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Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe whether adolescent and young adult patients truthfully disclose sexual activity to providers during a sexual history and explore associations between disclosure and receipt of recommended services., Methods: Data from the 2018 National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior were used to describe self-reported disclsoure of sexually active 14- to 24-year-olds who had a health care visit in the previous year where a sexual history was taken (n = 196). We examined bivariate associations between disclosure and age, race/ethnicity, sex, sexual identity, and receipt of sexual health services., Results: Most (88%) respondents reported telling their provider the truth about sexual activity. A higher proportion of the younger adolescents (14- to 17-year-olds) did not disclose compared with the 18- to 24-year-old respondents (25.4% vs 3.9%; p < .001). A higher proportion of patients who disclosed reported having a sexually transmitted disease test (69.6% vs 26.7%; p < .001); being offered a sexually transmitted disease test (44.3% vs 4.5%; p < .001); and being asked by providers about number of partners (54.3% vs 15.4%; p < .01)., Conclusions: Most young patients disclose their sexual history to their provider, but younger patients might be less likely to do so. Positive patient-provider relationships may encourage disclosure of sexual activity and support receipt of indicated sexual and reproductive health services., (Copyright © 2020 Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: National practice guidelines encourage providers address sexual and reproductive health (SRH) as part of all clinical encounters with adolescents. Yet, no studies provide nationally representative estimates of how frequently adolescents are screened., Methods: Data were adolescent participants (aged 14-17 years; N = 826) in the 2018 National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior, an online, nationally representative study of sexual health experiences of people in the U.S. SRH variables were: (all no/yes) pregnancy prevention, sexual identity, STD/HIV prevention, sexual difficulties, sexually transmitted infections testing, and sexual activity. We used descriptive statistics and weighted logistic regression (Stata 16.0; all p < .05) to examine differences in the odds of SRH discussion with provider by sexual identity, age, gender, and race/ethnicity., Results: The coverage of SRH topics was poor. The most common topic was asking about sexual activity (52.9%), and the least common was being offered a sexually transmitted infection test (21.7%). An adolescent's sexual identity, race/ethnicity, and age affected the odds of topic screening., Conclusions: Health care providers appear to both infrequently and inconsistently address key SRH topics during encounters with young people. Targeted interventions should focus on strengthening the regularity and depth of clinicians' SRH conversations regardless of adolescent demographic or history., (Copyright © 2020 Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: In the United States, efforts to achieve health equity and reduce sexual health disparities remain a national priority; however, limited research has focused on understanding racial differences in patient/provider discussions about sexual health., Aim: To quantify racial differences between black and white women (aged 18-49 years) in the United States discussing sexual health with a healthcare provider in the past year., Methods: Data were analyzed from a subset of 1,654 women aged 18-49 years who participated in the 2018 National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior. Measures of interest included visiting a healthcare provider and discussing sexual health with the provider in the past year. Log binomial models were developed to estimate risk ratios for the likelihood of sexual health topics encountered by black women; models were adjusted for age, marital status, education level, and annual income., Main Outcome: Black women were significantly more likely to report having a healthcare visit in the past year compared to white women and were more likely to have discussed their sexual health activities., Results: The adjusted risk ratio (ARR) for black women who reported discussing sex or sexual health with a healthcare provider was 1.16 (95% CI: 1.06-1.26). The ARR for black women who were asked if they were sexually active was 1.16 (95% CI: 1.06-1.26) and about their condom use was 1.49 (95% CI: 1.27-1.74). Black women were nearly 2 times more likely to be offered sexually transmitted disease testing (ARR: 1.72, 95% CI: 1.46-2.02) and to report that they were provided condoms for future use (ARR: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.12-3.36)., Clinical Translation: Healthcare providers are encouraged to have routine sexual health discussions with all patients; however, we found that there are differences among black and white women in discussing their sexual health activities., Strengths & Limitations: The present study utilized a nationally representative probability survey, including an oversample of black women. The study focused on sexual health discussions of black and white women with a healthcare provider, and therefore, women who did not have a healthcare visit in the past year were excluded from the analysis., Conclusion: Black women reported having conversations about their sexual activities (eg, condom use) and were offered sexually transmitted disease testing more often than white women. These data provide insights that will impact patient/provider communication and aid in improving the delivery of sexual healthcare for all women. Townes A, Rosenberg M, Guerra-Reyes L, et al. Inequitable Experiences Between Black and White Women Discussing Sexual Health With Healthcare Providers: Findings From a U.S. Probability Sample. J Sex Med 2020;17:1520-1528., (Copyright © 2020 International Society for Sexual Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Using data from 78 sexting-experienced adolescents from the 2015 National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior, we describe sexting frequency, sexting partners, sexual relationships with such partners, and characteristics associated with sexting. Most (59.2%) respondents sexted at most monthly, usually with romantic partners (62.0%). About 41% of sexting-experienced adolescents did not usually have sexual relationships with sexting partners, 36.6% usually sexted after starting a sexual relationship, and 16.8% reported that their sexting typically preceded sexual relationships. Younger adolescents sexted more frequently. Those without vaginal sex/anal sex experience, or prior romantic experience, were more likely to have sexted a non-romantic/sexual partner.

People in open and other consensually nonmonogamous partnerships have been historically underserved by researchers and providers. Many studies group such partnerships together with nonconsensual nonmonogamy (NCNM) under the banner of "concurrent sexual partnerships." Discrimination from service providers poses a substantial barrier to care. Responding to such concerns, this investigation explored sociodemographic correlates with open relationships and associations between relationship structure and sexual risk, HIV/STI testing, and relationship satisfaction in a nationally representative probability sample. Data were drawn from the 2012 National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior (n = 2270). We used multinomial logistic regression to identify correlates with relationship structure, and linear and logistic regression to investigate associations between relationship structure and testing, condom use, and relationship satisfaction. Eighty-nine percent of participants reported monogamy, 4% reported open relationships, and 8% reported NCNM. Males, gay/lesbian individuals, bisexual individuals, and those who identified as "Other, Non-Hispanic" were more likely to report open relationships. Bisexual individuals and Black, Non-Hispanic participants were more likely to report NCNM; older participants were less likely to do so. Participants in open relationships reported more frequent condom use for anal intercourse and lower relationship satisfaction than monogamous participants. NCNM participants reported more HIV testing and lower satisfaction. Identities, experiences, and behaviors within open and other consensually nonmonogamous populations should be regarded as unique and diverse, rather than conflated with those common to other relationship structures. There is a need for greater awareness of diverse relationship structures among researchers and providers, and incorporation of related content into educational programming.

