Masturbation Prevalence, Frequency, Reasons, and Associations with Partnered Sex in the Midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings from a U.S. Nationally Representative Survey.

Despite well-documented individual, relational, and health benefits, masturbation has been stigmatized and is understudied compared to partnered sex. In a US nationally representative survey of adults, we aimed to: (1) assess the prevalence and frequency of participants' prior-year masturbation, (2) describe reasons people give for not masturbating, (3) describe reasons people give for masturbating, and (4) examine the association between masturbation frequency and actual/desired partnered sex frequency in the prior year. Significantly more men than women reported lifetime masturbation, past month masturbation, and greater masturbation frequency. The most frequently endorsed reasons for masturbating related to pleasure, feeling "horny," stress relief, and relaxation. The most frequently endorsed reasons for not masturbating were lack of interest, being in a committed relationship, conflict with morals or values, or being against one's religion. Among women, those who desired partnered sex much more often and a little more often were 3.89 times (95% CI: 2.98, 5.08) and 2.07 times (95% CI: 1.63, 2.62), respectively, more likely to report higher frequencies of past-year masturbation than those who desired no change in their partnered sex frequency. Among men, those who desired partnered sex much more often and a little more often were 4.40 times (95% CI: 3.41, 5.68) and 2.37 times (95% CI: 1.84, 3.06), respectively, more likely to report higher frequencies of past-year masturbation activity than those who reported that they desired no change in their current partnered sex frequency. Findings provide contemporary U.S. population-level data on patterns of adult masturbation.

Masturbation in middle and late adulthood: its relationship to orgasm.

The relation of masturbation to orgasmic facility and orgasm satisfaction in the sexual relationships context was examined in elderly population. This cross-sectional study included 546 Spanish heterosexual adults aged 50-83 years. They completed a Socio-Demographic Questionnaire, and scales to assess negative attitude towards masturbation, solitary sexual desire, subjective orgasm experience in the solitary masturbation context and orgasmic facility and orgasm satisfaction in sexual relationships. Significant differences were observed on all the masturbation-related indicators between men and women. For men, a regression model was obtained in which age (ß = 0.15), current masturbation frequency (ß = 0.18) and negative attitude towards masturbation (ß = 0.17) explained 8% of the difficulty in orgasmic facility, and another in which age (ß = 0.14) and negative attitude towards masturbation (ß = 0.13) explained 8% of orgasm satisfaction. For women, two regression models were obtained, in which the Affective dimension of the subjective orgasm experience in masturbation explained 11% of orgasmic facility (ß = -0.22) and 15% of orgasm satisfaction (ß = -0.33) in sexual relationships. Significant differences in the intensity of the subjective orgasmic masturbation experience were observed between elderly people with and without difficulties in orgasmic facility and orgasm satisfaction in sexual relationships.

Prevalence of Masturbation and Associated Factors Among Older Adults in Four European Countries.

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.

Antidepressant Use During Development May Impair Women's Sexual Desire in Adulthood.

INTRODUCTION: Although antidepressants are well known to cause sexual side effects in adults, the long-term effects of antidepressant use during development on adult sexual function is unknown. AIM: To explore differences in sexual desire and sexual behavior between adults who did vs did not use antidepressants during childhood or adolescence. METHODS: An online survey of 610 young adults (66% women) assessed childhood and current mental health and use of antidepressants and other psychiatric medications before the age of 16 years and currently, partnered and solitary sexual desire, and frequency of masturbation and partnered sexual activity. Antidepressants were coded into either selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or non-SSRI antidepressants. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Scores on the Sexual Desire Inventory, and self-reported frequency of masturbation and partnered sexual activity. RESULTS: For women, childhood SSRI use was associated with significantly lower solitary sexual desire, desire for an attractive other, and frequency of masturbation. This was true even when controlling for childhood mental health concerns, current mental health, and current antidepressant use. However, there was no effect of childhood SSRI use on women's partnered sexual desire or partnered sexual activity. There was no significant effect of childhood antidepressant use on men's sexual desire or masturbation. However, in men, childhood use of non-SSRI antidepressants was associated with significantly higher frequency of partnered sexual activity. Childhood use of non-SSRI antidepressants, or nonantidepressant psychiatric medication, was not associated with adult sexual desire or behavior in either women or men. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: It is possible that SSRI use during childhood interrupts the normal development of sexual reward systems, which may be a risk factor for sexual desire dysfunction in adult women. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: Strengths include a large sample, use of attention checks and validated measures, and careful assessment of childhood mental health history; however, generalizability is limited by a predominantly white, young adult sample. These data are cross-sectional, and therefore, causal explanations for the association between childhood SSRI use and adult sexual well-being should be considered preliminary, warranting replication. CONCLUSION: These findings point to a critical need for well-controlled, prospective research on possible long-term effects of antidepressant use, particularly SSRI use, on the development of adult sexual well-being. Lorenz TK. Antidepressant Use During Development May Impair Women's Sexual Desire in Adulthood. J Sex Med 2020;17:470-476.

