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Even though sexual activity frequently takes place with another person, research rarely focuses on how partners influence each other's sexual lives. This study used the sexual dyad to compare the concept of actual versus perceived discrepancy in sexual interest and explored how each is related to older partnered individuals' sexual satisfaction. Further, the study assessed the robustness of the association between sexual interest discrepancy and sexual satisfaction, if any, by controlling for emotional intimacy. The actor–partner interdependence model (APIM) using structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied to examine 677 heterosexual couples ages 60 to 75 in Norway, Denmark, Belgium, and Portugal. Although a couple's actual discrepancy in sexual interest was not predictive of female and male partners' sexual satisfaction, perceived discrepancy was negatively associated with sexual satisfaction in both partners after controlling for emotional intimacy. This indicates that the subjective feelings of being sexually dissimilar seem to be more important to sexual satisfaction than the actual mismatch among partners in older heterosexual couples. Moreover, the finding that emotional intimacy is linked with sexual satisfaction underscores the importance of a broader perspective on sexuality among older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyses patterns for pre-sexual alcohol consumption and condom use from a cross European perspective. Research was conducted in France, Greece, Italy, Switzerland, Norway and Germany. Data were collected from representative population samples aged 18-49 years-old. Surveys were conducted in 1997 and 1998. The percentage of the population who reported not having consumed any alcohol prior to intercourse was highest in Italy. In all countries, the percentage that claimed they had consumed some alcohol but were not intoxicated was fairly similar. The percentage of the population who claimed they were drunk at the occasion was highest in Norway. In all countries, alcohol use prior to intercourse was more likely to have taken place if the emotional involvement in the partner was low, and if the parties had met the same day. Controlling for selected covariates and explanatory variables, pre-sexual alcohol consumption was related to condom use (albeit in different ways) in Italy, Germany and Norway. Light drinking prior to sex was associated with condom use in Italy, whereas drinking and intoxication increased the likelihood of not using condoms in Norway and Germany. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyses the use of contraception and protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in an urban Norwegian population. In 1997, a random sample of 5000 persons (18-49 years), drawn from the population register in Oslo, participated in a sexual behaviour survey. Data collection was carried out by means of postal questionnaires. Thirty-seven per cent of respondents reported not using any contraception, 18% used condoms for contraception, 28% used oral contraception (OC) and 19% an intrauterine device (IUD) at most recent intercourse. The use of contraception decreased by a factor of 0.95 for every year increase in age, and also increased with level of education. Twelve per cent reported using some form of STD protection. Older age, being in love with the partner, and having sex in a committed relationship were associated with low use of STD protection. Higher education, having had a same-sex partner, having penetrative sex, longer time since last intercourse, and strong 'love-monogamous' attitudes towards sexuality were associated with the higher use of STD protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents comments by authors on a critique presented by social psychologist, Roger Ingraham on an article written by them about the gender differences in Norwegian young people's sexual behaviour. The authors believes that cross-cultural research on sexual behaviour is difficult , but it is feasible. The authors comments are divided into three sections and attempt to address some key issues under the headings "Asking the Questions", "The Individual and the Cultural" and "Alternative Interpretations".

