SEXUAL DIFFICULTIES, CONCERNS, AND SATISFACTION IN HOMOSEXUAL MEN - AN EMPIRICAL-STUDY WITH IMPLICATIONS FOR HIV PREVENTION

Minimal research has investigated the prevalence of sexual disorders i n homosexual men. We examined sexual performance concerns, problems, a nd satisfaction in a convenience sample of 197 homosexual men who atte nded a health seminar. Sexual dysfunction and sexual concerns were fou nd to be common problems. Almost all men reported some sexual difficul ty over their lifetime, and more than half reported a current sexual d ifficulty. A further 25% of the sampled men identified other sexual co ncerns as well. Despite these figures, most participants-whether singl e, dating, or in a relationship-reported average to above-average sexu al satisfaction. Correlates of sexual satisfaction included more liber al attitudes toward human sexuality, greater comfort with men's sexual attractions to other men, lower levels of internalized homophobia, an d greater satisfaction with one's relationship status. Painful recepti ve anal intercourse appeared to be a common, yet previously underackno wledged, difficulty. Almost half of the respondents described HIV/AIDS as having a negative impact on their sexual functioning, with most re porting an increase in fear of sex as the major negative outcome.