This study assessed the prevalence of sexual behaviors among a nationally representative sample of Latino men and women in the United States (US) (N = 432) including Spanish language data collection. Prior studies of sexual health among US Latinos have consisted of convenience samples, and focused mainly on assessing risk behaviors. We consider a broader range of sexual behaviors, subjective sexual experiences (e.g. pleasure and arousal), and STI testing behaviors. Analyses by language dominance and gender indicate a higher variability in sexual behaviors for English-dominant participants and a link between overall STI testing to regular medical examinations, especially women. Higher rates of pleasure, orgasms and arousal was reported by Spanish-dominant men and women, relative to the English-dominant group. Results represent a nuanced examination of internal differentiation among US Latinos and provides applicable data for reducing sexual health disparities in this population.

Following calls for an increase in replication studies in communication science as well as multiple other disciplines, the present study provides a direct replication of a pragmatically and theoretically important investigation of U.S. adolescents’ pornography exposure, parent-adolescent sexual health communication, and condomless sex published in this journal. Parent-adolescent sexual health communication has been suggested as a sexual risk-reduction mechanism, but condomless sex among U.S. adolescents is increasing. Simultaneously, pornography remains an extremely popular media genre and condomless sex is the norm in pornographic depictions. The findings of the present study replicated the findings of the original study, with the most notable replicated finding being an interaction between pornography exposure and parent-adolescent sexual health communication on the likelihood of condomless sex. Both in the original and present study, the association between U.S. adolescents’ pornography exposure and likelihood of condomless sex decreased as parental-adolescent sexual health communication increased. Results are discussed in terms of the challenges to examining these particular relationships among U.S. youth and the state of replication in the pornography effects literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using national probability data from the 2022 National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior, the present study evaluated whether moderators of the association between frequency of pornography exposure and condomless sex are consistent with the sexual script acquisition, activation, application model's (3AM) suppositions about the facilitating effects of wishful identification and decreased self-regulation and forethought capacity. Consistent with the 3AM, two-way interaction effect analysis indicated that the strength of the positive association between exposure frequency and condomless sex increased as identification intensified. Inconsistent with the 3AM, two-way interaction effect analysis indicated that the association between exposure frequency and condomless sex was not significantly different among those who had and had not consumed alcohol before their last sexual encounter. However, the three-way interaction between exposure frequency, identification, and alcohol use did suggest a role for each 3AM moderator, as the catalyzing effect of identification was operable among those who had consumed alcohol only. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To examine changes over time in event-level condom/contraceptive use and the association between past year penile-vaginal intercourse frequency and event-level condom/contraceptive use. Methods: Data were from the 2009 and 2018 National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior, an online probability survey of U.S. adolescents and adults. Results: The use of condoms and highly effective hormonal contraceptives decreased while long-acting reversible contraceptive use increased from 2009 to 2018 among adults. Increased penile-vaginal intercourse frequency was associated with decreased use of most contraceptive methods but an increase in condom use for adolescents. Conclusions: Sexual frequency should be considered when assessing condom/contraceptive use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A growing body of research focuses on the quality of sexual experiences, such as the importance of sexual pleasure, comfort, and intimacy for overall health. Building upon this work, this study aims to develop a deeper understanding of the dimensions of sexual experiences using data from 2897 adult participants from the 2018 National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior (NSSHB; 1314 men, 1583 women).Methods: We conducted an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to examine the extent to which 20 adjectives describing adults' most recent sexual experience (e.g. boring, playful, romantic, etc.) formed a coherent factor or several factors. Next, we explored how different scores on each factor were associated with sexual outcomes for women and men.Results: Our EFA generated two explanatory factors that mapped onto two underlying components: sexual pleasure and sexual danger. These two factors were correlated with sexual health outcomes including sexual wantedness, orgasm, self-rated sexual health, meaningfulness of sex and pain during sex.Conclusions: We found that the innovative list of adjectives used in the 2018 NSSHB provided important and reliable insight into latent dimensions of sex. Specifically, we found that the pleasure dimension was important for both genders, and especially for women, in experiences where the sex was wanted, orgasmic, meaningful, healthy, and without pain. Implications for sexual experiences and suggestions for future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To examine the prevalence of student utilization of campus sexual health resources and their association with sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing. Participants: Undergraduate students (n = 7020) at a large Midwestern university completed a confidential online survey in 2015. Methods: A probability-based sample of undergraduate students completed a cross-sectional online survey. Results: Commonly accessed sexual health resources were student orientation activities about sexual assault or rape, sexuality/gender classes, gender and sexual orientation panels, class panels on sexual assault, birth control and STI presentations, and having joined a sexuality-related student organization. Campus sexual health resource utilization was significantly associated with greater STI testing since college. Gender, race, class level, enrollment status, sexual orientation, timing of last sexual event, and perceived STI risk were significantly associated with STI testing in college. Conclusions: Campus sexual health resources play an important role in student sexual health promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Most studies on agreeing to unwanted sex have assessed sexual encounters between people who have had sex before. Thus, we examined instances of sexual compliance with a novel sexual partner. Participants: A probability sample of college students at a university in the Midwest United States (N = 7,112). Methods: Participants completed an online survey based on measures from the National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior. Results: Only 2.5% (n = 179) agreed to unwanted sexual activity at their most recent sexual encounter. People who were sexually compliant with a novel sexual partner frequently did so due to their own alcohol intoxication. Further, sexual compliance with novel sexual partners was less frequently associated with affectionate sexual behaviors or orgasm. Conclusions: Our initial findings regarding the effect of sexual precedent on sexual compliance warrant further research on instances when people agree to sex they don't want with novel