The impact of gender differences in sexual socialization on early sexual experiences among Norwegian adolescents is discussed. The material comprises a stratified sample of 920 adolescents ages 16-20 years in a Norwegian county. Data were collected by means of questionnaires. Of the respondents, 55.5% were girls and 44.5% were boys. 52.3% of girls and 41.4% of the boys had coital experience. The most common reasons for having had the first sexual intercourse were being in love, curiosity or excitement, and sexual arousal. Findings from a discriminant analysis showed that emotional reasons were more important to girls, whereas boys seemed more practical in sexual matters. More boys than girls reported that the reason for having had their most recent intercourse was that the partner wanted it. This indicates that if girls do not want sex, boys seldom use pressure. Girls set the premises for sexual interaction but are not as sexually skilled as boys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Which factors may influence the number of hours spent per week in cafés, and the amount of alcohol consumed in licensed premises, by urban café guests in Norway? In 1991 a comprehensive questionnaire survey was undertaken among 1053 visitors to 41 licensed cafés in Oslo, Norway. The five most important predictors of time spent in cafés were: household situation (beta = 0.20), occupation (beta = 0.18), personal economic resources and sex (both beta = 0.15) and age (beta = 0.11). These factors were also significant predictors of the number of days during the past 4 weeks the respondents had drunk four glasses or more of alcohol in cafés. Men, people living with others, people with poor economic resources and people not engaged in paid employment or education were the ones who reported spending the most hours per week and the most episodes of 'heavy' drinking in cafés during a 4-week period. Visiting and drinking in cafés may be a way of structuring everyday life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was undertaken to describe and obtain better insight into pub-going in the Norwegian capital applying the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). The sample comprised 1053 persons aged between 16 and 71 years who visited public drinking places in Oslo. Two thirds of the sample were men. Data were collected by means of anonymous self-administered questionnaires. The majority of the respondents reported having visited a public drinking place at least once a week during the past 12 months. In the applied model, intention to visit a public drinking place during the next 14 days is considered to be a joint function of the attitude towards pub-going (Aact), subjective norms (SN), and perceived control over the behaviour (PBC). The goodness of fit (R2) of the model was 22%. The relative importance of the model's components were in descending order (beta): PBC, Aact and SN. Previous behaviour was included as a predictor in the TPB, and had a stronger effect upon intention than the model's original components. In conclusion, the TPB provided an adequate understanding of why pub and cafe guests frequent public drinking places. However, it is possible that the model over-simplifies the processes connected to pub-going and fails to describe the dynamics of the relationship between the individual and the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is widely reported that image-based sexual abuse (IBSA) victimization is linked to a wide range of detrimental outcomes, including anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. However, knowledge about what shapes victims' experiences remains limited. To explore underlying mechanisms of harm in IBSA incidents, the present study drew on the concept of appraisal to elucidate the various meanings that victims attach to IBSA. For this purpose, we carried out a reflexive thematic analysis of 20 individual in-depth interviews with young male and female victims (ages 16-26) of IBSA. Using this approach, we developed four overarching themes that capture participants' experiences of being (1) robbed of bodily autonomy, (2) stripped of privacy, (3) subjected to public scrutiny, and (4) trapped in a state of uncertainty. By delineating the different ways that participants appraised and experienced each of these "layers of victimization," our findings show how the harms of IBSA may be shaped by a complex constellation of situational, personal, and cultural structures and conditions. Importantly, as some of these mechanisms are socially constructed, our findings indicate that efforts aimed at reducing negative outcomes of IBSA should address the interpersonal and cultural context of these incidents, including bystander responses to intimate image dissemination.

Background: Menstruation is a central part of the everyday life of most women, and menstrual attitudes may impact health and well-being., Objectives: This article aimed to map menstrual attitudes among adult women and examine factors associated with these attitudes, such as aspects of menarche and current menstruation, and rarely studied factors, such as genital self-image and sexual openness., Study Design: A cross-sectional online survey., Method: A sample of 1470 women, aged 18-50 years, were recruited through social media sites. The Menstrual Self-Evaluation Scale was used to measure three different attitudes: menstruation as natural, shameful, and bothersome. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to investigate the relationship between each attitude and factors related to menarche and current menstruation, contraceptive use, genital self-image (assessed by Female Genital Self-Image Scale ), and sexual openness ( Personal Comfort with Sexuality Scale ). Sociodemographic variables were included into the models as covariates., Results: Agreeing with the attitude of menstruation as something natural was predicted primarily by positive emotions at menarche, experiencing less menstrual pain, using no or nonhormonal contraception, and having a positive genital self-image. Perceiving menstruation as bothersome was predicted by a lower educational level, experiencing stronger menstrual pain, having more perimenstrual psychological symptoms, and using hormonal contraceptives. Menstruation as something shameful was chiefly predicted by lower sexual openness and a negative genital self-image., Conclusion: Many women held attitudes about menstruation as both something natural and bothersome. Menarche and current menstruation experiences, and contraceptive method, played central roles in shaping attitudes toward menstruation as natural and bothersome. Viewing menstruation as shameful stood out from other attitudes by indicating a triad of self-objectified shame that includes menstruation, sexuality, and genital self-image. Further research into the relationships between menstruation, contraceptive use, sexuality, and body image is needed to enhance our understanding of women's menstrual health.