Frequency of nocturnal emissions and masturbation habits among virgin male religious teenagers.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Although nocturnal emission (NE) is an integral part of normal sexual function of males, little information has been documented in the literature. We aimed to assess masturbation habits and frequency of NE among virgin male religious Muslim teenagers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire was administered to students staying in a religious dormitory or attending a religion course. Data of 113 male-respondents including demographic characteristics, masturbation habits and frequency of NE were collected. RESULTS: The mean age of students was 15.88±1.47 (range: 13-20) years. Of the students, 46(41.4%) reported that they never masturbated and 19 (17.3%) never experienced NEs. NE frequency was not correlated with age (p=0.092). Having NEs was not related to the time since last masturbation either (p=0.479). Subjects watching TV more than 3h/day had more NEs than the ones watching less (p=0.006). Of the subjects 13.6%, 12.6% and 67% believed that masturbation is halal, permissible and forbidden by religion, respectively whereas these rates were 59.1%, 20.4% and 7.5% for NE. CONCLUSIONS: Although masturbation and NE are frequent among virgin male religious Muslim teenagers, a significant proportion of young men believe that only masturbation, but not NE, is forbidden by religion. Watching TV seems to be associated with the frequency of NEs. Further studies are required to elicit the factors affecting frequency of NEs.

Relationship Between Masturbation and Partnered Sex in Women: Does the Former Facilitate, Inhibit, or Not Affect the Latter?

INTRODUCTION: The relationship between masturbation activities and their effect on partnered sex is understudied. AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the alignment of activities between masturbation and partnered sex, and to determine whether different levels of alignment affect orgasmic parameters during partnered sex. METHODS: 2,215 women completed an online survey about activities during masturbation and reasons for orgasmic difficulty during masturbation, and these were compared with activities and reasons for orgasmic difficulty during partnered sex. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Degree of alignment between masturbation activities and partnered sex activities was used to predict sexual arousal difficulty, orgasmic probability, orgasmic pleasure, orgasmic latency, and orgasmic difficulty during partnered sex. RESULTS: Women showed only moderate alignment regarding masturbation and partnered sex activities, as well as reasons for masturbation orgasmic difficulty and reasons for partnered sex orgasmic difficulty. However, those that showed greater alignment of activities showed better orgasmic response during partnered sex and were more likely to prefer partnered sex over masturbation. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Women tend to use less conventional techniques for arousal during masturbation compared with partnered sex. Increasing alignment between masturbation and partnered sexual activities may lead to better arousal and orgasmic response, and lower orgasmic difficulty. STRENGTH & LIMITATIONS: The study was well-powered and drew from a multinational population, providing perspective on a long-standing unanswered question. Major limitations were the younger age and self-selection of the sample. CONCLUSION: Women that align masturbation stimulation activities with partnered sex activities are more likely to experience orgasm and enhanced orgasmic pleasure, with sexual relationship satisfaction playing an important role in this process. Rowland DL, Hevesi K, Conway GR, et al. Relationship Between Masturbation and Partnered Sex in Women: Does the Former Facilitate, Inhibit, or Not Affect the Latter? J Sex Med 2020;17:37-47.

Exploring Sexual Behaviour and Associated Factors among Adolescents in Saudi Arabia: A Call to End Ignorance.