partners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research dedicated to understanding the sexual experiences of Black women has historically been framed around adverse outcomes. There are limited data that can be used to understand the lived experiences of Black women related to sexual health care. Twenty-five Black women aged 18- 35 from across nine US states were interviewed to gain insight into their experiences and preferences for receiving sexual health services. Three themes were developed from their accounts: individual and structural barriers affect access to and perceived quality of care; service provider race and gender impact sexual health care experiences; and personalised care improves engagement. Findings suggest the need for culturally informed training for sexual health practitioners working with Black women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual pleasure is best attained through facilitating access to the highest standard of health. Today global data show a persistent high burden of sexual health issues. Yet, pleasure remains a sensitive, stigmatized, and unspoken topic in healthcare services. This article examines how to incorporate a value for pleasure into healthcare services, grounded in the assumption that pleasure is a fundamental reason why people have sex and that acknowledging this can support people in creating safer, more pleasurable sexual experiences. Drawing upon examples from the literature and field experience, this article explores how to better address pleasure in healthcare settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Sexual satisfaction is an important component of sexual health and wellbeing across the life course, including adolescence. While research on pornography use and sexual satisfaction has become increasingly common, the vast majority of studies have focused on adults. An additional limitation of studies to date is a lack of assessment of mediating mechanisms. Methods: To help address these gaps in the literature, this study used data from a population-based probability survey of U.S. adolescents to assess whether an increased likelihood of engaging in dominant sexual behaviors such as choking, spanking, and name calling was a possible mediator. Results: Path analytic results supported a conceptual model whereby youth with greater exposure to pornography are more likely to engage in sexually dominant behaviors, distancing them from their partners, and reducing their sense of sexual satisfaction. Conclusion: These results, while preliminary due to a small analytical sample and cross-sectional design, should serve as a springboard for larger-scale efforts in this important area of human sexuality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual scripts in pornography rarely include condoms. Many teenagers in the U.S. are exposed to pornography and have unprotected sex. Despite this, only a few studies have investigated whether greater pornography exposure is associated with condomless sex among U.S. teenagers, and these were conducted using clinical, convenience samples, many years ago, with data collections at a single location. This paper reports contemporary results on U.S. teenagers' exposure to pornography, parent-adolescent sexual health communication, and condom use from the National Survey of Porn Use, Relationships, and Sexual Socialization (NSPRSS), a U.S. population-based probability study. Although the correlations were in the expected direction, neither pornography exposure nor parent-adolescent sexual health communication were related at the bivariate level to teenagers' use of condoms. However, consistent with the sexual script acquisition, activation, application model (3AM) of sexual media socialization, pornography exposure interacted with parent-adolescent sexual health communication to predict condomless sex. Pornography exposure was associated with an increased probability of condomless sex only when parents engaged in little to no sexual health communication with their children. When parent-adolescent sexual health communication was high, pornography use was unrelated to teenagers' engagement in condomless sex. These results are consistent with the public health position that pornography can be a risk factor for condomless sex, the theoretical position that the socializing impact of sexual media depends on consumers' existing sexual scripts, and the pedagogical position that parent-adolescent sexual health communication can buffer youth against detrimental effects of sexual media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This lesson plan is designed to help participants learn how to partner with their healthcare providers to improve their sexual health. This lesson plan describes how to achieve this goal with cis-gender Black adolescent girls and adult women (ages 16 and older). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consistent and correct use of contraceptives and barrier methods are effective ways to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancy. We examined contraceptive and barrier use among a sample of 27 sexual- and gender-minoritized individuals assigned female at birth (SGMF) in three cities in India. Contraceptive and barrier use was prevalent among SGMF with male sex partners but was perceived as unnecessary for many who solely engaged with female partners. Perceived lack of risk, cultural and partner-related issues, and concerns about side effects served as barriers to use. Inclusive sexuality education would better address the needs of SGMF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To explore perceptions of condoms associated with complete use and evaluate relationships between condom perceptions, condom use, and sexual quality. Methods: Using data from a U. S. nationally representative probability sample, we assessed individuals' condom use perceptions and related characteristics of their most recent sexual event through bivariate and regression analyses (n = 234). Results: Most participants reported complete condom use and neutral or positive perceptions of condoms. Though incomplete use was associated with orgasm among women, arousal and pleasure did not differ by gender or duration of condom use. Conclusions: We found no evidence that delayed application or early condom removal increased sexual arousal or pleasure, which may help sexual health promotion interventions address negative cultural ideas about condoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual orientation is a multi-dimensional concept, at a minimum comprised of sexual identity, sexual attraction, and sexual behavior. Our study aimed to assess relationships among self-identified sexual identity, sexual attraction, and sexual behaviors in a probability sample of adults in the U.S. and to identify associated factors with diverse patterns. We collected data from adults in the 2015 National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior, an Internet-based nationally representative probability survey of the general U.S. population. Concordance between sexual identity versus sexual attraction and sexual behaviors was assessed using percent agreement. We identified correlates of discordance using logistic regression. Concordance between sexual identity versus sexual attraction and past-year sexual behaviors was 94% and 96%, respectively, though our sample was predominately composed of heterosexual individuals. Women and sexual minority individuals reported greater discordance across sexuality-related measures than men and heterosexual individuals. Younger adults (aged 18-24 years) were more likely to report sexual behaviors discordant with sexual identity compared with older adults (including those ages 25-34 years). Higher levels of educational attainment were significantly associated with less discordance of reported recent sexual activity and sexual identity. Measures of sexual identity, attraction, and behaviors are not interchangeable. Future research should consider multiple sexuality-related measures in order to capture the complexity and variability of sexualities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This qualitative study examined the acceptability of female condoms in urban India, with a focus on sexual pleasure. We conducted focus group discussions with 50 women and 19 men, as well as a small number of individual interviews with women (n = 3), in Chennai and New Delhi. Perceived benefits