Sexual expression is fundamental to human existence and an important topic of enquiry in its own right. Understanding sexual behavior is also essential to establish effective sexual health prevention activities (e.g., education), services and policies, and to assess the progress of policies and action plans. Questions on sexual health are rarely included in general health surveys, and therefore dedicated population studies are required. Many countries lack both funding and sociopolitical support to conduct such surveys. A tradition of periodic population sexual health surveys exists in Europe but the methods used (e.g., in questionnaire construction, recruiting methods or interview format) vary from one survey to another. This is because the researchers within each country are confronted with conceptual, methodological, sociocultural and budgetary challenges, for which they find different solutions. These differences limit comparison across countries and pooling of estimates, but the variation in approaches provides a rich source of learning on population survey research. In this review, survey leads from 11 European countries discuss how their surveys evolved during the past four decades in response to sociohistorical and political context, and the challenges they encountered. The review discusses the solutions they identified and shows that it is possible to create well designed surveys which collect high quality data on a range of aspects of sexual health, despite the sensitivity of the topic. Herewith, we hope to support the research community in their perennial quest for political support and funding, and ongoing drive to advance methodology in future national sex surveys.

This article aims to determine the prevalence of sending nude pictures/videos in the Norwegian population and investigates gender differences regarding consensual, unsolicited, and coerced experiences. Data were obtained from a probability-based web survey of 2181 men and 1967 women between 18 and 89 years old. The majority of participants expressed relatively accepting attitudes toward sending nude pictures/videos, and men expressed more positive attitudes than women. Twenty-nine percent of participants reported having lifetime experience with sending nude pictures/videos, and sending nude pictures/videos was more common in younger individuals than older individuals. More women than men claimed that they sent their most recent nude picture to a committed partner, and twice as many men than women had sent a nude picture to a stranger or a person they only had contact with on the Internet. In addition, more than twice as many women than men reported consensual sending nude pictures/videos, and more men than women sent unsolicited pictures/videos. Consensual sending nude pictures/videos was characterized by the presence of men and women within committed relationships. In Norway, sending nude pictures/videos seems to be a way of being sexual in the context of committed relationships., Competing Interests: Conflict of interestThe authors do not have any conflicts of interest to report., (© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2022, Springer Nature or its licensor holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.)

This study aims to estimate six different sexual debut ages in heterosexual Norwegians in six birth cohorts of the general population in Norway. The results are based on a 2020 national web panel survey of 18-89-year-olds in Norway (n = 4160). There was a general decline in the median debut age from those aged 70+ to those 18-29 (born 1991-2002). Oral sex with a female partner has become increasingly common among men at an earlier age across generations. The same pattern was found in women as well with regard to oral sex with a male partner and receptive anal sex. There was a slight increase in median debut age in 18-29-year-olds for receptive vaginal sex (born 1991-2002). The median debut age for vaginal sex was fairly stable for generations of men and women born after 1950., Competing Interests: Conflict of interestThe authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose., (© The Author(s) 2022.)

Objective: The study explores the difference between Women Who Have Sex Exclusively with Men (WSEM), Women Who Have Sex Exclusively with Women (WSEW), and Women Who Have Sex with Women and Men (WSWM)., Method: The data were obtained from a survey of a probability-based web sample of 1967 Norwegian women., Results: Most WSWM identified themselves as heterosexuals (76.3%), and three out of 10 used a condom when having sex with a new partner. The highest number of sex partners during the last year was reported by WSWM. More WSEW than the other categories reported premature orgasm., Conclusions: WSWM should be targeted in health campaigns., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper., (© 2022 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.)

Objective: This study investigates how men who have sex exclusively with women (MSEW) differ from men who have sex exclusively with men (MSEM), and men who have sex with men and women (MSMW) on selected variables. Methods: A probability-based web sample of 2,181 men was recruited. Results: Most MSEM considered their sexual identity as gay, and most MSMW as heterosexual. The MSEM were the most frequent condom users, while MSMW were the least frequent users and had the highest number of sexual partners. The MSEM and MSMW had a lower likelihood of premature ejaculation than MSEW. Conclusions: MSMW should be targeted in health campaigns., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper., (© 2022 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.)