Little is known about sexual behaviour, attitudes, and associated factors among adolescents in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study using a multistage sampling technique was conducted among 453 male adolescents selected from high schools in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. About 54.1% of the adolescents practiced masturbation daily and 38% had experienced sexual contact, while 67% had friends who had experienced sexual contact. The majority of adolescents (72.2%) believed men engage in sexual experience before marriage, and only 11.5% discussed sexual health issues with their parents. Most adolescents believed in the effectiveness of sex education (92.3%) and the need for school-based sex education (85.6%). The logistic regression analyses showed adolescent sexual activity was independently associated with age [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.5, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.3-1.8, p < 0.001), daily masturbation (AOR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.3-3.2, p < 0.004), friends who engaged in sexual activity (AOR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.4-4.6, p < 0.001), and belief that men experience sexual contact before marriage (AOR = 5.1, 95% CI: 2.8-9.3, p < 0.001). The findings indicated that male adolescents had negative attitudes toward sexual activity and were involved in risky sexual behaviour. To mitigate these issues, schools and community networks should be involved in the delivery of a culturally sensitive sexual health-promoting programme.

Attitudes Toward, and Use of, Vibrators in China.

The current study examined the relationship between traditional masculine traits and attitudes toward vibrator use, actual vibrator use, and frequency of vibrator use in China. In all, 235 Chinese females aged between 16 and 58 years completed a questionnaire regarding attitudes toward, and personal use of, vibrators. The results showed a positive association between masculine traits and attitudes toward women's vibrator use, attitudes toward vibrator use and actual vibrator use, as well as frequency of vibrator use. The findings revealed an indirect path in which masculinity influences actual and frequency of vibrator use through attitudes toward women's vibrator use. Limitations and implications of the study are discussed.

Masturbation Experiences of Swedish Senior High School Students: Gender Differences and Similarities.

Research about masturbation tends to be limited to the assessment of masturbation incidence and frequency. Consequently, little is known about what people experience connected to masturbation. This might be one reason why theoretical approaches that specifically address the persistent gender gap in masturbation frequency are lacking. The aim of the current study was to explore several aspects of masturbation in young men and women, and to examine possible associations with their social backgrounds and sexual histories. Data from 1,566 women and 1,452 men (ages 18 to 22) from 52 Swedish senior high schools were analyzed. Comparisons between men and women were made regarding incidence of and age at first masturbation, the use of objects (e.g., sex toys), fantasies, and sexual functioning during masturbation, as well as about their attitudes toward masturbation and sexual fantasies. Cluster analysis was carried out to identify similarities between and differences within the gender groups. While overall more men than women reported experience with several of the investigated aspects, cluster analyses revealed that a large proportion of men and women reported similar experiences and that fewer experiences are not necessarily associated with negative attitudes toward masturbation. Implications of these findings are discussed in consideration of particular social backgrounds.

Evidence for Masturbation and Prostate Cancer Risk: Do We Have a Verdict?

INTRODUCTION: Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the leading causes of cancer death in men and remains one of the most diagnosed malignancies worldwide. Ongoing public health efforts continue to promote protective factors, such as diet, physical activity, and other lifestyle modifications, against PCa development. Masturbation is a nearly universal safe sexual activity that transcends societal boundaries and geography yet continues to be met with stigma and controversy in contemporary society. Although previous studies have examined associations between sexual activity and PCa risk, anecdotal relations have been suggested regarding masturbation practice and PCa risk. AIM: To provide a summary of the published literature and examine the contemporary evidence for relations between masturbation practice and PCa risk. METHODS: A survey of the current literature using seven academic electronic databases was conducted using search terms and key words associated with masturbation practice and PCa risk. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The practice of masturbation and its relation to PCa risk. RESULTS: The literature search identified study samples (n = 16) published before October 2015. Sample inclusions varied by study type, sample size, and primary objective. Protective relations (n = 7) between ejaculation through masturbation and PCa risk were reported by 44% of the study sample. Age range emerged as a significant variable in the relation between masturbation and PCa. CONCLUSION: Findings included relations among masturbation, ejaculation frequency, and age range as individual factors of PCa risk. No universally accepted themes were identified across the study sample. Throughout the sample, there was insufficient agreement in survey design and data reporting. Potential avenues for new research include frequency of ejaculation and age range as covarying factors that could lead to more definitive statements about masturbation practice and PCa risk.

