Associations between Relationship Status, Anxiety, Sexual Function, and Sexual Satisfaction in Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual People

Abstract

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to describe associations between relationship status, anxiety, and sexual function and satisfaction in lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) adults.

Methods

Linear regression determined associations between sexual function, relationship characteristics and anxiety in 979 LGB participants.

Results

Relationship status was not related to sexual interest in gay men. Partnered relationship status was associated with higher sexual satisfaction for gay men, lesbians, and bisexual women. Anxiety symptoms were negatively associated with sexual interest, satisfaction, and orgasm pleasure for gay men but not associated with sexual outcomes in lesbian women.

Conclusion

Using a nationally representative sample of LGB adults, differences were found in factors related to sexual function and satisfaction by gender and sexual orientation.

Keywords:

• Sexual function
• sexual health
• lesbian
• gay
• bisexual

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest or competing interest.

Data availability statement

The data is not publicly available but may be provided upon reasonable request.

Additional information

Funding

The original study was supported by the Research and Education Program Fund, a component of the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin endowment at the Medical College of Wisconsin.