Despite many benefits related to masturbation, we know surprisingly little about how solo sex is associated with sexual satisfaction. Using questionnaire data from a probability-based sample of 4,160 Norwegians aged 18-89 years, we explored subgroups of women and men that differed in their masturbation-sexual satisfaction typology and examined whether sociodemographic, psychological, and sexual behavioral characteristics were associated with distinct masturbation-satisfaction patterns. A cluster analysis revealed four similar groupings for women and men, reflecting sex lives characterized by high masturbation/sexual satisfaction, low masturbation/sexual satisfaction, high masturbation/sexual dissatisfaction, or low masturbation/sexual dissatisfaction. While being younger, higher pornography consumption, and sexual variety were primarily associated with increased masturbation frequency, sexual distress and a negative body and genital self-image were more clearly associated with sexual dissatisfaction. Predicting different masturbation-satisfaction groupings also revealed some gender-specific findings in the use of pornography, and in the association between masturbation and intercourse frequency, which suggested a complementary pattern for women and a compensatory pattern for men. Our findings emphasize that the linkage between masturbation and sexual satisfaction warrants closer focus., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Solitary sexual activity is a free, safe, and accessible way to experience sexual pleasure. Despite these advantages, research on masturbation in later life is highly understudied. Using data from a cross-sectional probability-based survey of 3816 European adults (mean age 67 years; range 60-75 years), we explored several sociodemographic, health, attitudinal, and sexual behavioral factors associated with reported masturbation frequency. Across all countries, between 41% and 65% of men and 27% and 40% of women reported any masturbation in the preceding month. Satisfaction with sexual activity and attitudes related to disapproval of sex without love were significant predictors of reported masturbation in almost all countries and in both genders. Age, education, self-perceived health, and depression were for the most part predictive of men's reported masturbation, but not women's. Generally, those believing sex is beneficial to older people were more likely to masturbate, while less permissive attitudes decreased the likelihood of reporting masturbation. To improve healthy sexual aging, misinformation about masturbation and sexual attitudes in older people need to be addressed., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

This national web-population study from Norway ( N = 4,148) assessed 1) the prevalence of BDSM and role-play interests and behaviors, 2) the socio-demographic characteristics of the BDSM-oriented participants, and 3) the associations between a) BDSM and b) role-play interests and behaviors, and sexual satisfaction, relationship satisfaction, and relationship closeness. Over one in three study participants endorsed at least one BDSM interest or behavior variable. There were no gender nor educational level differences between the BDSM-oriented participants and their traditional "vanilla" (non-BDSM-oriented) counterparts, though BDSM and interests were more common among younger and self-identified LGBQ+ participants. Sexual satisfaction was positively associated with role-play and BDSM behaviors while interest in role-play (but not having previously engaged in it) was negatively associated with this outcome. Lower relationship closeness was associated with an interest in role-play (but not having tried it). No BDSM-related variables were significantly associated with relationship closeness. The findings suggest that BDSM interests and behaviors are relatively common and are linked with sexual and relationship satisfaction.

The purpose of this study was to examine Norwegians' reports of seven varied sexual acts. Data were obtained from a questionnaire survey of a probability-based web sample of 2,181 men and 1,967 women aged 18-89 years. Among seven acts of sexual variety, the most common sexual experiences were trying to watch pornography with a partner, engaging in sex in unusual places, and using sex toys. Older age was negatively associated with all sexual behaviors. Regarding more unorthodox acts of sexual variety, heterosexual men's sexual preferences involved having and desiring group sex, whereas heterosexual women's sexual experiences and desires involved having sex in unusual places. Lesbian, gay, bisexual (LGB) individuals generally showed greater curiosity or experience of having group sex and engaging in BDSM (bondage, discipline, dominance and submission, and sadomasochism) activities than heterosexual adults. However, while LGB men had a high preference for group sex activities, LGB women had more positive attitudes toward BDSM activity. Individuals appear to accumulate more acts of sexual variety over time, thus making the incorporation of sexual variety a function of age. This study supports the idea that sexual variety has expanded among those born from 1960 onwards.

This study describes the use of contraception and protection for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in six different birth cohorts of the general population in Norway. The results are based on a 2020 national web panel survey among 18-89 year-olds in Norway (n = 4160). For respondents born within 1931-1950 versus those born within 1990-2002, there was a significant increase in the use of protection against unwanted pregnancy and STIs during sexual intercourse, and a significant drop in the proportion of those who did not use any protection at all. More women today (than in previous decades) are using hormonal contraception. The main reason for not using condoms during intercourse was both parties felt safe that they were healthy, especially those born within 1990-2002. To prevent unwanted pregnancy and STIs, it is beneficial to continue to increase the availability of free or subsidized hormonal contraception, including emergency contraception, and free condoms in public arenas that people frequent and where they meet their partners., Competing Interests: Conflict of interestBente Traeen declares that she has no conflict of interest. Nantje Fischer declares that she has no conflict of interest., (© The Author(s) 2021.)