of female condoms included protection against unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, increased sense of empowerment for women, and simple clean up. The most common drawback was reduced sensation. Participants suggested structural changes to the female condom to ease insertion and use. Consent and privacy were discussed as increasing sexual pleasure. Pleasure should be acknowledged in design and education efforts to increase female condom use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about current attitudes in the United States toward having sex during pregnancy. It is possible that pregnant women and their sexual partners hold beliefs and have feelings during this time that might lead to sexual and relational distress. Two new scales, Maternal Sex During Pregnancy and Partner Sex During Pregnancy, were developed and administered to 112 newly pregnant couples. The scales demonstrated strong reliability and validity. Attitudes and beliefs varied across the sample, but the scores did not significantly differ between partners. These scales allow clinicians to support healthy sexuality during pregnancy by understanding sources of anxiety and possible misconceptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlabelled: Background There is a lack of research that examines event-level lubricant use and outcomes among gay and bisexual men, with the majority of current research addressing lubricant use within the context of sexual risk. Most studies examining sexual health among gay and bisexual men have relied on convenience sampling strategies for participant recruitment.Methods: Data were collected from the 2012 wave of the National Survey of Sexual Health and Behaviour (NSSHB), which involved the administration of an online questionnaire to a nationally representative probability sample of women and men in the United States aged 18 years and older, including an oversampling of self-identified gay and bisexual men and women. The findings from gay (n=307) and bisexual (n=25) participants who reported sexual behaviours with other male partners during their last sexual encounter are included in this paper. Post-stratification data weights were applied to the data to maximise the generalisability of the findings.Results: Men who reported lubricant use during their last sexual event with a male partner (n=163) were significantly more likely to be non-White, Hispanic and between 30 and 39 years old. Bisexual men had lower odds of using lubricant than gay-identified men. The majority of men reported using lubricant during anal intercourse, along with lower numbers with a range of other sexual behaviours.Conclusion: Public health promotion specialists should consider recommending continued lubricant use as a part of comprehensive sexual health promotion efforts for gay and bisexual men, including that it reduces pain and maximises pleasure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Recent U.S. nationally representative data indicate that about 30% of women and 5% of men reported pain occurring during their most recent sexual event; however, little is known about the severity, duration, or context of such pain, or its prevalence during vaginal vs. anal intercourse. Aims To document the prevalence and characteristics of pain during vaginal and anal intercourse among U.S. women and men (ages 18+) at their most recent other-sex sexual event, including the self-reported severity, duration, and location of their pain; how participants addressed their pain; and partner communication related to the pain. Methods Data from a subsample of 1,738 women and men in the 2012 National Survey of Sexual Health Behavior, a nationally representative probability survey of Americans ages 18+ collected via the Internet, were analyzed. Main Outcome Measures Participants responded to items about their background characteristics; whether they had vaginal or anal intercourse during their most recent sexual experience; the severity, duration, and location of any pain experienced during said sexual event; and whether they responded to or communicated about the pain. Results About 30% of women and 7% of men reported pain during vaginal intercourse events, and most of the reports of pain were mild and of short duration. About 72% of women and 15% of men reported pain during anal intercourse events, with more of these events including moderate or severe pain (for the women) and of mixed duration. Large proportions of Americans do not tell their partner when sex hurts. Conclusion Pain is a relatively common, and often not discussed, aspect of both vaginal and anal intercourse events occurring between women and men. Individual and clinical implications are discussed. Herbenick D, Schick V, Sanders SA, Reece M, and Fortenberry JD. Pain experienced during vaginal and anal intercourse with other-sex partners: Findings from a nationally representative probability study in the United States. J Sex Med 2015;12:1040-1051. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Vibrators and dildos are commonly used by women and men in the United States, and are increasingly recommended by clinicians. In addition, sex toys and various household objects are sometimes used for sexual stimulation in ways that pose health risks to their users. Data about the dimensions of such products may inform clinicians' recommendations. Aim The purpose of the present study was to assess the sizes (length and circumference) of vibrators and dildos marketed for vaginal or anal insertion on websites that sell sexual enhancement products. Methods Eight websites that sell sexual enhancement products were identified for inclusion in the study. The dimensions of vaginal vibrators and dildos listed for sale on each website were noted, and descriptive data were calculated for each website. Main Outcome Measures Product length and circumference (mean, median, and range). Results Popular sex toy distributers offer a variety of product sizes. The length of many vibrators and dildos was sized between 4 and 6 in, and circumference was between 4 and 5 in. However, some companies featured products of a considerably larger size than others. Conclusion Length and circumference of vibrators and dildos varied, but on average approximated mean penile dimensions. Clinicians' recommendations for use of vaginal or anal products can be enhanced by familiarity and offering additional information about product sizes and retailers. Herbenick D, Barnhart KJ, Beavers K, and Benge S. Vibrators and other sex toys are commonly recommended to patients, but does size matter? Dimensions of commonly sold products. J Sex Med 2015;12:641-645. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known or understood about the ways females and males come to form positive perceptions of females' genitals. This study furthers knowledge about where females and males learn about female genitals and how positive and/or negative perceptions are formed. Individuals were invited to complete an anonymous Internet-based survey about their thoughts, feelings, and beliefs about vulvas and vaginas (female genitals). This study reports on the responses to two open-ended questions asking both females and males where and how they learned about and came to like/dislike female genitals. Sexual education in school, self-exploration, and experimentation and communication with partners were common sites for learning about female genitals. The media, books, and pornography were also frequently cited as reinforcing both positive and negative perceptions. Results may be used to strengthen sexual health curriculums and counseling programs as well as inform directions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Much scientific research focuses on assessing and understanding individuals' perceptions of sexual pleasure, enjoyment and satisfaction. Many existing measures of pleasure and satisfaction provide valuable information but are limited in their ability to assess event-level quality. Aims To develop a scale for measuring the event-level quality of a sexual experience that could be used regardless of the age, gender, sexual orientation, and relationship status of the individual and across sexual activity types. Methods Interviews about the measurement of sexual quality and pleasure were conducted with 15 experts in the field of sexual health and informed the development of an event-level scale to measure the quality of