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Herbenick D, Fu TC, Patterson C. Sexual Repertoire, Duration of Partnered Sex, Sexual Pleasure, and Orgasm: Findings from a US Nationally Representative Survey of Adults. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2023; 49:369-390. [PMID: 36151751 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2022.2126417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
In a confidential U.S. nationally representative survey of 2,525 adults (1300 women, 1225 men), we examined participants' event-level sexual behaviors, predictors of pleasure and orgasm, and perceived actual and ideal duration of sex, by gender and age. Event-level kissing, cuddling, vaginal intercourse, and oral sex were prevalent. Sexual choking was more prevalent among adults under 40. While women and men reported a similar actual duration of sex, men reported a longer ideal duration. Participants with same-sex partners reported a longer ideal duration than those with other-sex partners. Finally, findings show that gendered sexual inequities related to pleasure and orgasm persist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debby Herbenick
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Tsung-Chieh Fu
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Callie Patterson
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
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Pakpahan C, Darmadi D, Agustinus A, Rezano A. Framing and understanding the whole aspect of oral sex from social and health perspectives: a narrative review. F1000Res 2022; 11:177. [PMID: 36035886 PMCID: PMC9377381 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.108675.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Historically, oral sex is part of human sexual behaviour even though some consider it taboo, and its expression is deemed inappropriate. Human rights also stand out as technology becomes more sophisticated, leading to its practice disclosure in the 21st century. The large-scale oral sex discussion in media encourages people to express it, and there is feedback on whether it is right or not. It all depends on each person’s values. We found this sexual behaviour occurs everywhere regardless of religion, culture and race. Pop culture influences this behaviour considerably. It can be seen in music, movies and television programmes that allude to oral sex. Numerous motivations underlying this behaviour include sexual pleasure for the sake of psychological well-being. It is undeniable that this behaviour is still controversial. There is a risk of it causing disease, but it reportedly provides many benefits. Oral sex is not a new behaviour crossing boundaries, according to our theory. It is an old behaviour that has been highlighted because of the factors that support it. This behaviour, still considered taboo, has its disadvantages, such as sexually transmitted disease and oral cancer, but also has benefits, such as preventing preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cennikon Pakpahan
- Andrology Study Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
| | - Darmadi Darmadi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, North Sumatera, Indonesia
| | - Agustinus Agustinus
- Andrology Study Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
| | - Andri Rezano
- Andrology Study Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, West Java, Indonesia
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Holland KJ, Silver KE, Cipriano AE, Brock RL. Internalized Body Stigma as a Barrier to Accessing Preventative Healthcare for Young Women. Body Image 2020; 35:217-224. [PMID: 33049459 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2020.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Internalizing stigma toward the body can have negative implications for women's sexual health. In the current study, we examined how young women's internalized stigma toward their body shape, genitals, and menstrual periods are associated with their use of preventative healthcare services for sexual health. Additionally, we tested two mechanisms that may mediate the relationship between internalized body stigma and preventative care: self-objectification (in the form of a loss of autonomy) and comfort communicating with a healthcare provider. We collected and analyzed survey data from 685 undergraduate women. We tested a serial mediation model, such that the internalization of body stigma predicted greater self-objectification, greater self-objectification predicted less comfort communicating with a provider, and discomfort communicating with a provider predicted lower receipt of preventative care. Results partially supported the proposed serial mediation model, such that internalizing stigma towards body shape, genitals, and menstrual periods was associated with discomfort communicating via greater self-objectification. Internalized stigma toward genitals and menstrual periods were significant predictors of preventative care use, even when accounting for self-objectification and communication. Findings suggest that interventions to address genital and menstrual stigma could be especially beneficial for enabling young women to seek preventative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn J Holland
- Department of Psychology and Women's & Gender Studies Program, University of Nebraska, United States.
| | | | | | - Rebecca L Brock
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska, United States
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Ellis SJ, Aitken R. Sexual health practices of 16 to 19 year olds in New Zealand: an exploratory study. J Prim Health Care 2020; 12:64-71. [PMID: 32223852 DOI: 10.1071/hc19037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION New Zealand sexual health surveillance data suggest that young people aged 15-19 years are at considerable risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections. Although there is an established body of international research around sexual behaviours and sexual health practices among teenagers, there is a dearth of local research focusing on this age group. AIM The aim of this study was to explore the sexual repertoires and sexual health practices among teenagers in New Zealand with a view to better understanding levels of risk in this age group. METHODS This study comprised a cross-sectional online survey designed to ask questions about sexual behaviours. A convenience sample of young people (n=52) aged 16-19 years living in New Zealand completed the survey. RESULTS Most participants (71.2%) were sexually active, reporting engagement in a range of sexual practices. The most commonly reported sexual behaviours were penis-in-vagina sex (86.5%) and oral sex with a person-with-a-penis (81.1%). Infrequent and inconsistent use of barrier protection across all types of sexual behaviour was also reported. DISCUSSION The findings of this study highlight the importance of ensuring that young people have access to sexual health education that routinely includes health information and advice addressing the full range of sexual practices, regardless of the identity classifications they may use, or that may be attributed to them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja J Ellis
- Te Kura toi Tangata (School of Education), The University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand; and Corresponding author.