Sexuality has become an area of social competence in which individuals strive to be recognized as sexually competent performers. However, a large proportion of young women experience reduced sexual desire. In this study, both quantitative and qualitative methods were applied. Using data from a questionnaire, the aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of, and the factors associated with, lack of sexual interest and desire among young women in Norway. Further, with the help of in-depth interviews, we investigated how young women with reduced sexual desire experience living with their desire problems and what they experience as the cause of their problems. The sample in the quantitative study consisted of 505 Norwegian women between the ages of 18 and 29 years. ANOVA was employed to explore differences in scores on psychological factors and relational factors, as well as between participants who experienced a lack of sexual interest and desire, and those who did not. The results indicate a high prevalence of lack of sexual interest and desire among women (37.1%), while low appearance satisfaction and low relationship satisfaction were central predictors of lack of sexual interest and desire. The sample in the qualitative study consisted of ten Norwegian women with reduced sexual desire between the ages of 18 and 29 years. Through thematic analysis, four themes emerged as experiences of living with reduced sexual desire: (1) physical and mental health, (2) being a young woman in today's society, (3) relational factors, (4) negative experiences, personal expectations toward sexuality, and sexual trauma., Competing Interests: Conflict of interestThe authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose., (© The Author(s) 2022.)

Aim: To assess the prevalence of sexual difficulties and related distress, the association between sexual difficulties and sexual avoidance, and to establish whether sexual difficulties and sexual avoidance are moderated by relationship satisfaction., Methods: This study included a sample of 4160 adults aged 18-89 years enrolled from a randomly selected web panel of 11,685 Norwegians., Results: Sexual difficulties were particularly common among adults aged <30 years. In men and women, lack of interest in sex and general sexual distress were associated with more sexual avoidance. The association between lack of sexual interest and sexual avoidance was, however, buffered by relationship satisfaction. Climaxing too early was related to less sexual avoidance in both genders. Yet for men, this association was only significant among those with lower relationship satisfaction., Conclusion: The findings underline the important links among specific sexual difficulties, sexual distress, and the frequency of avoiding sexual activity., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper, (© 2021 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.)

Introduction: Appearance dissatisfaction is a sensitive issue and has been tied to depression, dissatisfaction in romantic relationships, and reduced sexual satisfaction., Aim: This study sought to examine associations between appearance satisfaction and specific sexual problems and related distress, testing also the moderating role of relationship satisfaction., Methods: A large web-sample of Norwegians in romantic relationships (N = 2,903) completed a one-time survey., Outcomes: Participants reported on their experience of five different sexual problems and associated level of distress., Results: We found that appearance satisfaction was associated with reporting fewer sexual problems, and specifically, with a smaller likelihood of experiencing problems with lack of enjoyment, lack of excitement, and lack of climax. Furthermore, appearance satisfaction was unrelated to overall sexual problem-related distress, but was associated with feeling less distress about lack of excitement and lack of climax. Relationship satisfaction did not serve as a moderator of the associations., Clinical Translation: These findings suggest the importance of attending to appearance satisfaction when working with clients with multiple sexual problems, particularly those related to excitement and enjoyment., Strengths and Limitations: Strengths of the study include a large sample of partnered adults and assessment of specific sexual problems and associated distress. A limitation is that outcomes were assessed using single items, rather than multi-item scales., Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of examining the presence of sexual problems and associated distress separately, and to consider appearance satisfaction as a predictor of sexual functioning. Øverup CS, Strizzi JM, Cipric A, et al. Appearance Satisfaction as a Predictor of Specific Sexual Problems and Associated Distress. J Sex Med 2021;18:1532-1544., (Copyright © 2021 International Society for Sexual Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The paper sets out to study Norwegians' experiences of non-monogamy. Data were collected by questionnaires in a web sample of 4160 Norwegians (18-89 years). 26.3% of men and 17.8% of women reported that they ever had non-consensual non-monogamy. Consensual non-monogamy was reported by 3%. Compared to participants with no or non-consensual experience, consensual non-monogamy was highly related to relationship intimacy and positive sexual attitudes toward sex and sexuality. At the most recent extradyadic event, 21.5% of heterosexual men and 47.1% of gay/bisexual men reported condom use, which implies a risk for sexually transmitted diseases., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper., (© 2021 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.)

