employed in WWSA remain unanswered. To address these issues, 268 women (approximately one-third of each bisexual, lesbian, and heterosexual) completed an online survey reporting on whether or not they had experienced a variety of nonconsensual sexual experiences in their adult lifetime, asking specifically about perpetration by men and women. Results indicated that although SA perpetrated by men was far more common, a substantial minority of participants reported having experienced WWSA. In general, tactics and forms employed were similar, regardless of the gender of the perpetrator or the woman's sexual orientation, with two exceptions: bisexual women had experienced higher rates of MWSA, and lesbian women had experienced more SA in the form of oral sex compared to other groups. Implications for theory, empirical research, and especially community and clinical practice are discussed.

Reaching people who use drugs with sexual and reproductive healthcare through syringe services programs: potential promise and missed opportunities.

People who use drugs are at elevated sexual and reproductive health risk but experience barriers to services. Syringe services programs (SSP) are an important venue to provide integrated health services. Few studies have examined SSP use within intersecting gender, racial, and ethnic groups, including by injection drug use (IDU), and differences in sexual and reproductive health among these groups. Within a cohort study among people who use unprescribed opioids in New York City, we conducted a nested cross-sectional study from November 2021-August 2022 assessing sexual health with a survey (n = 120). The parent study measured baseline characteristics, and the cross-sectional study survey measured self-reported past-year SSP use and sexual and reproductive health. We estimated SSP use within gender, racial, and ethnic groups by IDU, and the prevalence of sexual and reproductive health outcomes by gender, race, ethnicity, and SSP use. Among men (n = 61) and women (n = 54), SSP use was disproportionately low among Black participants irrespective of IDU. Women reporting SSP use had a higher prevalence of multiple, new, sex trade, and/or casual sex partners, history of STI symptoms, and lack of effective STI prevention, although women who did not use SSP had non-negligible levels of risk with variation between racial and ethnic groups. Among men, sexual and reproductive health varied across racial and ethnic groups but not as clearly by SSP use. SSP offer opportunity to address elevated STI risk among people who use drugs but may miss certain intersecting gender, race, and ethnic groups.

Associations between menstrual pain and sexual function: the role of visceral hypersensitivity on developing sexual pain.

Dyspareunia, defined as pain before, during or after intercourse, is a subset of female sexual dysfunction with overlapping gynecologic, urologic and psychosocial etiologies. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of menstrual pain and visceral hypersensitivity on sexual function and to identify risk factors for sexual pain in healthy reproductive-age females. In this prospective cohort study, we evaluated gynecologic and psychologic self-reported histories, validated sexual function questionnaires, and conducted a standardized gynecologic examination enhanced by quantitative sensory testing in reproductive-aged females with menstrual pain versus pain-free controls. Correlation analysis was conducted between the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) pain subdomain score and a priori hypothesized risk factors for dyspareunia: menstrual pain severity, experimentally provoked bladder sensitivity, anxiety, depression, pain catastrophizing, and vaginal pressure-pain sensitivity. The primary outcome was severity of sexual pain as measured by the FSFI, comparing participants with moderate-to-severe dysmenorrhea (n = 99), dysmenorrhea with bladder hypersensitivity (n = 49) identified on non-invasive oral water challenge, and pain-free controls (n = 37). In our young (median age 22 [IQR 19, 29]), nulliparous, predominantly heterosexual cohort (78.3%, 144/185), 64.3% (119/185) engaged in sexual intercourse within the four-week recall period. The median total FSFI score was 27.2 (22.0, 30.2). Across groups, only the dysmenorrhea with bladder hypersensitivity phenotype met the threshold for sexual dysfunction as measured by total FSFI score (24.6 [20.0, 28.1], p= 0.008). Dysfunction was driven by difficulties with lubrication and higher pain levels during and after intercourse. On physical examination, those with and without dyspareunia were largely indistinguishable, with little to no tenderness of the pelvic floor, bladder, uterus and uterosacral ligaments. Amongst the six hypothesized risk factors for sexual pain, only experimentally provoked bladder pain was significantly associated with the severity of dyspareunia (r = 0.41, corrected p< 0.001). Young, otherwise healthy individuals with dysmenorrhea and occult visceral hypersensitivity exhibit signs of sexual dysfunction and significantly higher rates of dyspareunia in the absence of reliable clinical examination findings. Strengths include the use of a nonclinical sample of almost exclusively nulliparous females with no co-morbid pelvic pain diagnoses and prospective diary confirmation of dysmenorrhea severity. The study is limited by the narrow heteronormative, cisnormative sexual experience of penile-vaginal intercourse captured by the FSFI. Sexual pain is more prevalent in those with dysmenorrhea with bladder hypersensitivity than isolated dysmenorrhea, suggesting visceral hypersensitivity may be a non-structural mechanistic driver for dyspareunia.