sexual experiences. Scale items were administered to a cross-sectional nationally representative probability survey of Americans ages 18 to 60. Main Outcome Measures Socio-demographic items; Quality of Sexual Experience ( QSE) scale items; event-level items related to overall sexual quality ('Quality item'), comparison to other sexual events ('Comparison item'), and orgasm ('Orgasm item'). Results QSE scores were significantly correlated with responses to the Quality Item ( r = 0.901, P < 0.001 for both women and men). Better experiences were associated with significantly higher QSE scores than were worse experiences; significant linear relationships were found for both women ( GLM F[4,1461] = 129.46, P < 0.001) and men ( GLM F[4,864] = 71.84, P < 0.001). QSE scores were significantly related to responses on the Orgasm Item for women [ F[3,1430] = 246.53, P < 0.001] and men [ F[3,858] = 117.24, P < 0.001]. Conclusions The QSE scale is a valid and reliable event-level measure of the quality of a sexual experience in both women and men with outstanding psychometric properties. Clinical and research implications are discussed. Sanders SA, Herbenick D, Reece M, Schick V, Mullinax M, Dodge B, and Fortenberry JD. The development and validation of a brief quality of sexual experience (QSE) scale: Results from a nationally representative sample of men and women in the United States. J Sex Med 2013;10:2409-2417. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The development of safer sex recommendations for women who have sex with women (WSW) remains challenging given a limited understanding of sexual behaviour between women. The present study was conducted in order to investigate the sexual repertoires of WSW and the safer sex methods they use to reduce the likelihood of sexually transmitted infection acquisition. Methods An online survey targeted towards women with desire, attraction or previous sexual behaviour with women was distributed globally. Women (N=3116) who engaged in at least one sexual act with a woman in the previous year and were currently living in the USA, UK, Canada or Australia were included in the present study. Questions were based upon previously validated items in nationally representative studies. Results Participants indicated a wide diversity of sexual behaviours with the majority of women reporting a history of genital rubbing (99.8%), vaginal fingering (99.2%), genital scissoring (90.8%), cunnilingus (98.8%) and vibrator use (74.1%). Barrier use was reported by a minority (<25%) of the participants. Conclusions The variety of sexual acts reported by the sample points to the need for the development of more contextually appropriate sexual health guidelines for WSW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT. Outside traditional risk-oriented public health campaigns, few sexuality education opportunities exist for adult women, particularly those in partnered relationships, that address issues related to sexual desire and pleasure. Data were collected from 677 women attending in-home sex toy parties to assess whether they sought sexuality-related information at a recent party they attended. Participants reported asking 765 questions at parties. The questions were analyzed for their content and for relations with sexual function scores. Question topics were varied, related to various domains of sexual function, and provided insight into the contributions that these parties may make to women's sexual health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Introduction. To provide a foundation for those who provide sexual health services and programs to men in the United States, the need for population-based data that describes men's sexual behaviors and their correlates remains. Aims. The purpose of this study was to, in a national probability survey of men ages 18-94 years, assess the occurrence and frequency of sexual behaviors and their associations with relationship status and health status. Methods. A national probability sample of 2,522 men aged 18 to 94 completed a cross-sectional survey about their sexual behaviors, relationship status, and health. Main Outcome Measures. Relationship status; health status; experience of solo masturbation, partnered masturbation, giving oral sex, receiving oral sex, vaginal intercourse and anal intercourse, in the past 90 days; frequency of solo masturbation, vaginal intercourse and anal intercourse in the past year. Results. Masturbation, oral intercourse, and vaginal intercourse are prevalent among men throughout most of their adult life, with both occurrence and frequency varying with age and as functions of relationship type and physical health status. Masturbation is prevalent and frequent across various stages of life and for both those with and without a relational partner, with fewer men with fair to poor health reporting recent masturbation. Patterns of giving oral sex to a female partner were similar to those for receiving oral sex. Vaginal intercourse in the past 90 days was more prevalent among men in their late 20s and 30s than in the other age groups, although being reported by approximately 50% of men in the sixth and seventh decades of life. Anal intercourse and sexual interactions with other men were less common than all other sexual behaviors. Conclusion. Contemporary men in the United States engage in diverse solo and partnered sexual activities; however, sexual behavior is less common and more infrequent among older age cohorts. Reece M, Herbenick D, Schick V, Sanders SA, Dodge B, and Fortenberry JD. Sexual behaviors, relationships, and perceived health among adult men in the United States: Results from a national probability sample. J Sex Med 2010;7(suppl 5):291-304. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Introduction. Past surveys of sexual behavior have demonstrated that female sexual behavior is influenced by medical and sociocultural changes. To be most attentive to women and their sexual lives, it is important to have an understanding of the continually evolving sexual behaviors of contemporary women in the United States. Aims. The purpose of this study, the National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior (NSSHB), was to, in a national probability survey of women ages 18-92, assess the proportion of women in various age cohorts who had engaged in solo and partnered sexual activities in the past 90 days and to explore associations with participants' sexual behavior and their relationship and perceived health status. Past year frequencies of masturbation, vaginal intercourse, and anal intercourse were also assessed. Methods. A national probability sample of 2,523 women ages 18 to 92 completed a cross-sectional internet based survey about their sexual behavior. Main Outcome Measures. Relationship status; perceived health status; experience of solo masturbation, partnered masturbation, giving oral sex, receiving oral sex, vaginal intercourse, anal intercourse, in the past 90 days; frequency of solo masturbation, vaginal intercourse, and anal intercourse in the past year. Results. Recent solo masturbation, oral sex, and vaginal intercourse were prevalent among women, decreased with age, and varied in their associations with relationship and perceived health status. Recent anal sex and same-sex oral sex were uncommonly reported. Solo masturbation was most frequent among women ages 18 to 39, vaginal intercourse was most frequent among women ages 18 to 29 and anal sex was infrequently reported. Conclusion. Contemporary women in the United States engage in a diverse range of solo and partnered sexual activities, though sexual behavior is less common and more infrequent among older age cohorts. Herbenick D, Reece M, Schick V, Sanders SA, Dodge B, and Fortenberry JD. Sexual behaviors, relationships, and perceived health status among adult women in the United States: Results from a national probability sample. J Sex Med 2010;7(suppl 5):277-290. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Introduction. In the contemporary U.S., men and women are living longer and healthier lives. As such, many people spend greater portions of their lives as sexually active individuals. Yet, little is known about the myriad of ways that older adults experience their sexual lives. Aim. This study sought to assess the context and frequency of sexual behaviors, condom use, sexual pleasure, and sexual experience of men and women over age 50. Methods. Information regarding the sexual experiences of a nationally representative sample of men and women over age 50 within the past year was examined. Main Outcome Measures. Sexual behavior over the past year was assessed in relation to several situational and contextual characteristics (e.g., event location, type of partner, health status, condom use). Participants were also asked about their experience (i.e., pleasure, arousal, pain, lubrication/erectile difficulties, and orgasm) during their most recent partnered sexual event. Bivariate or ordinal logistic regression models were used to investigate the relationship of age, health and partner status to sexual frequency and experience. Results. Although sizable proportions (20-30%) of both men and women remained sexually active well into their 80s age was related to a lower likelihood of solo and most partnered sexual behaviors. When controlling for age, relationship status, and health remained significant predictors of select sexual behaviors. The participant's evaluation of their most recent sexual experience in terms of arousal, erectile difficulty, and orgasm all declined with age. Health status was related to men's evaluation of the experience. Relationship status was the most consistent predictor of women's evaluation of the experience. Condom use rates remained low for participants across age groups. Conclusion. Many older adults continue be sexually active well into advanced age (80+). Thus, providers need to be attentive to the diverse sexual health needs of older adults. Schick V, Herbenick D, Reece M, Sanders SA, Dodge B, Middlestadt SE, and Fortenberry JD. Sexual behaviors, condom use, and sexual health of Americans over 50: Implications for sexual health promotion for older adults. J Sex Med 2010;7(suppl 5):315-329. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Introduction. Given the efficacy of latex condoms for preventing pregnancy, HIV, and most STI, their promotion remains central to global sexual health efforts. To inform the development of accurate and appropriately-targeted interventions, there is a need for contemporary condom use rates among specific populations. Aims. The purpose of this study was to establish rates of condom use among sexually active individuals in the U.S. population. Methods. Data were collected via a national probability sample of 5,865 U.S. adolescents and adults aged 14 to 94 years. Main Outcome Measures. Condom use was assessed during the most recent partnered vaginal or anal sexual event and over the past 10 vaginal and anal intercourse events. Results. Condom use by men during past 10 vaginal intercourse events was slightly higher (21.5%) than that reported by women (18.4%), and consistent with rates of condom use reported during most recent vaginal intercourse by men (24.7%) and women (21.8%). Adolescent men reported condom use during 79.1% of the past 10 vaginal intercourse events, adolescent women reported use during 58.1% of the same. Condom use during past 10 anal intercourse events was higher among men (25.8%) than women (13.2%); the same was observed for most recent anal intercourse event (26.5% for insertive men, 44.1% for receptive men, and 10.8% for receptive women). Generally, condom use was highest among unmarried adults, higher among adolescents than adults, and higher among black and Hispanic individuals when compared with other racial groups. Conclusion. These data indicate clear trends in condom use across age, gender, relationship status, and race/ethnicity. These contemporary rates of condom use will be helpful to those who lead efforts to increase condom use among individuals who may be at risk for sexually transmitted infections or who desire to prevent pregnancy. Reece M, Herbenick D, Schick V, Sanders SA, Dodge B, and Fortenberry JD. Condom use rates in a national probability sample of males and females ages 14 to 94 in the United States. J Sex Med 2010;7(suppl 5):266-276. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Introduction. Despite a demonstrated relationship between sexual behaviors and health, including clinical risks, little is known about contemporary sexual behavior. Aims. To assess the rates of sexual behavior among adolescents and adults in the United States. Methods. We report the recent (past month, past year) and lifetime prevalence of sexual behaviors in a nationally representative probability sample of 5,865 men and women ages 14 to 94 in the United States (2,936 men, 2,929 women). Main Outcome Measures. Behaviors assessed included solo masturbation, partnered masturbation, giving and receiving oral sex, vaginal intercourse, and anal intercourse. Results. Masturbation was common throughout the lifespan and more common than partnered sexual activities during adolescence and older age (70+). Although uncommon among 14- to 15-year olds, in the past year 18.3% of 16- to 17-year-old males and 22.4% of 16- to 17-year-old females performed oral sex with an other-sex partner. Also in the past year, more than half of women and men ages 18 to 49 engaged in oral sex. The proportion of adults who reported vaginal sex in the past year was highest among men ages 25-39 and for women ages 20-29, then progressively declined among older age groups. More than 20% of men ages 25-49 and women ages 20-39 reported anal sex in the past year. Same-sex sexual behaviors occurring in the past year were uncommonly reported. Conclusions. Men and women engage in a diverse range of solo and partnered sexual behaviors throughout the life course. The rates of contemporary sexual behavior provided in this report will be valuable to those who develop, implement, and evaluate programs that seek to improve societal knowledge related to the prevalence of sexual behaviors and to sexual health clinicians whose work to improve sexual health among the population often requires such rates of behavior. Herbenick D, Reece M, Schick V, Sanders SA, Dodge B, and Fortenberry JD. Sexual behavior in the United States: Results from a national probability sample of men and women ages 14-94. J Sex Med 2010;7(suppl 5):255-265. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scales assessing attitude toward condoms typically focus on their use for a specific context or outcome (sexually transmitted diseases/HIV prevention or pregnancy prevention) and not the characteristics of a condom itself. To assess the psychometrics of the Multi-Factor Attitude toward Condoms Scale, data from 1,832 U.S. men were analyzed. Internal consistency was acceptable (α= .816) with three factors accounting for 61.44% of the variance (affective, perceived effectiveness, and manageability). Additional validity assessments demonstrated construct validity for this new attitude toward condoms scale that focuses on the properties of the condom and not a specific behavioral or outcome-focused context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There has been a great deal of public speculation regarding a surge in erectile dysfunction (ED) in younger men despite data consistently indicating that the ED prevalence rates increase with age. Aim: In this study we sought to assess the prevalence and risk of experiencing ED in a nationally representative sample of men in the United States across various social groups, describe comorbidities, and examine barriers to treatment. Methods: Data from the 2021 National Survey of Sexual Wellbeing were analyzed by utilizing the Ipsos KnowledgePanel®, a probability-based online panel, for the purpose of obtaining US nationally representative data of adults aged 18 years and older. The analytic sample consisted of 1822 cisgender men ranging in age from 18 to 87 years, with a mean age of 47.5 years. Outcomes: Study outcomes were ED as measured by the 5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), as well as self-reported diagnosis by a medical professional, comorbidities with other health issues, medications taken for ED, and barriers to treatment. Results: The ED prevalence rate based on IIEF-5 scores was 24.2%. Prevalence increased with age: 52.2% of the 75+ age group, and 48.0% of the 65-74 age group meeting diagnostic criteria for ED. Diagnostic criteria were met for more participants in the 18-24 age group (17.9%) than the 25-34 (13.3%) or 35-44 (12.7%) age groups, but less than the 45-54 (25.3%) or 55-64 (33.9%) age groups. Only 7.7% (n = 141) of the sample reported having been diagnosed