An extraordinary masturbation instrument: intravesical electrical wire cable / Un instrumento para la masturbación excepcional: cable eléctrico intravesical

There are several unusual cases in the literature with foreign bodies in bladder or urethra such as candle, needle, thermometer, animal feather, chicken bone, and wooden stick. Because of these foreign bodies there would be several complications. Pain, infection, urosepsis, and hematuria are the usually seen complications in these cases. Cases with electrical wire cables are also rarely seen. Some of the reasons for inserting foreign bodies are masturbation, feeling or presence of urethral obstruction. In this case, we aimed to present a 21-year-old male patient who was admitted to emergency clinic of Keçiören Research and Training Hospital in September 2014 with a urethral foreign body that was extending into the bladder and was used for masturbation (AU)

Hay varios casos inusuales en la literatura con cuerpos extraños en la vejiga o en la uretra tales como velas, agujas, termómetros, plumas animales, huesos de pollo, palos de madera etc. Estos objetos pueden general diversas complicaciones; las más comunes son dolor, infecciones, urosepsis o hematuria. Los casos con cables eléctricos se presentan en raras ocasiones. Alguno de los motivos por lo que se insertan cuerpos extraños pueden ser la masturbación o la sensación de obstrucción en la uretra. En esta ocasion se presenta el caso de un paciente varón de 21 años de edad que fue ingresado a la clínica de emergencia de Investigación Keçiören y el Hospital de Formación en septiembre de 2014 con un cuerpo extraño uretral que se extendía hasta la vejiga y se utilizó para la masturbación (AU)

A masturbação em homens jovens portugueses / Masturbation among young Portuguese males

Introdução. A masturbação masculina tem sido vista como um comportamento tabu não havendo pesquisa sistematizada em Portugal acerca deste tema. Objetivos. Avaliar as práticas masturbatórias num grupo de homens jovens em Portugal, assim como comparar diferenças nessas práticas entre grupos particulares (idade, início da vida sexual ou orientação sexual). Material e método. Participaram no estudo 2.020 homens jovens (média de idades = 20,60, desvio padrão [DP] = 2,73) que preencheram um questionário sociodemográfico e um questionário de práticas masturbatórias, medidas estas que foram disseminadas através da internet. Resultados. A esmagadora maioria dos homens já tinha iniciado a sua vida sexual (81,3%) e identificaram‐se como heterossexuais (91,6%). Os resultados indicam que, em média, os homens masturbaram‐se 3,69 vezes por semana (DP = 3,05), sendo que apenas 10,9% diz nunca se masturbar. Encontraram‐se diferenças significativas (F = 2,743; p = 0,047) entre orientações sexuais, sendo os homens homossexuais aqueles que se masturbam mais vezes. A idade da primeira vez que se masturbaram foi de 12,95 anos (DP = 2,01, variando entre os 5 e os 18 anos). A maioria dos homens (35,4%) diz masturbar‐se quando se excita com pornografia e 60,4% dizem apetecer‐lhes masturbarem‐se antes de adormecer. Verificou‐se que a maioria dos homens responderam que não praticam masturbação mútua sem tocar na(o) parceira(o) (61,7%), mas 59,2% dos homens dizem que a praticam tocando na(o) parceira(o). Conclusões. Os técnicos devem reconhecer que os homens jovens se masturbam de forma ampla e devem discutir a masturbação como uma atividade integradora e normativa do desenvolvimento humano e sexual (AU)