Penile constriction devices: a randomized survey study to compare preferences between two medical-grade devices.

Penile constriction devices offer a noninvasive approach to enhance the sexual experience and as the variety of penile constriction devices increases, it is crucial to assess patient preferences and device effectiveness to provide insights into their clinical utility. We aimed to compare the preferences for and effectiveness of two medical-grade penile constriction devices: Eddie by Giddy and FirmTech. Between May and July of 2023, males were recruited via social media and prospectively enrolled into an Institutional Review Board-approved, randomized, questionnaire-based study. Upon enrollment, the participants completed the Sexual Health Inventory for Men and Androgen Deficiency in Aging Males questionnaires. Participants were randomized to which device they received first. They used the device twice either during masturbation or intercourse in a two-week timeframe. Once utilized, the participants completed a 17-question, Likert scale, device satisfaction questionnaire, in which lower numbers indicated positive responses. The process was repeated with the second device. T-test and Chi-Square Analysis were run for statistical analysis. The primary outcomes of this study were patient-reported device satisfaction and efficacy and the secondary outcome was the device preference for patients with and without erectile dysfunction. Fifty men were enrolled and 49 completed the study. The average age was 40years old. Of the participants, 80% recommend the FirmTech device compared to 53% who recommend the Eddie by Giddy device (P= 0.0026). The FirmTech device was overall easier to put on both flaccid and erect (P= 0.0308 and 0.0002), was more comfortable, had better stretch, and was easier to adjust (P= 0.087, <0.0001, and 0.0119, respectively). The FirmTech device had a better overall impression amongst the participants (P= 0.0249). Eddie by Giddy was felt to improve erectile firmness more in those with ED than in those without (P = 0.0178). This study adds to the current literature on penile constriction devices that better guide providers as they counsel patients on these devices to enhance sexual function. The strength of this study is that this is a prospective randomized crossover study. The limitations of this study are that this is a single center study based on patient reported outcomes. The FirmTech device performed better than the Eddie by Giddy with respect to overall impression of the device, likelihood of using the device in the future, and recommending the device to a friend, while the Eddie by Giddy device performed better at improving erectile firmness. NCT05853822.

Sexual experiences, attitudes, enjoyment and regret in the parent and offspring generations of the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Childhood (ALSPAC): 2022 data sweep.