by a provider (n = 4 in 25-34, n = 6 in 35-44, n = 13 in 45-54, n = 39 in 55-64, n = 44 in 65-74, and n = 34 in ≥75–year olds), indicating a gap in access to treatment. The most common reason selected for not accessing care for ED concerns was a lack of need to see a provider in the past year. Clinical Implications: The discrepancy between ED self-report and medical diagnosis is critical, given that ED can be an indication of underlying health risks. Strengths and Limitations: This study is the first nationally representative update to information regarding the prevalence of ED in almost 2 decades. Standard administration of the IIEF-5 is limited to participants who have had sex in the last 6 months, so these rates do not include those men with ED who have been avoiding penetrative sex for a significant time. Conclusion: The results indicate that ED prevalence and severity remain highest in older age groups and that most individuals who meet criteria for ED have not sought medical care related to this concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Introduction. Little is known about the characteristics of sexual events during which individuals choose to use lubricant with condoms. Aims. The aims of this article were to evaluate the determinants of adding lubricant to condoms during baseline and at the event level, to assess the event-level variables' influence on adding lubricants to condoms, and to assess the event-level influence of using condoms with lubricant on event-level condom attitudes. Methods. A total of 1,874 men completed a 30-day Internet-based prospective daily diary study of sexual behavior and condom use. Main Outcome Measures. Baseline data included demographic variables and information about condom education. Daily diary data included reports of penile-vaginal sex regarding intercourse duration, intercourse intensity, intoxication level, condom application method, partner contraceptive method, and partner and relationship characteristics. Results. Lubricant was added to 24.3% of the study-provided condoms and 26.2% of the condoms selected by study participants. Those with more education and those who were married were more likely to add lubrication to condoms. Adding lubricant to condoms, a female partner putting the condom on with her hands and using contraception, and the event occurring with a wife (vs. girlfriend) was significantly associated with longer intercourse. Event-level lubricant and condom use significantly predicted lower willingness to buy the condom it was used with, as well as to recommend the condom. Adding exogenous lubricant was not related to the participants' confidence in condoms as a method to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Conclusions. The event-level nature of this study provided for a more comprehensive assessment of the situational factors that are associated with applying lubricant to condoms. Findings from this study suggest that men are adding lubricant to condoms for reasons other than to increase condom efficacy. Reece M, Mark K, Herbenick D, Hensel DJ, Jawed-Wessel S, and Dodge B. An event-level analysis of adding exogenous lubricant to condoms in a sample of men who have vaginal sex with women. J Sex Med 2012;9:672-678. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Introduction. Little is known about the prevalence of sexual behaviors among the black and Hispanic populations in the United States outside the context of sexual risk and disease transmission in 'high-risk' samples. Aim. This study sought to establish current rates of sexual behaviors, sexual health care practices (i.e., experiences with testing and diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections [STIs]), and condom use in a probability sample of black and Hispanic adult men and women in the United States. Main Outcome Measures. Sexual behaviors including solo masturbation, partnered masturbation, receiving oral sex and giving oral sex, vaginal intercourse, and anal intercourse were assessed. Self-reported rates of HIV and other STI testing, and self-reported history of STI diagnosis were examined. Also assessed were rates of condom use during most recent and past 10 vaginal intercourse events. Methods. Data from a probability sample of 1246 black and Hispanic adults were analyzed to explore sexual behaviors, condom use, and STI testing and diagnosis trends. Results. Masturbation, oral sex, and vaginal intercourse were prevalent among black and Hispanic men and women throughout the life course. Anal intercourse and same-gender sexual activities were less common. Self-reported rates of HIV testing were relatively high but varied by gender across age groups. Similarly, rates of testing for other STI were high and differed by gender across age groups. Overall rates of condom use among black and Hispanic men and women were relatively high and did not appear to be related to a variety of situational factors including location of sexual encounter, relationship status, other contraceptive use, and substance use during sexual activity. Conclusion. These data provide a foundation for understanding diverse sexual behaviors, sexual health-care practices, and condom use among the general population of black and Hispanic men and women in the United States. Dodge B, Reece M, Herbenick D, Schick V, Sanders SA, and Fortenberry JD. Sexual health among U.S. black and Hispanic men and women: a nationally representative study. J Sex Med 2010;7(suppl 5):330-345. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Findings from recent studies in the United States indicate that some men report they perceive problems with the fit and feel of condoms and that these perceptions are associated with lack of consistent condom use. However, little research has explored how men outside the U.S. feel about the fit and feel of condoms. The research project was conducted by researchers in the U.S. in collaboration with a range of community partners in France, Germany, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Spain. A total of 2,921 men completed The Condom Fit and Feel Scale and other items via Internet-based surveys available in six languages. Men from each nation were compared using descriptive and multivariate techniques to assess condom fit and feel. Although most men reported they generally perceived condoms to fit fine and feel comfortable, there were differences across men in different countries with regard to specific issues they experienced with condom fit and feel. In particular, men in the Netherlands were least likely to report that condoms fit fine and most likely to report that condoms felt too tight and/or too short. Men from Slovenia were most likely to report that condoms were too loose. The fit and feel issues that men identified may be among those that are associated with their likelihood of using, or not using, condoms consistently and correctly. A better understanding of fit and feel perceptions in this study will be beneficial to both condom manufacturers and health professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although withdrawal use is routinely measured as part of contraceptive surveillance in the United States, its assessment may be prone to underreporting and measurement errors. Additionally, at the population level, little is known about subjective experiences of withdrawal. To measure respondents' frequency of and reasons for engaging in extra-vaginal ejaculation in the past year, and to compare contraceptive withdrawal vs extra-vaginal/anal ejaculation during the most recent sexual event. The 2018 National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior is a U.S. nationally representative probability survey of adolescents and adults. This study was administered in February–March 2018 via GfK Research's KnowledgePanel. Respondents who reported consensual penile-vaginal intercourse in the past year were included in the analysis. Logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with finding extra-vaginal ejaculation sexy/arousing. Main outcomes were the frequency of and reasons for extra-vaginal ejaculation in the past year, as well as reported contraceptive withdrawal use and the location of ejaculation at the most recent penile-vaginal intercourse. In the past year, approximately 60% of respondents reported engaging in any extra-vaginal ejaculation; pregnancy prevention and sexual pleasure were given as common reasons. Those