Introduction. Male masturbation has been seen as taboo behavior, and there is a lack of systematic research in Portugal regarding this topic. Purpose. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the masturbatory practices of a group of young men in Portugal, as well as to compare differences in these practices between particular groups (age, onset of sexual activity or sexual orientation). Materials and methods. A sample of 2020 young men (mean age = 20.60, standard deviation [SD] = 2.73) who completed a sociodemographic questionnaire and a questionnaire of masturbatory practices participated, and these measurements were disseminated on the internet. Results. The vast majority of men had already started their sexual life (81.3%) and identified themselves as heterosexual (91.6%). The results indicate that on average, men masturbated 3.69 times per week (SD = 3.05), whereas only 10.9% said that they never masturbated. Significant differences (F = 2.743, p = 0.047) were found between sexual orientations; gay men masturbated more often. The age of the first time they masturbated was 12.95 years (SD = 2.01, ranging from 5 to 18 years). Most men (35.4%) said that they masturbated when aroused by pornography and 60.4% said they felt like masturbating before sleeping. It was found that the majority of men said they do not practice mutual masturbation touching their partner (61.7%), and 59.2% of men claimed that they did touch their partner. Conclusions. Professionals should recognize that young men masturbate broadly and should discuss masturbation as an integrative activity of human and sexual development (AU)

Men's use and perceptions of commercial lubricants: prevalence and characteristics in a nationally representative sample of American adults.

INTRODUCTION: Most research on men's use of commercial lubricants during sexual activities is in the context of condom use and often specifically among men who have sex with men. Less is known about men's use of lubricants associated with a broader range of sexual experiences. AIMS: The aims of this study are to document the prevalence of commercial lubricant use among adult U.S. men (age 18+), to document men's use of lubricants across solo and partnered sexual behaviors, and to assess men's perceptions of the contributions lubricants have to the sexual experience. METHODS: Data are from the 2012 National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior, which involved the administration of an online questionnaire to a nationally representative probability sample of U.S. adults ages 18 and older. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Sociodemographic characteristics, recent and lifetime commercial lubricant use, lubricant use during specific sexual behaviors, frequency of lubricant use, and reasons for lubricant use. RESULTS: Most men in the United States (70%, N = 1,014) reported having used a commercial lubricant, with men older than 24 and those in a relationship more likely to report lubricant use. About one in four men had used a lubricant in the past 30 days. Intercourse was the most common behavior during which men used lubricant, though solo masturbation and partnered sexual play were also frequently linked to lubricant use. The most common reasons for lubricant use included "to make sex more comfortable," "for fun," "curiosity," and "my partner wanted to." CONCLUSIONS: Most American men have used a lubricant; lubricant use is common across all age groups, and some of the most common reasons why men report using lubricants have to do with sexual enhancement, comfort, and pleasure. Clinicians may find these data helpful to their efforts to educate patients about lubricant use, comfort during sex, and sexual enhancement.

Masturbation among women: associated factors and sexual response in a Portuguese community sample.

Masturbation is a common sexual practice with significant variations in reported incidence between men and women. The goal of this study was to explore (a) the age at initiation and frequency of masturbation, (b) the associations of masturbation with diverse variables, (c) the reported reasons for masturbating and associated emotions, and (d) the relation between frequency of masturbation and different sexual behavioral factors. Participants were 3,687 women who completed a web-based survey of previously pilot-tested items. The results reveal a high reported incidence of masturbation practices among this convenience sample of women. Among the women in this sample, 91% indicated that they had masturbated at some point in their lives, and 29.3% reported having masturbated within the past month. Masturbation behavior appears to be related to a greater sexual repertoire, more sexual fantasies, and greater reported ease in reaching sexual arousal and orgasm. Women reported many reasons for masturbation and a variety of direct and indirect techniques. A minority of women reported feeling shame and guilt associated with masturbation. Early masturbation experience might be beneficial to sexual arousal and orgasm in adulthood. Further, this study demonstrates that masturbation is a positive component in the structuring of female sexuality.

Impaired masturbation-induced erections: a new cardiovascular risk factor for male subjects with sexual dysfunction.