The aim of this data note is to describe data collected in 2022 on sexual history, attitudes, enjoyment and regret. Data were collected from mothers (age range 47–75 years (mean 60.0), n = 4653) their partners (age range 47-83 years (mean 62.9), n= 1945) and offspring (aged ~30 years, females n= 2702, males n=1366) in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents &amp; Children (ALSPAC). Many of the questions asked are identical, or similar, to those collected in the British NATSAL (National Surveys of Sexual Attitudes &amp; Lifestyles) surveys. Repeating the same questions in both ALSPAC generations allows for direct inter-generational comparisons within ALSPAC as well as across studies. Areas covered include age at sexual debut; having drunk alcohol, used drugs or contraception at sexual debut; the circumstances under which participants met their first sexual partner; sexual orientation; the Brief Sexual Attitudes Scale; regret at first sexual experience, lifetime experiences of sexual regret and the degree of regret, as well as the reason(s) for that regret; number of sexual partners both in the last two years and over their lifetime; current frequency and enjoyment of sex. ALSPAC provides a rich resource of data collected on a wide variety of topics including details of the participants’ environment, lifestyle, physical and mental health over the life span, including sexual experiences collected retrospectively from the parents, and from the age of 11 in the offspring. There are thus many opportunities for research on a wide variety of topics related to risky sexual behaviours, sexual health, functioning and well-being.

The Sustainable Development Goals of the Commodity Economy Deeply Influence the Diversity of Sexual Life

Human sexuality is different from other species in nature in that it is creative, accessible, and responsible; however, it is this creativity that makes sexual life differentiated, and sexual orientations become rich and diverse. Discrimination against people is not only about occupation, income, sexuality, or gender becomes discrimination against people. To achieve the goal of sustainable development, there is no discrimination against people, so this content is approached from the methodology of human philosophy and social philosophy, at the same time combining qualitative methods to analyze, synthesize, compare, contrast, and reverse to clarify the transformation of sexual life in the commodity economy. The result of this content is to explain that human sexual life is creative; it depends on the object of satisfaction. Sex does not depend on space, time, or specific objects, but occupation, goods, and money also govern the market economy. The conclusion of the article affirms that life is human satisfaction. Sexual satisfaction is not only human instinct but also human creativity. Human satisfaction differs from satisfaction with things without humans, which is satisfaction with loneliness, isolation, and unhappiness. Humans become different types of goods serving the life of money, posing a challenge to the goal of sustainable development in the commodity economy. However, there must be practical solutions to survive and maintain the race, bringing humans back to a creative sexual life and responsible reproduction to achieve the goal of sustainable development in the commodity economy.

Examination of the relationship between dimensions of sexual perfectionism and female sexual function and sexual performance anxiety among Iranian married women of reproductive age: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundPerfectionism is a multidimensional personality trait that manifests itself through various aspects of life as well as sexuality. Yet, the specific nexus between perfectionism and women’s sexual experiences continues to remain unaddressed. Hence, this research aimed to investigate the relationship between the dimensions of sexual perfectionism, sexual function, and sexual performance anxiety (SPA) among Iranian married women of reproductive age in Gonabad, Iran.MethodA cross-sectional study was conducted in Gonabad City in 2021, involving 450 women of reproductive age. Stratified sampling was used to select public healthcare centers, and participants were chosen via simple random sampling. Data were collected online through platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram, using the Multidimensional Sexual Perfectionism Questionnaire (MSPQ), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and Brief Sexual Performance Anxiety Scale (BSPAS). The validity and reliability of these instruments were confirmed through content validity assessments and Cronbach’s α. Hierarchical linear regression was performed using SPSS version 26, with the significance level set at p < 0.05.ResultsLinear regression analysis indicated that self-oriented sexual perfectionism was positively associated with all FSFI domains, including desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, total FSFI (p < 0.001), and pain (p < 0.01). Partner-oriented sexual perfectionism was positively associated with satisfaction (p < 0.05). In contrast, partner-prescribed sexual perfectionism was negatively associated with all domains of FSFI, including desire, pain (p < 0.05), arousal, lubrication, total FSFI (p < 0.001), orgasm, and satisfaction (p < 0.01). Socially-prescribed sexual perfectionism was positively associated with desire and negatively associated with pain (p < 0.05). In particular, only partner-prescribed and socially-prescribed sexual perfectionism were positively associated with SPA (p < 0.01).ConclusionThe association found between dimensions of sexual perfectionism, sexual function, and SPA in Iranian women underscores the necessity for educational initiatives tailored to psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors, sexologists, and other healthcare practitioners. These programs would help to build a deeper insight into the origins of women’s sexual complaints and identify and manage them within the context of marital relationships.