Objectives: The study explored characteristics associated with the self-assessed effects of pornography use on one's personal sex life. Methods: Data were collected in a probability-based sample of Norwegian adults ( n  = 4,160). Results: Most participants (41.3%) did not believe that pornography affected their sex life. More participants reported positive (33.2%) than mixed/negative (25.5%) effects of pornography use. Sociodemographic and sexual characteristics that predicted these self-assessments were examined. Among participants in a steady relationship, emotional intimacy and relationship satisfaction were unrelated to the self-assessed effects. Conclusions: The current study findings add to scant literature about the self-assessed effects of pornography usage., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper., (© 2021 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.)

Aims: (i) To examine whether mean consumption and prevalence of at-risk drinking are highly correlated across samples of older adults, and (ii) to explore whether sociodemographic and health characteristics of alcohol use differ across countries., Method: Cross-sectional surveys were conducted in four European countries, Norway, Denmark, Belgium, and Portugal, applying identical data collection methods and survey instruments in general population samples of older adults aged 60 to 75 years. Alcohol consumption was measured as units of alcohol per week, which provided the basis for categorising the two outcome measures: abstention (0 units/week) and at-risk drinking (8+ units/week). Cross-tabulations and logistic regression models were estimated to examine associations between sociodemographic and health characteristics on the one hand and alcohol abstention and at-risk drinking on the other., Results: Prevalence of abstention was highest in Portugal and lowest in Denmark, whereas at-risk drinking was more prevalent in Denmark and Belgium compared to Norway and Portugal. Among country- and gender-specific samples of drinkers, there was a strong positive correlation between mean consumption and prevalence of at-risk drinkers. Female gender characterised abstention, whereas male gender characterised at-risk drinking in all four countries. Other sociodemographic characteristics and indicators of health and wellbeing were differently associated with abstention and at-risk drinking across the four countries., Conclusions: A strong regularity in the distribution of alcohol consumption was observed in the samples of older adults. Gender was the only common factor associated with drinking behaviour across the four countries., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interests: The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article., (© The Author(s) 2020.)

There has been little comparative, cross-cultural research on sexual difficulties and associated distress, and factors associated with these, among older women. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate prevalence rates of sexual difficulties, distress related to these difficulties, and associated sociodemographic, relational, and health factors, among sexually active older women (60-75 years) in committed relationships across four European countries (Norway, Denmark, Belgium, and Portugal). These data could inform us about what differentiates women who do and do not experience distressing sexual difficulties and facilitate the identification of older women who might benefit from clinical interventions as well as the development of new interventions. In total, 1057 women (357 Norwegian; 322 Danish; 237 Belgian; 141 Portuguese) completed a cross-sectional questionnaire assessing six sexual difficulties-vaginal dryness, orgasmic difficulties, lacking interest in sex, lacking enjoyment in sex, pain during sex, and no excitement/arousal during sex-and associated distress. We found a high prevalence of sexual difficulties lasting 3 months or longer in the past year (between 23.5 and 50.2%, depending on the specific difficulty). With the exception of vaginal dryness and pain during sex, however, the majority of women reporting sexual difficulties (50.0% to 86.1%, depending on the specific difficulty) reported no or mild distress. There were relatively few cross-country differences, either in the prevalence of sexual difficulties or related distress. Few sociodemographic or health variables were associated with distressing sexual difficulties, but higher sexual intimacy, higher emotional intimacy, and better mental health were associated with less distress about some sexual difficulties. The findings underline the importance of healthcare professionals asking older women about sexual function and especially associated distress, and suggest that careful attention to the psychological and relationship context of these sexual difficulties is needed, as these could be important targets in the treatment process.

