Sexual Dysfunction in an Internet Sample of U.S. Men Who Have Sex with Men

Abstract

Introduction-Relatively little is known about sexual dysfunction (SD) in men who have sex with men (MSM).

2016 United Kingdom national guideline on the sexual health care of men who have sex with men

“…Problems including low sexual desire, erectile dysfunction and ejaculatory dysregulation have been reported in large samples of MSM across the UK, US, Australia and Europe (429)(430)(431)(433)(434)(435)(436). Distress associated with anodyspareunia (pain with receptive anal penetration) has also been reported as having a negative impact on sexual pleasure and activity (436).…”

“…Sexual problems are associated with depression, performance anxiety, low self-confidence and poor self-image (429,431,433,437) and there are complex interactions between depression, anxiety, general wellbeing, sexual risk taking and HIV infection (431,432). Recreational drug use and problematic alcohol use have also been identified as risk factors for sexual dysfunction (429,437).…”

“…Sexual problems and dysfunctions affecting MSM can have significant adverse effects on quality of life and have been associated with a self-reported history of sexually transmitted infections in a large cross sectional internet survey sample (429). It has also been argued that they can contribute to sexual risk taking (430)(431)(432).…”

Sexual Health, HIV, and Sexually Transmitted Infections among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men in the United States

“…For example, MSM who are uncomfortable with their sexual orientation or behavior may avoid disclosing same-sex behavior to health care providers or delay HIV/ STI diagnosis and treatment [26][27][28]. An HIV/STI diagnosis can be a marker of the presence of other sexual, mental, or physical health problems (including substance abuse, depression, trauma from physical or sexual abuse, and other co-existing problems) that are associated with sexual dysfunction, risky sexual behavior and higher rates of HIV/STI in MSM [29][30][31][32][33][34][35]. If left undetected and unaddressed, these problems may continue to negatively affect sexual health and lead to the acquisition of new infections or transmission of HIV/STIs to others.…”

Understanding the Impact of Childhood Sexual Abuse on Men�s Risk Behavior: Protocol for a Mixed-Methods Study (Preprint)

“…Interested men will be directed to the study website for more information and to be screened for eligibility. The research team has successfully used these methods in past research with MSM and MSMW [49,79,[82][83][84][85].…”