Men’s Perceptions of Female Genitals

Objectives Little is known about the attitudes toward female genitals of men who are attracted to women. This is an important omission because these attitudes may influence men’s own sexual experiences; they may also influence the genital self-image of their female partners if these views are knowingly or unknowingly communicated. Therefore, we examined men’s views of women’s genitals both globally and with respect to specific aspects. Method Participants were 212 self-identified men who completed an online survey that included scales assessing the men’s views of female genitals, perceptions of women’s satisfaction with their own genitals, sexual experience, and genital feedback provided to female partners. All were attracted to and had sexual experience with women. Results On average the men’s attitudes toward female genitals were moderately positive, although they ranged from negative to very positive. The men did not rate any of 24 listed specific female genital aspects as extremely important to them. The men believed that the majority of women feel positively about their own genitals. However, a comparison with published data collected from women revealed that men’s estimates of the percentage of women who are satisfied with their genitals were lower than the percentage of women who actually report that they are satisfied with their genitals. This discrepancy was particularly large with respect to genital appearance. A path analysis revealed that men with more positive attitudes toward female genitals reported having more lifetime sexual partners and providing more frequent positive genital feedback and less frequent negative genital feedback to partners. Conclusion These results suggest that although men generally have moderately positive attitudes toward female genitals, there is considerable variability among men ranging from negative to very positive. The study also provided some evidence that men’s views of female genitals may adversely affect both the men themselves and their female partners.

A Composite Counternarrative of Discrimination as a Social Determinant of Health: Black College Women's Experiences of Gendered Racism.

Discrimination is a social determinant of health (SDOH) that negatively affects racially minoritized students and patients. Nurses and nurse educators must understand discrimination, including nuanced and intersecting ways that it negatively affects academic and health outcomes. In-depth interviews were conducted with 12 Black women at a primarily White institution in the Southeast United States. The interview guide, informed by critical race and intersectionality theories, explored experiences of gendered racism, particularly in the students' social environments. Narrative analysis was conducted, then a composite counternarrative was composed to portray experiences of gendered racism across multiple levels, including intrapersonal, interpersonal, and institutional. The composite narrative revealed experiences of multi-leveled gendered racial microaggressions that shape the daily lived experiences of Black college women students. Three main themes emerged: Limited Autonomy, Differential Treatment and Differential Assumptions, and Differential Access to Power and Resources. Gendered racism differs from White women's experiences of sexism and Black men's experiences of racism. Institutional efforts to support Black college women must be intentional in addressing the unique ways they experience discrimination in various settings on campus. Nurses' and nurse educators' understanding of gendered racism as a SDOH may ease the hesitancy in addressing health inequities. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, xx(x), xx-xx.].

A 10-year retrospective review of exposures to volatile nitrites reported to the Victorian Poisons Information Centre