There is evidence that emotional intimacy can buffer the distress associated with sexual difficulties. Considering that older adults are at an increased risk of chronic illness, many of which (including their medical treatment) can impact their sexual well-being, the link between intimacy and sexual distress may be particularly relevant for older couples. To start bridging the gap in our understanding of the links between older couples' emotional intimacy, distress about sexual function, and seeking professional help for sexuality-related issues, the current study used a 4-country sample with 218 Norwegian, 207 Danish, 135 Belgian, and 117 Portuguese couples aged 60-75 years. Two hypotheses were explored with a hybrid dyadic analysis: (1) a couple's emotional intimacy is negatively related to partner's distress about sexual function, but (2) positively associated with their help-seeking for sexual health issues. Less than 10% of participants in the current study reported seeking professional help, with the majority reporting their primary care physician as the contacted person. Couples' emotional intimacy was consistently (and negatively) associated with female partners' sexual distress across countries, but was unrelated to help-seeking for sexual problems. The findings illustrate the role of shared emotional intimacy in older women's distress about sexual function, but also indicate that older couples characterized by high intimacy should not be assumed to seek professional help for sexually related issues more readily than other couples.

Sexual well-being is an important part of life for many people aged 60 and older. However, older adults often face barriers to seeking and receiving help for sexual difficulties. This study used data from a probability survey ( n  = 3820) on sexuality and ageing to examine help-seeking in 60-75-year-olds in Norway, Denmark, Belgium, and Portugal. More men (12.2%) than women (6.8%) had sought professional help for a sexual difficulty in the past 5 years. The main reason for help-seeking was that sex was important to the participant and/or their relationship. The main source of professional help was the primary care physician. Of those who had sought professional help, 48% were satisfied or very satisfied with the help received, 31.6% were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied, and 20.4% were dissatisfied or very dissatisfied. Others had sought help from informal sources, particularly partners, friends, or websites. The main reasons for not seeking professional help included not being distressed by the symptoms, and thinking that the difficulty would clear up on its own. Multivariable regression analysis revealed that significant correlates of seeking professional help for women and men were level of distress about the sexual difficulty. With regard to women, those who were married, and/or from Portugal were more likely to have sought help. And regarding men, those who attended religious services were more likely to have sought professional help. These results have important implications for healthcare and can be used to inform the development and delivery of services for older adults who experience sexual difficulties., (© The Author(s) 2019.)

Objective: The potential impact of epilepsy on sexual function is important for patient welfare, but often neglected. This study explored the occurrences of different sexual problems in patients with both well-controlled and mostly refractory epilepsy, and compared these with equivalent information from the general population., Methods: Between 2015 and 2017, a total of 221 adult inpatients and outpatients, mostly with intractable epilepsy, at the National Centre for Epilepsy in Norway, and 78 outpatients with well-controlled epilepsy at Lillehammer hospital participated in a questionnaire survey on sexual function. Information on the individual patient's epilepsy was collected. The results were compared with equivalent data on sexual function from 1671 adult Norwegians in the general population., Results: Patients with epilepsy reported a significantly higher frequency of problems with orgasm, dyspareunia, erectile dysfunction, and feelings of sexual deviance. However, reduced sexual desire, premature ejaculation/climax, and vaginal dryness occurred at similar frequencies in the general population. After controlling for gender, we found no significant association between sexual problems and seizure control or use of enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs. In both genders, feelings of sexual deviance were associated with lower quality of life. Fewer patients with epilepsy were satisfied with their sex lives. The perception of sex as an important part of daily life was similar among women with epilepsy and women from the general population, whereas significantly fewer men with epilepsy than men in the general population reported that sex was an important part of their daily lives. Women with mostly refractory epilepsy reported asking for help with their sexual problems significantly more often than women in the other groups., Significance: Some sexual problems occur significantly more often in patients with epilepsy than in the general population and feelings of sexual deviancy occur more frequently. No epilepsy-related factors could be identified as specific predictors., (© 2019 The Authors. Epilepsia published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International League Against Epilepsy.)

