Existing studies from the US and Scandinavia detail the sexual behavioral patterns of gay, lesbian, and bisexual men and women. In the United States, gay and bisexual individuals are more likely than heterosexuals to have high rates of unsafe sex and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), as well as higher rates of sexual coercion over their life.

Other Scandinavian population studies have revealed that gay and bisexual men experience more sexual pain or dysfunction, heterosexual men experience more premature ejaculation, and lesbian women reported less sexual dysfunction and more sexual satisfaction.

To build on these results, a recent study aimed to assess and compare the sexual health behaviors of the Danish lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) community, as well as heterosexual individuals.

Between September 2017 and August 2018, 59,838 Danish citizens of consenting age (15-89 years old) were asked about their sexual activity and function.

• 26,825 heterosexual men
• 29,936 heterosexual women
• 951 gay men
• 626 lesbian women
• 487 bisexual men
• 1,013 bisexual women

Participants were surveyed using shorter versions of the international index of erectile dysfunction (IIEF) and female sexual function index (FSFI), depending on biological sex. They were also surveyed using questions related to sexual history/activity in the past year, feelings of sexual satisfaction, medication or sexual aid use, history with trauma, and satisfaction with body and genital appearance.

The survey revealed that much of the Danish LGB community is in line with previous research. Namely, that lesbians appear to be a low-risk group for STIs, with gay and bisexual individuals facing a higher risk of sexual difficulties and unsafe sexual behaviors.

Sexual Experiences

For example, having multiple sexual partners in the past year was more common in gay men (23.3% with at least 10 partners), and bisexual men (2.8% with at least 10 female partners, 4.7% with at least 10 male partners). In comparison, 1.6% of heterosexual men had at least 10 sexual partners. Bisexual women were also more likely to have multiple sexual partners (4.2% with at least 10 male partners) in comparison to heterosexual women (0.8% with at least 10 partners). Lesbians were more likely to have no sexual partners in the past year.

Gay men were less likely to say that their sex life was bad, and bisexual women (along with gay men) were least likely to say that none of their sexual needs were met in the past year. This may have to do with the higher use of sexual aids in this group (with bisexual men), however, researchers did not specify this as a connection.

Sexual Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction was higher in gay and bisexual men than heterosexual men in the past year, and orgasmic dysfunction overall was higher in gay men. However, premature ejaculation was lower in gay and bisexual men than in heterosexual men.

Lesbian and bisexual women appeared to experience less sexual dysfunction or genital pain in the past year – especially lesbians. Unfortunately, vaginal cramps were more common in bisexual women than lesbian and heterosexual women.

Sexual Risk, Trauma, and Satisfaction with Genital and Body Image

Having an early sexual debut (before the Danish age of consent: 15), was more common for gay men, and bisexual men and women, which is commonly associated with risky sexual behavior. Additionally, the odds of engaging in unsafe sexual behavior (no use of contraception, etc.) in the past year was higher in gay and bisexual men, with higher numbers of STIs in gay men and bisexual men and women. Lesbians experienced the lowest numbers of STIs in the past year.

Sexual victimization was experienced more often with gay and bisexual individuals. This may influence their body and genital appearance satisfaction as well (more dissatisfaction experienced in gay and bisexual men); however, researchers did not specify this correlation.

Key Takeaways

• This study is the largest Danish study of its kind.
• The survey results are supported by previous US and other Scandinavian studies.
• Lesbians appear to be a low-risk group for STIs and unsafe sexual behavior, with heterosexual men and women not far behind.
  • Gay and bisexual individuals appear to be at higher risk.
• LGB individuals and clinicians should be aware of the potential risks they face sexually, to better protect their sexual health.

Resources

• Schweizer, F. B., Dalgaard, L. N., Graugaard, C., Andersson, M., & Frisch, M. (2025). Sexual health and behaviors in homosexual, bisexual and heterosexual danes: Baseline findings in the project sexus cohort study. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 22(11), 1926–1936. https://doi.org/10.1093/jsxmed/qdaf220