Introduction Volatile nitrites, such as amyl nitrite, are used recreationally to enhance sexual experience and provide a feeling of euphoria. They are associated with severe adverse reactions including methaemoglobinaemia and maculopathy. The aim of this study was to explore the epidemiology and clinical effects of volatile nitrite exposures reported to the Victorian Poisons Information Centre in Australia over a 10-year period. Methods This was a retrospective, observational study of poison centre call records. Data were extracted for all exposures to volatile nitrites reported from 2013 to 2022. Results There were 132 calls about volatile nitrites, representing 122 exposures, with a more than five-fold increase in the annual number of exposures (from five in 2013 to 26 in 2022). Ingestion (49.2%) and inhalation (27.9%) were the most common routes of exposure. Seventy-six (62.3%) patients reported one or more symptoms related to volatile nitrite exposure. The most common symptoms were light-headedness/dizziness (20.5%), oro-mucosal irritation (15.6%), ocular irritation (14.8%), nasal irritation (12.3%), and nausea/vomiting (9.8%). Less common, but potentially serious, adverse effects included methaemoglobinaemia (4.1%), hypoxia (1.6%) and hypotension (0.8%). Symptom severity was usually classified as minor (70/76, 92.1%) at the time of the poisons centre call. Fifty-four (44.3%) patients were either in the hospital when the poisons centre was contacted or were referred to the hospital by the poisons centre. Discussion The increase in reported volatile nitrite exposures observed in this study aligns with epidemiological data showing an increase in volatile nitrite usage in Australia. The findings about the nature of exposures and symptoms experienced can be used to inform harm reduction and education efforts for community members and health professionals. Conclusions Exposures to volatile nitrites reported to an Australian poisons centre increased between 2013 and 2022. More than 40% of exposures resulted in a hospital presentation. Methaemoglobinaemia was reported in 4.1% of cases.

Relationship between sexual dysfunction and burnout among physicians in primary hospital: a cross-sectional study.

The relationship between sexual dysfunction and burnout among physicians remains unclear. To investigate the frequency of sexual dysfunction among physicians in primary hospital and explore the association between sexual dysfunction and burnout. This study was a cross-sectional survey conducted through a questionnaire. We used the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale and the Chinese version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Service Survey to assess sexual function and burnout among physicians in primary hospital. Considering the working environment of physicians, we also evaluated the doctor-patient relationship and sleep quality. Over one-third of physicians experience sexual dysfunction. Burnout is a significant factor to sexual dysfunction among medical professionals. A total of 382 doctors participated in this survey, and the prevalence of sexual dysfunction was 33.51%. Sexual arousal and orgasm were the main sexual dysfunctions faced by male and female doctors, respectively. The prevalence of burnout among physicians was 43.72%. The prevalence of sexual dysfunction among physicians experiencing burnout (45.51%) was higher than that observed in physicians without burnout (24.19%). Physicians with burnout exhibited significantly higher total and individual scores on the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale as compared with physicians without burnout (all P values <.05). There was a significant positive correlation between depersonalization and sexual drive (r = 0.508, P < .001), sexual arousal (r = 0.521, P < .001), lubrication (r = 0.432, P < .001), orgasm/erection (r = 0.420, P < .001), and sexual satisfaction (r = 0.434, P < .001). Logistic regression analysis confirmed that-in addition to burnout-older age, dissatisfaction with income, a poor doctor-patient relationship, and poor sleep were significant contributors to sexual dysfunction among physicians in primary hospitals. Sexual health is an integral aspect of well-being. Prioritizing the sexual health of medical professionals can significantly contribute to improving their productivity. First, our sample size was small, and the impact of different specialties on sexual functioning was somewhat overlooked. Second, we lacked laboratory data (eg, testosterone and prolactin levels) that could provide substantial support to sexual identification. Finally, although we used logistic regression to establish causality, the relationship between sexual dysfunction and certain factors may be bidirectional. The issue of sexual dysfunction among doctors needs more attention. We should make targeted efforts to improve the quality of physicians' sexual lives.

