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ABSTRACT
In this study the characteristics of the sexual debut of men who have sex with men (MSM) and men who have sex with women (MSW) age 35 or younger (N = 1,201) were compared with one another. We investigated whether these characteristics were associated with sexual health and behavior, and to what extent. Compared to MSW, MSM tended to be older when they had their first sexual intercourse; their first sex partner was older, they felt less ready, and they experienced more pain. We also found that they reported a higher number of lifetime sexual partners and less condom use compared to MSW. Similarities were also ascertained, such as the fact that individuals from both groups do not differ significantly regarding how they experienced their first sexual intercourse emotionally. Many differences between these groups should not always be seen as problematic, whereas others still indicate a need for targeted interventions.
Acknowledgments
The Sexpert study group consists of Ann Buysse (Ghent University, Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology), Paul Enzlin (KU Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Institute for Family and Sexuality Studies and UPC KU Leuven, Context–Centre for couple, family and sex therapy), Guy T’Sjoen (Ghent University Hospital, Department of Endocrinology and Center for Sexology and Gender Problems), John Lievens, Mieke Van Houtte, and Hans Vermeersch (Ghent University: Department of Sociology, Research Team Cultural Diversity: Opportunities and socialisation).
Funding
The Sexpert study was funded by the Strategic Basic Research program of the Flemish Agency for Innovation by Science and Technology.