Sexual Orientation Study Reveals Interesting Trends

The large percentage of scientific research pertaining to human sexuality has thus far concentrated on heterosexual relations (male-female couple behavior). In reality, sexual orientation embodies a diverse and much convoluted condition that spans everything from gay and lesbian preferences to a combination of both (bisexual). One recently published study examines the impact that sexual preference has on sexuality and sexual function and reveals the existence of some very interesting trends that exist among the various sexual orientations.

In order to better understand the role that sexual orientation plays on sexuality and sexual dysfunction, a study^† consisting of 2,276 North American medical students was performed. The results are grouped here into two specific categories; Sexual Experiences and Sexual Dysfunction.

Sexual Experiences

Prevalence of Homosexuality

According to the study, 13.2% of male respondents and 4.7% of female respondents reported a homosexual orientation.

Prevalence of Bisexuality

2.5% of male respondents and 5.7% of female respondents reported a bisexual orientation.

Heterosexuals with Homosexual Experiences

4% of heterosexual males and 10% of heterosexual females reported same-sex sexual experiences.

Homosexuals with Heterosexual Experiences

37% of homosexual males and 44% of homosexual females reported opposite-sex experiences.

Sexual Dysfunction

Occurrence of Premature Ejaculation

16% of heterosexual males and 17% of homosexual males reported instances of premature ejaculation.

Occurrence of Erectile Dysfunction

12% of heterosexual males and 24% of homosexual males reported episodes of erectile dysfunction.

Female Sexual Dysfunction Rates

51% of heterosexual women, 45% of bisexual women and 29% of homosexual women reported instances of female sexual dysfunction.

Source:^†Journal of Sexual Medicine / DOI 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2010.01794.x

Trends

Given the data above, several interesting trends based on sexual orientation are observed. Nearly three times as many men than women reported a homosexual orientation. The percentage of females claiming a bisexual orientation was more than double that of males. While the number of heterosexual males and females reporting a homosexual experience was relatively low, the percentage of homosexual males and females with heterosexual experiences was particularly high.

In terms of sexual dysfunction, the prevalence of premature ejaculation was similar among heterosexual and homosexual men. Erectile dysfunction was more common in homosexual men relative to heterosexual men. High risk for female sexual dysfunction was more common in heterosexual and bisexual women compared with lesbians.

Although these statistics only represent the characteristics of a small and distinct population, the outcome does raise some interesting questions. Why are men more likely to be of homosexual orientation than women? Why is the percentage of bisexual women more than double that of men? Perhaps more interesting, why does such a great percentage of homosexual males and females report to have had heterosexual experiences?

With regards to sexual dysfunction, although both heterosexual and homosexual males report approximately the same rates of premature ejaculation, why are homosexual men more likely to exhibit erectile dysfunction problems? For females, why is sexual dysfunction more prevalent among heterosexuals and bisexuals than homosexuals (lesbians)?

While the answers to these questions can only be revealed from further study, these preliminary results do show that noted differences exist among individuals based solely on sexual orientation. Scientific research into human sexuality as a whole has only just scratched the surface.

Posted by PRS on Friday, April 23rd, 2010

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