Awareness and Uptake of HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis and Postexposure Prophylaxis Among College Students With Sexual Experiences: Institutional-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Evidence has shown that HIV prevalence among young people, especially college students, has increased disproportionately. Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) are two of the most effective ways to prevent HIV, which are vital for college students with sexual experiences who have sexual risks. To provide evidence for effective intervention to reduce the risk of HIV infection among young students, this study aimed to analyze the awareness and uptake of HIV PrEP and PEP among college students with sexual experiences. An institutional-based cross-sectional study design was used to collect data through an electronic questionnaire from college students in 5 colleges located in Zhejiang Province. A total of 21,962 college students were investigated, of which 2605 students with sexual experiences were included in the data analysis with the following information collected: sociodemographic characteristics, awareness and uptake of HIV PrEP and PEP, sexual behaviors, and HIV tests. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to explore the factors on seeking PrEP and PEP. The average age of college students with sexual experiences was 21.25 (SD 2.75) years. Overall, 61.4% (n=1600) of the participants were aware of PrEP, and 53.0% (n=1380) of them were aware of PEP. Moreover, 5.6% (n=146) of them have sought PrEP or/and PEP, and 89.1% (n=2321) have not sought PrEP or PEP. College students who had more than 6 sexual partners, have always had unprotected sex, have subjective perceived risk behavior, and undergo HIV testing were more likely to seek PrEP or/and PEP. The main ways for the participants to learn PrEP and PEP were through school clubs, the internet, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Moreover, senior students and those who had not undergone an HIV test had a lower likelihood of seeking PrEP and PEP. College students who did not have risky sexual behaviors (odds ratio 0.468, P=.004) and homosexual students (odds ratio 0.318, P=.03) were more likely not to seek PEP. College students with sexual experiences rarely seek PrEP and PEP, with a relatively low awareness of PrEP and PEP. It is very important to increase the knowledge and uptake of PrEP and PEP by educational and behavioral interventions among young students at risk for HIV infection.

Sexual experiences and behaviours of the parents in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Childhood (ALSPAC)

The aim of this data note is to describe the sexual experiences, functioning and behaviour data collected from the parent cohorts of the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) occurring during their childhoods and up to 19 years after the birth of the index child. ALSPAC is an ongoing birth cohort which enrolled 14,541 pregnant women living in Avon, an area of southwest England, with expected dates of delivery between April 1991 and December 1992 inclusive. It continues collecting data on these mothers (age range at delivery &lt;16–41 years), their partners (age range at delivery &lt;16–65), and their offspring, so far resulting in 100,000+ phenotype variables. During the index pregnancy the mothers were asked (and at 8 months post-delivery for partners) about their early sexual experiences to identify sexual abuse, the age at which an event first occurred, along with the type of perpetrator (e.g. stranger, relatives, boy/girlfriend). There are also data on these parents’ experiences of sexual assault as adults. Both parents were asked also about sexual abuse within a battery of questions identifying Adverse Childhood Events (ACEs). Further longitudinal data described here includes satisfaction with sexual and non-sexual sides of their relationship; sexual functioning; and at seven years post-delivery, both parents were asked to describe their sexual orientation as well as the sex of their partners. These data provide the ability to compare generational differences between parental sexual experiences and behaviours with those of their offspring, as well as allowing comparisons with other longitudinal surveys where similar (or identical) information has been collected such as the National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (NATSAL-3). This paper forms a companion to a further data note describing similar data collected on the offspring cohort.

Timing of puberty suppression in transgender adolescents and sexual functioning after vaginoplasty.

Sexual function in transgender adolescents after puberty suppression has been a topic of recent clinical and scientific questions. This study aimed to explore the long-term effects of early treatment with puberty suppression on sexual functioning of transfeminine individuals after vaginoplasty. This retrospective cohort study included 37 transfeminine individuals treated with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (puberty suppression), estrogen, and vaginoplasty (penile inversion technique or intestinal vaginoplasty) at the Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, between 2000 and 2016. Experiences regarding sexual functioning and difficulties were assessed with a self-developed questionnaire ~1.5years after genital gender-affirming surgery and compared between early (Tanner stage G2-3) and late (Tanner stage G4-5) treatment with puberty suppression. Following surgery, 91% of transfeminine individuals was able to experience sexual desire, 86% experienced arousal, and 78% could attain an orgasm. Seventy-five percent of transfeminine individuals who had not experienced an orgasm pre-surgery were able to experience one post-surgery. Of all participants, 62% reported having tried penile-vaginal intercourse post-surgery. The majority reported the presence of one or multiple sexual challenges. There were no significant differences in postoperative sexual function or sexual difficulties between groups treated with early versus late puberty suppression. With these findings, more adequate and tailored information on the expected effects of early endocrine gender-affirming treatment (including puberty suppression) can be given by healthcare professionals. This is the first study that has assessed sexual functioning of transgender individuals treated with puberty suppression, and has differentiated between the pubertal stage at treatment initiation. Limitations were the small cohort size and retrospective study design. This study focuses on sexual functioning, however, it is important to realize sexual wellbeing is multifactorial and encompasses more than genital functioning or the ability to have certain sexual experiences. This study found that post-vaginoplasty transfeminine individuals after both early and late suppression of puberty have the ability to experience sexual desire and arousal, and to achieve orgasms. Outcomes are comparable to previous findings in those who started treatment in adulthood.

