Prevalence of sexual problems and associated distress among gay and heterosexual men

Abstract

Prevalence studies about men's sexual problems are mostly focused on heterosexual samples and little is known about the frequency of sexual problems and associated distress in gay men. This study is aimed at assessing and comparing the frequency of self-perceived sexual problems in gay and heterosexual men, and associated distress. A total of 435 gay and 473 heterosexual men completed a web-survey assessing sexual problems. Specific questions assessed the frequency of sexual problems, over the last six months, and associated levels of distress in gay and heterosexual men. Gay men also answered to a question regarding anodyspareunia. Results suggested that, after controlling for distress levels, anodyspareunia and lack of sexual desire were the most frequent sexual problems reported by gay men, while premature ejaculation was the most frequent sexual problem reported by heterosexual men. Also, prevalence rates of sexual problems decrease significantly in both gay and heterosexual samples when considering the levels of associated distress from moderate to severe. Finally, heterosexual men reported significantly more premature ejaculation compared to gay men. The current study suggested similarities and differences in sexual problems between gay and heterosexual men and highlighted the role of associated distress to self-perceived sexual problems in both samples.

Keywords:

• distress
• gay men
• heterosexual men
• self-perceived sexual problems

Note

Notes

1. For gay men, sexual activity was described as anal sex, oral sex, and/or masturbation; for heterosexual men, vaginal sex was also included.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology Funding Agency [grant number SFRH/BD/72919/2010].

Notes on contributors

Maria Manuela Peixoto

Maria Manuela Peixoto is a PhD candidate at Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Porto, and a researcher at the Laboratory for Research in Human Sexuality (SexLab) at University of Porto.

Pedro Nobre

Pedro Nobre has received a PhD degree in clinical psychology and is currently the professor and director of the Laboratory for Research in Human Sexuality (SexLab) at Porto University and the research fellow at the Kinsey Institute, USA. He is currently the chair of the Scientific Committee of the World Association for Sexual Health (2013–2017) and member of the WAS Advisory Committee where he is the project leader of the World Database on Sexual Health. He is also a member of the European Federation of Sexology Scientific Committee.