Sexual Wellness in Cisgender Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual People

Occurrence, Frequency, and Correlates of Faking Orgasm and Satisfaction in Sexual Minority Men

Existing literature on "faking" orgasm focuses almost exclusively on women. Limited research exists among men, and none focuses on sexual minority (e.g., gay, bisexual, queer) men. Additionally, faking satisfaction (pretending to be sexually satisfied) remains an unknown concept. This study examined the occurrence, frequency, and correlates of faking orgasm and satisfaction in sexual minority men. Participants (N = 211, age = 18-53, 59% identified as gay) responded to an online survey assessing frequencies of faking orgasm and satisfaction as well as potential correlates of faking (age, relationship status, sexual frequency, orgasm frequency, internalized sexual stigma). Results showed that faking orgasm and faking satisfaction were highly prevalent among sexual minority men in this sample (83% had faked orgasm and 88% had faked satisfaction in the past two years). The frequency of faking was also high; 62% and 68% faked orgasm and satisfaction at least "sometimes." Higher internalized sexual stigma and lower orgasm frequency were associated with higher frequencies of faking orgasm and satisfaction. For faking orgasm, however, the relationship between internalized sexual stigma and faking only existed in gay men. The findings suggest that faking pleasure in sexual minority men is common and deserves more empirical attention.

The Unfinished Business of Defining Premature Ejaculation: The Need for Targeted Research

INTRODUCTION

Fifteen years have passed since the International Society of Sexual Medicine first established the 3-pronged criteria for premature ejaculation (PE): a short ejaculation latency, lack of ejaculatory control, and bother/distress. Although the process of establishing valid criteria for any condition or disorder is an ongoing one, a dearth of targeted research on these criteria has hindered professional societies from updating and revising them.

OBJECTIVES

To review and critique existing criteria used in the diagnosis of PE, to identify specific problems with them, and to recommend studies that will address shortcomings.

METHODS

Each of the PE criteria was evaluated and compared against standard procedures for establishing validated measures. Following each analysis, targeted research to address the gaps has been recommended.

RESULTS

Each PE criterion has shortcomings and each can be improved by using standard validation procedures, as noted by the targeted research outcomes. Professional societies can play an important role by encouraging broad participation in research that generates new and relevant data supporting, validating, or challenging the existing criteria.

CONCLUSION

The concepts underlying the diagnostic criteria for PE have both broad consensus and functional utility. Nevertheless, much of the research investigating PE has uncritically adopted these criteria without concomitantly recognizing their limitations. These limitations prevent determining accurate prevalence rates, interpreting research findings with confidence, and establishing efficacious treatment outcomes. Rowland DL, Althof SE, McMahon CG. The Unfinished Business of Defining Premature Ejaculation: The Need for Targeted Research. Sex Med Rev 2021;XX:XXX-XXX.