Validation of the Brief Index of Sexual Functioning for women and men (BISF-W and BISF-M) in an Italian sample

IntroductionThe Brief Index of Sexual Functioning for Women (BISF-W) is an international 4-factors tool assessing qualitative and quantitative aspects of sexual experiences in women, both in clinical and experimental settings. The present research aims at validating an Italian version of the BISF-W, to develop a BISF version for men (BISF-M) to fill the gap in the existing sexual function evaluation tools in Italy and to analyze gender and age groups differences in the BISF factors.MethodsThe research included 6,355 women, aged from 18 to 65 (M = 34.94, SD = 10.52) and 2,207 men, aged from 18 to 80 (M = 38.25, SD = 13.67), who completed the BISF-W and BISF-M. The Quality of Marriage Index (QMI) was administrated to both samples for testing divergent validity, while Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) were administered for testing convergent validity. Correlation analysis, MANOVA between gender and age and Confirmatory Factor Analysis were conducted.ResultsThe CFAs confirmed that the proposed 4-factor model (Dyadic, Solitaire and Anal Sexuality, and Sexual Difficulties) is suitable both for the BISF-W and the BISF-M, demonstrated strong psychometric properties for assessing sexual functioning in both genders, with dyadic sexuality being the most important factor. MANOVA analysis showed significative differences in the factors’ scores, according to gender and age.DiscussionThe BISF-W and the BISF-M are promising tools to address sexual functioning in individuals and couples, both in clinical and non-clinical settings. Gender and age differences are discussed regarding the potential use of BISF in the therapeutic context.

Sexual experiences and behaviours in the offspring generation of the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Childhood

Previous research on child/teenage sexual experiences has largely focussed on negative outcomes such as teen pregnancy or acquiring sexually transmitted infections and are mainly cross-sectional. Longitudinal research is required to assess normal sexual development and the attainment of psychologically healthy attitudes towards sexuality. The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) has administered questions on relationships and sexual experiences from the age of 11 years to the index children. This data note describes these data.

A machine learning approach for analyzing sexual satisfaction based on psychological features

AbstractThe emergence of machine learning techniques has revolutionized various fields, helping to shed light into the complexities of human sexuality and address sexuality-related problems. The present study aimed to classify sexual satisfaction in both women (n = 503) and men (n = 342), who completed a digital survey aimed at Colombian adults based on a snowball sampling. Collected data were analyzed using several supervised learning algorithms where inputs included marital status, sociosexuality, sexual drive, sexual functioning, and personality traits. The results showed that the XGBoost model provided best classification results for sexual satisfaction in women, while the Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) had the best performance in classifying sexual satisfaction in men. In both groups, sexual functioning and sexual drive were the most significant predictors of sexual satisfaction. Traits such as extraversion, narcissism, machiavellianism, and sociosexual behavior had a lesser importance. Lastly, psychopathy emerged as a significant predictor of men's sexual satisfaction, whereas conscientiousness emerged as a significant predictor of women's satisfaction. This study provides a technological tool to classify sexual satisfaction using Machine Learning models, in addition, provide, in terms of entropy, variables with the greatest influence based on the data and predictions.

