Bisexual men and women in Sweden report less sexual satisfaction than heterosexual and homosexual individuals, according to new research in the Journal of Sexual Medicine.
The study examined relationships among sexual orientation, sexual satisfaction, and sexual problems, which have not been fully investigated in the past. No such study had been conducted in Scandinavia before, the authors said.
Findings are based on data from a national sample of 14,537 people between the ages of 16 and 84 that was provided by the Public Health Agency of Sweden. The national Longitudinal Integration Database for Health Insurance and Labor Market Studies (LISA), which provided demographic information, was also used.
About 89% of the respondents identified as heterosexual. Just over 1% were gay or lesbian, and 3% were bisexual. Participants were asked whether they were satisfied or dissatisfied with their sex lives over the past 12 months. They were also given a list of sexual problems (e.g., lack of interest and orgasm difficulties) and asked to choose issues that had bothered them during the same time frame.
Overall, bisexual women reported less sexual satisfaction than heterosexual and homosexual women. They also worried more, reported a smaller likelihood of feeling “turned on,” and felt more pain during or after sex. The authors referenced past research that found more experiences with sexual coercion and a higher need for sexual health care in bisexual women. Anxiety and depression were also common concerns for bisexual women, the authors said.
Bisexual men were less sexually satisfied than heterosexual and homosexual men. They are also at higher risk for erectile dysfunction (ED) than heterosexual men.
The authors also noted the following:
- Lesbian women were 7 times more likely to experience premature orgasm compared to heterosexual women. (Bisexual women were twice as likely.) Previous studies have suggested that lesbian women reach orgasm more easily than heterosexual women, as they “are in a better position to understand how different behaviors feel for their partner,” the authors said.
- Compared to heterosexual men, gay men had more difficulties with erections and orgasm, but were less likely to have premature ejaculation.
The study did have limitations, however. The number of gay, lesbian, and bisexual participants was small, and relationship details were not known. Long-term relationships and casual sex situations could affect sexual satisfaction differently. In addition, it wasn’t clear how long the participants had had sexual difficulties and how severe those problems were.
However, the study does provide some insights for an area where there has been “sparse evidence.” Understanding the experiences of sexual minorities can help the clinicians who serve them.
Resources
The Journal of Sexual Medicine
Björkenstam, Charlotte, PhD, et al.
“Sexual Orientation–Related Differences in Sexual Satisfaction and Sexual Problems—A Population-Based Study in Sweden”
(Full-text. Published: August 29, 2020)
https://www.jsm.jsexmed.org/article/S1743-6095(20)30835-3/fulltext#%20