| | - Robyn Aitken
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University Australia; Top End Health Service, Darwin, NT, Australia
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Alarie M. Sleeping With Younger Men: Women's Accounts of Sexual Interplay in Age-Hypogamous Intimate Relationships. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2020; 57:322-334. [PMID: 30793951 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2019.1574704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Influenced by cultural representations of "cougars," society commonly imagines women who date younger men as challenging some of the gendered expectations regarding appropriate sexual desire and behavior. Based on 55 semistructured interviews with women ages 30 to 60 who date younger men, I explore how having younger male partners relates to women's desire and ability to reproduce/disrupt the traditional cultural script for heterosexual sex. I found that compared to their experiences of sex with men of their own age or older, women perceived age-hypogamous intimate relationships as a context in which they can more easily disrupt some facets of that script, namely those regarding (a) the expression of sexual desire, (b) sexual assertiveness, and/or (c) the importance of female pleasure. However, the participants reproduced certain facets of the cultural sexual script, such as the emphasis on penile-vaginal intercourse. In light of women's experiences, I show that younger men's stamina and erectile capacities influenced women's ability to challenge certain facets of the script. Furthermore, I argue that women's perceptions of younger men as fantasizing about sexually experienced women altered the gender power dynamics, ultimately facilitating the modification of interpersonal sexual scripts. This study contributes to improving our understanding of the way age, age differences, and gender interact and influence interpersonal sexual scripts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milaine Alarie
- Partenariat de recherche Familles en Mouvance, Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS)
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Morhason-Bello IO, Kabakama S, Baisley K, Francis SC, Watson-Jones D. Reported oral and anal sex among adolescents and adults reporting heterosexual sex in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review. Reprod Health 2019; 16:48. [PMID: 31060573 PMCID: PMC6501425 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-019-0722-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oral and anal sexual behaviours are increasingly reported among adolescents and adults reporting heterosexual sex in peer-reviewed journals in high income countries, but less is known about these behaviours in low and middle-income countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of this systematic review is to describe the prevalence of, and motivations for, oral and anal sex among adolescents and adults reporting heterosexual sex in sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS A systematic review of published articles that reported oral and or anal sex in sub-Saharan Africa was conducted from seven databases up to and including 30th August 2018. RESULTS Of 13,592 articles, 103 met the inclusion criteria. The prevalence of reporting ever practising oral sex among adolescents, university students and a combined population of adolescents/adults ranged from 1.7-26.6%, 5.0-46.4% and 3.0-47.2% respectively. Similarly, prevalences of reported ever practising anal sex ranged from 6.4-12.4% among adolescents, 0.3-46.5% among university students and 4.3-37.8% amongst combined population of adolescents and adults. Higher prevalences of oral and anal sex were reported among populations at high-risk for sexually transmitted infections and HIV and university students and, in most studies, both behaviours were more commonly reported by males than females. Heterosexual oral and anal sexual acts were associated with some high-risk behaviours such as inconsistent condom use and multiple sexual partners. CONCLUSION Reported oral and anal sex between men and women are prevalent behaviours in sub-Saharan Africa. Health professionals and policy makers should be aware of these behaviours and their potential associated health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imran O. Morhason-Bello
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel St, London, WC1E 7HT UK
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Severin Kabakama
- Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit, National Institute for Medical Research, PO Box 11936, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Kathy Baisley
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel St, London, WC1E 7HT UK
| | - Suzanna C. Francis
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel St, London, WC1E 7HT UK
| | - Deborah Watson-Jones
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel St, London, WC1E 7HT UK
- Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit, National Institute for Medical Research, PO Box 11936, Mwanza, Tanzania
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Jawed-Wessel S, Santo J, Irwin J. Sexual Activity and Attitudes as Predictors of Sexual Satisfaction During Pregnancy: A Multi-Level Model Describing the Sexuality of Couples in the First 12 Weeks. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2019; 48:843-854. [PMID: 30721377 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-018-1317-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2017] [Revised: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The sexual satisfaction of couples during pregnancy is an under-researched area of study. Several limitations exist within the current literature, including a lack of inquiry into attitudes about sex during pregnancy, analysis of the relationship between sexual satisfaction and sexual behaviors, and analysis of dyadic interactions within the couple. The purpose of the current study was to examine the relationships between attitudes toward having sex during pregnancy, various sexual behaviors, and sexual satisfaction among expectant couples via multilevel structural equation modeling. Recruitment focused on mixed-gender monogamous couples where the pregnant individual was between 8 and 12 weeks of gestation, and both partners were soon-to-be first time parents. Touching, hugging, or holding, kissing, vaginal and oral sex, and rubbing each other's genitals were all common behaviors among the 116 couples in the current investigation. Anal sex and sex toy use were less common, but far from absent. According to our model, attitudes toward having sex during pregnancy significantly predicted sexual satisfaction by operating through specific sexual behaviors: kissing, vaginal fingering, and vaginal intercourse, while use of a toy alone and use of a toy with partner were independent predictors of sexual satisfaction. Gender had a direct relationship with satisfaction (men were more satisfied), as well as indirect relationship with satisfaction through an interaction with vaginal fingering and use of a sex toy alone. While multiple past month sexual behaviors were likely to increase satisfaction among pregnant and non-expectant couples alike, this improvement might depend on which behaviors are included and the gender of the individual.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Jawed-Wessel
- School of Health and Kinesiology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, 6001 N Dodge Street, Omaha, NE, 68182, USA.