Predictors of duty sex frequency in women.

Duty Sex-the act of engaging in sex out of a sense of duty or obligation to a partner-is a commonly reported reason why women have sex, with studies indicating associations between Duty Sex and sexual dysfunction, as well as nonconsensual sexual experiences (NSEs). This study sought to examine the associations between Duty Sex frequency, sexual function, and NSEs using comprehensive, validated measures of sexual function and NSE histories in a large community sample of women. Six hundred and fifty-eight women with (n = 293) and without (n = 365) NSE histories completed measures of sexual function and sexual motivations. Women with NSE histories reported more sexual pain, lower sexual satisfaction, and more frequent Duty Sex. The relation between NSE history and Duty Sex remained after controlling for the variance in sexual function. The type of NSE behavior, but not the timing of the first NSE nor the perceived impact of the experience, predicted Duty Sex frequency. Clinicians should consider sexual motivations, particularly Duty Sex, when treating women with NSE histories or who experience sexual dysfunction. To our knowledge, this was the first study to examine how NSEs relate to all domains of sexual function and sexual motives, revealing a link between NSEs, sexual function, and Duty Sex. However, we were unable to account for what percentage of sexual encounters are considered Duty Sex. Therefore, our measurement of Duty Sex lacks specificity, which may explain the relatively low variance accounted for by the models in our analyses. There are consequences of NSEs, including difficulties with communicating sexual boundaries and impairment of sexual function, that may contribute to the increased likelihood of engaging in Duty Sex.

Sanctified Sexism: Effects of Purity Culture Tropes on White Christian Women’s Marital and Sexual Satisfaction and Experience of Sexual Pain

Abstract Since the 1970s, research consistently links conservative religiosity with higher rates of primary sexual pain disorders in women. The effects on women’s marital and sexual satisfaction and experience of severe primary sexual pain due to belief in sexually restrictive and sexually coercive gender ideological tropes common in evangelical resources are described in a large snowball sample of white American Christian women (Sexual Satisfaction and Function Survey, N=5489). We found that belief in purity culture tropes was associated with higher rates of sexual pain disorders. Current belief in sexually restrictive tropes was associated with lower marital and sexual satisfaction as was past belief in sexually coercive tropes. Current internalization of two tropes was associated with higher marital satisfaction, likely explained by decreased marital satisfaction among those who deconstructed compared with those who still believe. Never believing tropes were protective for women’s marital and sexual satisfaction while belief deconstruction showed mixed effects.

HIV Outcomes Among Women Living With HIV Who Experienced Early Sexual Violence Across Four Sub-Saharan African Countries.

Early experiences of sexual violence may influence HIV care and treatment outcomes among women living with HIV (WLHIV). We examined whether self-report by WLHIV of being forced into their first sexual experience was associated with awareness of HIV-positive status, being on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and being virologically suppressed. We conducted a secondary analysis using nationally representative, cross-sectional Population-based HIV Impact Assessment surveys from Lesotho, Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe conducted from 2015 through 2017. Adjusted logistic regression models with survey weights and Taylor series linearization were used to measure the association between forced first sex and 3 HIV outcomes: (1) knowledge of HIV status among all WLHIV, (2) being on ART among WLHIV with known status, and (3) virological suppression among WLHIV on ART. Among WLHIV, 13.9% reported forced first sex. Odds of knowledge of HIV status were not different for WLHIV with forced first sex compared with those without (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.17; 95% CI: 0.95 to 1.45). Women living with HIV with forced first sex had significantly lower odds of being on ART (aOR 0.74, 95% CI: 0.57 to 0.96) but did not have lower odds of virological suppression (aOR 1.06, 95% CI: 0.80 to 1.42) compared with WLHIV without forced first sex. While high proportions of WLHIV were on ART, report of nonconsensual first sex was associated with a lower likelihood of being on ART which may suggest that early life trauma could influence long-term health outcomes.