Background: Among older men, comparable cross-cultural investigations of sexual problems and associated distress that also include a multitude of relevant explanatory variables of these sexual problem and related distress are rare in the research literature., Aims: To investigate prevalence rates of sexual problems and associated distress among older men across 4 European countries (Norway, Denmark, Belgium, and Portugal) and assess for associated mental and physical health-related factors., Methods: Multinational cross-sectional questionnaire study using self-report measures., Outcomes: Prevalence rates of sexual problems and associated distress levels., Results: We found a high prevalence of sexual problems persisting for months or longer across countries, but noted that many affected men experienced minimal or no distress related to these problems. We also found marked cross-cultural differences in reported distress about sexual problems, with southern European men (ie Portugal) reporting significantly more distress related to the majority of sexual problems investigated compared with northern European men (ie Denmark and Norway). Finally, we identified several relational, physical, and mental health problems associated with the reported number of sexual problems and the distress related to these problems., Clinical Implications: We suggest that healthcare professionals also target distress when considering sexual problems among older men and contextualize these considerations within a multifactorial approach to general health in which (other) mental and physical health factors relevant to these patients' sexual health and function are also jointly considered., Strengths & Limitations: Strengths of this study include the large sample size, inclusion of participants from 4 European countries, assessment of distress associated with sexual problems, and similar research design and method of data collection across the 4 included countries. Limitations of the study include the cross-sectional design, which precludes causal conclusions; the low response rate in the Portuguese sample; the lack of homosexual participants; and the lack of comprehensive assessments of dyadic factors that may be of relevance to sexual problems and associated distress., Conclusion: This study identified a high prevalence of sexual problems persisting for 3 months or longer among older men across 4 European countries, but also found that many of the men with sexual problems experienced minimal or no distress related to these problems. G.M. Hald, C. Graham, A. Štulhofer, et al. Prevalence of Sexual Problems and Associated Distress in Aging Men Across 4 European Countries. J Sex Med 2019;16:1212-1225., (Copyright © 2019 International Society for Sexual Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The aim of the current study was to explore whether developmental trajectories of body satisfaction from adolescence to young adulthood predicted measures of sexual satisfaction in young adulthood, even when controlling for important covariates such as gender, weight development, relationship status, mental health, and frequency of sexual intercourse and masturbation. Data were collected from a population-based prospective cohort of Norwegian adolescents ( n  = 2,587) over a period of 13 years in four waves (1992, 1994, 1999, and 2005; mean age = 14.9 in 1992, 57.3% women). Latent growth curves were estimated for body satisfaction and body mass index (BMI). Men reported higher sexual satisfaction, sexual activity, baseline body satisfaction, and BMI than women. The developmental trajectories revealed a slight increase in body satisfaction and BMI from adolescence to young adulthood in both genders. Moreover, structural equation models showed that baseline body satisfaction in both genders predicted sexual satisfaction as a young adult, independent of relationship status and frequency of sexual activity. Neither the development of BMI nor of body satisfaction predicted sexual satisfaction. The results elucidate the vital role of body satisfaction in sexual satisfaction in adults and the importance of addressing body dissatisfaction in childhood.

The aim of this article was to describe partnered and non-partnered sexual activity and sexual satisfaction in older men and women from Norway, Denmark, Belgium, and Portugal, and to explore sociodemographic correlates of sexual activity and satisfaction. Data were collected in 2016 using postal, anonymous questionnaires in probability samples of the population aged 60-75 years recruited by phone registers in Norway (676 men, 594 women), Denmark (530 men, 515 women), Belgium (318 men, 672 women), and Portugal (236 men, 273 women). In men, the percentage of sexually active participants in the past year ranged from 83% in Portugal to 91% in Norway. In women, the percentage of sexually active participants during the last year ranged from 61% in Belgium to 78% in Denmark. Regarding frequency of sexual intercourse activity during the past month, men in Norway, Denmark, and Belgium (23-24%) most often reported 2-3 times per month, whereas most men in Portugal (29%) reported 1-3 times per week. Masturbation was most commonly reported among Norwegian men (65%) and women (40%), and least commonly in Portugal. Concerning sexual satisfaction, across all countries, 40-60% of participants reported that they were sexually satisfied. Portuguese men and Danish women reported being most sexually satisfied. Having a partner was the most important positive predictor of sexual activity and sexual satisfaction in all subgroups except Portuguese men. In conclusion, partnered sexual activity was more frequent in the south of Europe, and solitary sexual activity more frequent in Northern Europe.

The purpose of the study was to elucidate the relationship between personality traits, perfectionism, and mental health (self-efficacy, positive emotions) among competition riders. Data were collected by online questionnaires among 662 licensed competition riders in Norway. The results showed that riders who were high on conscientiousness and low on neuroticism had better mental health than other riders. Self-oriented perfectionism predicted mental health and mediated partly the associations between personality traits and mental health. Socially prescribed perfectionism had no association with mental health. The findings indicate that self-oriented perfectionism may have a positive effect on the mental health of the riders. The high degree of conscientiousness that many of the competition riders possess may be associated with self-oriented perfectionism and positive outcomes., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)