Who feels affected by "out of control" sexual behavior? Prevalence and correlates of indicators for ICD-11 Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder in the German Health and Sexuality Survey (GeSiD).

Background and aims: The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence and correlates of indicators consistent with Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD)-defined and operationalized according to the ICD-11 guidelines-in a large (n = 4,633; 50.5% male; 49,5% female) probability-based German national sample. Methods: Participants were asked if they had ever experienced "intense and recurring sexual impulses or sexual urges that I had difficulty controlling and resulted in sexual behavior" over a period of several months. Those who reported this experience were queried about the associated distress. Results: Overall, 4.9% of men [95% CI = 3.9-6.1] and 3.0% of women [95% CI = 2.3-3.9] reported experiences consistent with ICD-11 diagnostic requirements for lifetime diagnosis. In the 12 months preceding the study, 3.2% of men [95% CI = 2.4-4.2] and 1.8% of women [95% CI = 1.2-2.5] reported experiences consistent with CSBD requirements. Compared to controls and participants who reported elements of compulsive sexuality but without accompanying distress, strict religious upbringing was most prevalent in the CSBD group. The CSBD group was more likely to view sexual practices like men having sex with men as unacceptable and to report the belief that pornography has negative impacts on their sex life and life in general. Compared to the other two groups, the CSBD group was significantly more likely to have received psychiatric treatment for depression or another mental health problem during the past 12 months. Discussion and conclusions: The current study provides novel and important insights into the prevalence and characteristics of CSBD in the general population.

[The German health and sexuality survey (GeSiD)-a brief introduction to the study]. / Die GeSiD-Studie "Gesundheit und Sexualität in Deutschland" ­ eine kurze Einführung.

Until 2020, there was no representative sex survey for Germany with published data. The GeSiD study "Health and Sexuality in Germany" is the first nationwide, representative sex survey. The aim of this paper is to provide a brief introduction to the German health and sexuality (GeSiD) survey.A total of 4955 persons (2336 men, 2619 women) aged 18-75 years were interviewed between 2018 and 2019. The computer-assisted face-to-face interviews had an extensive self-completion section and asked about a wide range of sexual behaviour and sexual health topics. Data on sexual identity, relationships, sexual behaviour, and sexual health were assessed. Data show, among other things, that only a minority of respondents had ever talked to a healthcare provider about HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).Data show a clear need for education, information dissemination, and training in the area of sexual health.

Single and Multiple Orgasm Experience Among Women in Heterosexual Partnerships. Results of the German Health and Sexuality Survey (GeSiD).

BACKGROUND: Orgasm occurrence plays an important role in general sexual satisfaction for women. Until now, only few studies have focused on examining a broad spectrum of sexuality- and relationship-specific factors associated with orgasm in heterosexual women currently in a long-term relationship or on differences between the overall experience of orgasm and multiple orgasms. AIM: The present study aims to understand how various sexuality- and relationship-associated factors are related to experiencing partnered orgasm among heterosexual women having stable relationships in Germany. Moreover, the study aims to differentiate between the overall experience of orgasm and the experience of multiple orgasms and shed light on their impact on general sexual satisfaction. METHODS: Within the nationwide representative survey GeSiD (German Health and Sexuality Survey), n = 1,641 sexually active women aged between 18 and 75 years in heterosexual relationships reported their experience of orgasm during the latest sexual encounter. Data on the type of sexual practices, frequency of sexual activity and of masturbation, relationship satisfaction, feelings of love, closeness, and general sexual satisfaction were analyzed. OUTCOMES: The overall experience of orgasm, the experience of multiple orgasms, and associations between experiencing orgasm and sexual satisfaction. RESULTS: Frequency of sexual activity, relationship satisfaction, feelings of love and closeness were moderately to strongly positively correlated with each other and each showed positive associations with the likelihood of orgasm. Greater number of sexual practices and frequency of sexual activity were associated with an increased likelihood of experiencing multiple orgasms, which in turn was correlated with higher sexual satisfaction. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: In clinical and therapeutic work with women who have difficulty achieving orgasm, central issues should be the perceived relationship quality as well as regular sexual activity with the partner. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: The present population-representative study is the first in Germany to identify significant factors associated with the experience of orgasm among heterosexual women in relationships. Further studies ought to include the frequency of orgasms in partnered sex over a longer period of time as well as the experience of orgasm during masturbation. CONCLUSION: The experience of orgasm for women is related to a variety of complex interpersonal mechanisms and to be associated with sexual satisfaction. Cerwenka S, Dekker A, Pietras L, et al. Single and Multiple Orgasm Experience Among Women in Heterosexual Partnerships. Results of the German Health and Sexuality Survey (GeSiD). J Sex Med 2021;18:2028-2038.

[How good is the knowledge about sexually transmitted infections in Germany? : Results of the first nationwide representative German health and sexuality survey (GeSiD)]. / Wie gut ist das Wissen über sexuell übertragbare Infektionen in Deutschland? : Ergebnisse der ersten bundesweiten repräsentativen Befragung zu Gesundheit und Sexualität (GeSiD).

BACKGROUND: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a relevant risk factor for the sexual health of individuals and the population. Therefore, the level of awareness and knowledge about STIs in different population groups is of particular interest for specific prevention work. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyze the awareness of and knowledge about nine STIs in the German population. To do so, the study examined correlations with sociodemographic variables, sexuality-related characteristics, and subjective satisfaction with the level of information. METHODS: The GeSiD study "German Health and Sexuality Survey" collected representative quantitative data from 4955 persons via face-to-face interviews on the state of knowledge about STIs. As a selection procedure, a two-step random sample was collected. Firstly, 200 sample points (municipalities) were initially selected proportionally across Germany. Secondly, a random sample of addresses was drawn from the respective residents' registration offices. The participation rate was 30.2%; the average age was 46.3 years. RESULTS: Knowledge about HIV/AIDS was widespread in all age groups, but other STIs were significantly less known. Older people and respondents with a low level of education were particularly poorly informed. Local social disadvantage and a family history of migration were also negatively correlated with knowledge about STIs. A higher number of sexual partners is related to a better level of knowledge. In addition, persons who do not describe their sexual orientation as heterosexual as well as those with a history of STIs were well informed. CONCLUSION: Heterosexual adults in Germany are insufficiently informed about the risks of STIs. Therefore, target-group-specific efforts are needed to improve knowledge about STIs in order to reduce sexual risk behavior and improve the utilization of prevention programs among socially disadvantaged groups.