| | - Jon Santo
- School of Health and Kinesiology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, 6001 N Dodge Street, Omaha, NE, 68182, USA
| | - Jay Irwin
- School of Health and Kinesiology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, 6001 N Dodge Street, Omaha, NE, 68182, USA
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Liu H, Shen S, Hsieh N. A National Dyadic Study of Oral Sex, Relationship Quality, and Well-Being among Older Couples. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2019; 74:298-308. [PMID: 30085152 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gby089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives We examine how giving versus receiving oral sex, 2 processes that are linked to relationship quality, are associated with older men's and women's well-being. Method We analyzed 884 heterosexual couples from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (2010-2011). We estimate Actor-Partner Interdependence Models using the SEM approach to assess three well-being outcomes: general happiness, psychological distress, and self-reported mental health. Results Older adults with better relationship quality gave oral sex to their partner more often than those with worse relationship quality; this association was stronger for men than for women. While receiving oral sex was positively related to both men's, and women's perceptions of relationship quality, women's relationship quality was more strongly linked to their partners' well-being than men's. Correspondingly, men's giving of oral sex (and thus their female partner's receiving of oral sex) was positively related to their own well-being through increasing their female partner's perceived relationship quality. Discussion Given the high prevalence of sexual dysfunctions among older adults, oral sex may play an important but overlooked role in maintaining an active sexual life, a high-quality relationship, and psychological vibrancy in late life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Liu
- Department of Sociology, Michigan State University, East Lansing
| | - Shannon Shen
- Department of Sociology, Texas A&M University-San Antonio
| | - Ning Hsieh
- Department of Sociology, Michigan State University, East Lansing
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Chow EPF, Wigan R, McNulty A, Bell C, Johnson M, Marshall L, Regan DG, Owen L, Brotherton JML, Bradshaw CS, Fairley CK, Russell D, Chen MY. Early sexual experiences of teenage heterosexual males in Australia: a cross-sectional survey. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e016779. [PMID: 29038178 PMCID: PMC5652582 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-016779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There are limited data on the patterns of early sexual behaviours among Australian teenage heterosexual boys. This study describes the nature and onset of early sexual experiences in this population through a cross-sectional survey. DESIGN A cross-sectional survey between 2014 and 2015 SETTING: Major sexual health clinics and community sources across Australia PARTICIPANTS: Heterosexual men aged 17-19 years RESULTS: There were 191 men in the study with a median age of 19.1 years. Median age at first oral sex was 16.4 years (IQR: 15.5-17.7) and 16.9 years (IQR: 16.0-18.0) for first vaginal sex. Most men had engaged in oral sex (89.5%) and vaginal sex (91.6%) in the previous 12 months with 32.6% reporting condom use at last vaginal sex. Of the total lifetime female partners for vaginal sex reported by men as a group (n=1187): 54.3% (n=645) were the same age as the man, 28.3% (n=336) were a year or more younger and 17.4% (n=206) were a year or more older. Prior anal sex with females was reported by 22% with 47% reporting condom use at last anal sex. Median age at first anal sex was 18.2 years (IQR: 17.3-18.8). Anal sex with a female was associated with having five or more lifetime female sexual partners for oral and vaginal sex. CONCLUSIONS These data provide insights into the trajectory of sexual behaviours experienced by teenage heterosexual boys following sexual debut, findings which can inform programme promoting sexual health among teenage boys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric P F Chow
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rebecca Wigan
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anna McNulty
- Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Sydney Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Charlotte Bell
- Clinic 275, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Mandy Johnson
- Family Planning Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lewis Marshall
- South Terrace Clinic, Fremantle Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - David G Regan
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Louise Owen
- Sexual Health Service Tasmania, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Julia M L Brotherton
- National HPV Vaccination Program Register, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Catriona S Bradshaw
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christopher K Fairley
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Darren Russell
- Cairns Sexual Health Service, Queensland Health, Cairns, North Queensland, Australia
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Marcus Y Chen
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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