who were men, white, or aged 25–29 were more likely to find extra-vaginal ejaculation sexy or arousing; no gender differences were observed in their partner's perception of this act. Prevalence of selecting withdrawal on the contraceptive inventory was 12.2% (95% CI 10.6–14.0) at last sexual event, whereas extra-vaginal/anal ejaculation was reported by 20.8% (95% CI 18.7–23.0). This lack of concordance in differing measures was observed consistently across all age groups, and approximately 12% to 14% of individuals reported an ejaculation location that did not correspond to their withdrawal use. The results of this study have implications for how healthcare providers discuss withdrawal with their patients and counsel them on using extra-vaginal ejaculation as part of their contraceptive use or part of their sexual repertoire. This is the first nationally representative study to directly compare contraceptive withdrawal to extra-vaginal ejaculation. Limited data were collected at event level regarding motivations for extra-vaginal ejaculation, pregnancy attitudes, perceptions of condoms and sexually transmitted infection prevention, or exposure to erotic media, thus limiting further assessment of relationships between various factors and extra-vaginal/anal ejaculation. We found that reporting of withdrawal as a contraceptive method vs extra-vaginal/anal ejaculation was inconsistent and that extra-vaginal/anal ejaculation was commonly used for reasons other than pregnancy prevention; future research should use more precise measures of "withdrawal." Fu TC, Hensel DJ, Beckmeyer JJ, et al. Considerations in the Measurement and Reporting of Withdrawal: Findings from the 2018 National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior. J Sex Med 2019;16:1170–1177. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To examine knowledge of Zika transmission and risk perception and to assess variability by condom use in a probability sample of sexually-active adults in the United States. Methods. Data for this study came from the 2016 wave of the National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior, a nationally representative probability sample of adults in the United States. Data were collected in November 2016 via a cross-sectional Internet-based survey administered to members of a Knowledge Panel, an address-based random sample service managed by GfK. A weighted subsample (n = 1 713) of sexually active adults, 18 - 50 years of age, was included in analyses. Results. More than 90% of men and women reported low or no perceived risk of Zika. Most participants identified mosquito bite as a route of transmission, while significantly fewer identified sexual intercourse (≈ 40%) and vertical (29% men, 41% women) transmission routes. Conclusion. Sexually-active adults in the United States, especially young men, lack awareness of sexual and vertical transmission of Zika Virus. Given the likely endemic nature of Zika, this low-risk perception is an important prevention challenge. Zika prevention messaging should address lesser known transmission routes, emphasize male education, and promote correct and consistent condom use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Pubic hair grooming and removal are common behaviors among men and women. However, little is known about the reasons for grooming, preferred pubic hairstyle of sexual partners, and symptoms associated with regular grooming. Aims This study aims to assess pubic hair removal/grooming practices, pubic hairstyle preferences, and genital outcomes associated with pubic hair removal among men and women in a college sample. Methods Data were gathered from 1,110 participants (671 women and 439 men) at a large public Midwestern university and a small Southern public university. Main Outcome Measures Items assessed demographics, pubic hair grooming and removal practices in the past 4 weeks, reasons for pubic hair status, preference for pubic hairstyle of sexual partners, and symptoms associated with removal and grooming. Results Most (95%) participants had removed their pubic hair on at least one occasion in the past 4 weeks with shaving being the most commonly reported hair removal technique by women (82%) and men (49%). Women were significantly more likely to report their typical status as hair-free (50% vs. 19%; χ2 = 165.528, P < 0.001) and men were significantly more likely to prefer a hair-free sexual partner (60% vs. 24%; χ2 = 211.712, P < 0.001). Genital itching was experienced on at least one occasion by 80.3% of pubic hair groomers and was the most commonly reported side effect. Conclusion Genital grooming and pubic hair removal are common practices among both men and women of college-age. Women are likely to report stronger associations with feelings of cleanliness, comfort, sex appeal, social norms of their peer group, and affordability as reasons for their chosen pubic hair style. Women also report more experiences with genital side effects of pubic hair removal, an expected result as women are removing pubic hair more frequently and more completely than their male counterparts. Butler SM, Smith NK, Collazo E, Caltabiano L, and Herbenick D. Pubic hair preferences, reasons for removal, and associated genital symptoms: Comparisons between men and women. J Sex Med 2015;12:48-58. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Despite the wealth of literature addressing sexual practices and condom use among men and women, very little data are available among Hispanic/ Latino populations and in the Caribbean Region. This study adds to the existing literature on sexual practices and condom use in Puerto Rico ( PR) and provides comparisons based on sex given the need for more current information on the sexual characteristics and condom use rates among understudied populations. Aim The aim of this study was to assess the rates of sexual practices and condom use among adults, aged 21-49, in PR. Methods We report the prevalence of lifetime and recent (past 3 months) sexual practices by sex, as event-level condom use rates, and condom familiarity and accessibility in an online-based sample of adult men and women in PR. Main Outcome Measures The main variables assessed include sociodemographic characteristics, solo and partnered sexual practices, and condom use frequencies, as well as familiarity and accessibility to male and female condoms. Results Overall, 93% of the sample reported having been sexually active (engaged in oral, vaginal, and/or anal sex) in their lifetime and 78% reported sexual practices in the past 3 months. As in other studies Hispanic/ Latino populations, reported rates of anal intercourse ( AI) among both men and women were relatively high. Overall, a greater proportion of men reported condom use during all sexual practices (41% vaginal intercourse ( VI); 65% receptive AI; 46% insertive AI) than women (22% VI; 18% AI). Conclusions These findings provide current sexual practice and condom use frequency rates that can aid in the understanding of the particular sexual health needs of Hispanic/ Latino populations as well as of other groups in the Caribbean. It also serves for the development of future studies and sexual health promotion programs, including comprehensive sexual health care. Rodriguez-Diaz CE, Collazo E, Dodge B, Roman-Rivera A, Candelaria-Rosa E, Colon-Colon M, and Herbenick D. 'Sexplorando': Sexual practices and condom use among an Internet-based sample of men and women in Puerto Rico. J Sex Med 2014;11:2385-2395. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Latino men represent a quickly growing segment of the U.S. population. As such, it is important to document the health of these individuals. Data were collected from one of the largest gay networking Web sites in the U.S. Using multivariate logistic regression relationships between participant characteristics and sexual health outcomes and behaviors were examined. The sample included 1,880 Latino men self-identifying as gay (83.7%) and bisexual (16.3%). Findings suggest the majority of men had not tested positive for any STD (86.8 - 92.0%) or HIV (79.9%), however overall STD testing was low (33.9%) compared to HIV testing (55.6%) during the previous year. Additionally, education level, employment, sexual orientation, and relationship status significantly influenced a variety of sexual behaviors and sexual health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]