Are Men Who Buy Sex Different from Men Who Do Not?: Exploring Sex Life Characteristics Based on a Randomized Population Survey in Sweden

Abstract

The buying and selling of sex is a topic of frequent discussion and a relevant public health issue. Studies of sex workers are available, while studies addressing the demand side of sex are scarce, especially based on robust population data. The current study provides national estimates of the prevalence of and factors associated with having paid for sex among men in Sweden. We used a randomized population-based survey on sexual and reproductive health and rights among ages 16–84 years, linked to nationwide registers. The sample consisted of 6048 men. With a logistic regression, we analyzed what sex life factors were associated with ever having paid for or given other types of compensation for sex. A total of 9.5% of male respondents reported ever having paid for sex. An increased probability of having paid for sex was identified in men who were dissatisfied with their sex life (aOR: 1.72; 95% CI: 1.34–2.22), men reporting having had less sex than they would have liked to (aOR: 2.78; 95% CI: 2.12–3.66), men who had ever looked for or met sex partners online (aOR: 5.07; 95% CI: 3.97–6.46), as well as frequent pornography users (aOR: 3.02; 95% CI: 2.28–3.98) Associations remained statistically significant after adjustment for age, income, and educational attainment. Sex life characteristics such as poor sex life satisfaction, high online sex activity, and frequent pornography use are strongly associated with sex purchase. These findings can help guide and support counselling and prevention activities targeting sex buyers.

Satisfaction with Sex Life Scale: New Psychometric Evidence in a Portuguese Population

“…Pascoal et al [8] indicated that, over the years, measures have been developed to evaluate different aspects of sexual satisfaction: 1) Those that emphasize the presence or lack of clinical indicators, such as the Golombok Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction [23]; 2) Those that evaluate individual and relational dimensions, such as the New Sexual Satisfaction Scale [24]; 3) Those that emphasize the evaluation of the interpersonal component of sexuality, such as the Global Measure of Sexual Satisfaction [25]; 4) Those that assess gender-specific characteristics of sexuality such as the Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women [26]; and 5) Those that assess relational dimensions and overall satisfaction with sexual life, such as the Index of Sexual Satisfaction [27]; or the Satisfaction with Sex Life Scale [28], among others.…”

“…People with low sexual satisfaction are at greater risk of unsatisfactory relationships and marital problems compared to sexually satisfied individuals [5][6][7]. Likewise, men who were dissatisfied with their sex lives were more likely to pay for sex [8]. On the other hand, evidence indicates that sexual functioning [9], partner communication [10], marital satisfaction [5], sexual assertiveness [3], social support [11], marital intimacy [12], low religious beliefs [13], and good relationships with children and family are also associated with high levels of sexual satisfaction [14].…”

The Purchase of Sex: Perceptions, Experiences, and Social Work Practices

“…However, some differences have been found between the two groups in terms of certain factors such as sexual behaviours and sexual aggression (Belza et al, 2008;Schei & Stigum, 2010;Shilo et al, 2021;Ward et al, 2005). Some studies have found a correlation between pornography consumption and paying for sex (Deogan et al, 2021;Farley et al, 2011;Shilo et al, 2021;Tewksbury & Golder, 2005;Wright, 2013;Wright & Randall, 2012). Another study, based on a sample from the US and the UK, found a correlation between purchasing sex and social attitudes.…”