INTRODUCTION: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is considered an early surrogate marker of silent, or even overt, cardiovascular diseases (CVD). However, epidemiological studies take into account only sexual intercourse-related erections. Although autoeroticism is a very common practice, data on masturbation-induced erections as a possible predictor of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) are lacking. AIM: To evaluate the clinical correlates of impaired masturbation-induced erections and to verify the importance of this sexual aspect in predicting MACE. METHODS: A consecutive series of 4,031 male patients attending the Outpatient Clinic for sexual dysfunction for the first time was retrospectively studied. Among these subjects, 64% reported autoeroticism during the last 3 months, and only this subset was considered in the following analyses. In the longitudinal study, 862 subjects reporting autoeroticism were enrolled. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Several clinical, biochemical, and instrumental (Prostaglandin E1 [PGE1 ] test and penile color Doppler ultrasound) parameters were studied. RESULTS: Subjects with an impaired erection during masturbation (46% of those reporting autoeroticism) had more often a positive personal or family history of CVD, a higher risk of reduced intercourse- and sleep-related erections, hypoactive sexual desire and perceived reduced ejaculate volume, and impaired PGE1 test response. Prolactin levels were lower in those having impaired erection during masturbation. In the longitudinal study, unadjusted incidence of MACE was significantly associated with impaired masturbation-induced erections. When dividing the population according to the median age and diagnosis of diabetes, the association between impaired masturbation-induced erections and incidence of MACE was maintained only in the youngest (<55 years old) and in nondiabetic subjects, even after adjusting for confounders (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.348 [1.085-10.335], P = 0.032 and HR = 2.108 [1.002-4.433], P = 0.049; respectively). CONCLUSION: This study indicates that, in subjects with male sexual dysfunction, evaluating an often neglected sexual parameter, such as masturbation-induced erections, can provide further insights on forthcoming MACE in particular in "low risk" subjects.

Erectile dysfunction and extramarital sex induced by timed intercourse: a prospective study of 439 men.

During the fertile window of a woman's menstrual cycle, the effect of impending timed intercourse (TI) on the psychological well-being and behavior of male partners has not been thoroughly investigated, despite the fact that men comprise one half of each couple endeavoring to achieve natural conception. This prospective study consisting of 439 men was conducted during a 3-year period between July 1, 2008, and June 30, 2011. Various characteristics were evaluated, including newly acquired erectile dysfunction (ED); extramarital sex (EMS); intake of soft drinks (SD); levels of hormones, such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone (T), prolactin, and estradiol (E2); and semen parameters. A total of 188 men (42.8%) experienced ED and 47 men (10.7%) engaged in EMS. As the number of TI episodes increased, the number of men with ED and EMS and those who wanted to avoid TI also increased (all, P < .0001). All 47 men who reported EMS experienced ED with their spouses. Men who consumed SDs produced significantly smaller volumes of semen (P = .0363). Among the hormones investigated, the levels of LH, T, and E2 were significantly lower in men with ED (all, P < .05) whereas the level of FSH was higher in contrast to E2, which was significantly higher in men who had EMS (both, P < .01). TI imposes a great deal of stress on male partners evoking ED and, in some cases, causing these men to seek EMS. Physicians and clinicians should acknowledge the potential harmful effects of TI on men. Furthermore, both female and male partners should also be cautioned about the increased possibilities of ED and EMS as TI incidents increase.

Sexual behaviors among older adults in Spain: results from a population-based national sexual health survey.

INTRODUCTION: The Spanish National Sexual Health Survey (SNSHS) is designed to examine sexual activity, sexual behaviors, and sexual health among the Spanish population. AIM: To describe sexual activity and behaviors of Spaniards aged ≥ 65 years old focusing on gender differences. METHODS: A population-based descriptive study was conducted using individual data from the SNSHS. The number of subjects aged ≥ 65 years included was 1,939 (1,118 women, 821 men). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Sexual activity, frequency, sexual behaviors, sexual practices, and reasons for lack of sexual activity were assessed from questions included in the survey. Subjects who reported having any sexual practice including giving or receiving kissing and hugging, vaginal intercourse, oral sex, or masturbation, with at least one partner in the previous 12 months were considered as sexually active. We analyzed sociodemographic characteristics, self-rated physical and sexual health, comorbid conditions, and medications using multivariate logistic regression models. RESULTS: Overall, 62.3% of men and 37.4% of elderly women were sexually active (P < 0.01). The prevalence of sexual inactivity significantly increased with age (P < 0.01, odds ratio [OR] 5.8, 95% confidence interval 3.8-9.05 men; 6.37, 3.9-10.4 women). Not having a partner was a predictor of sexual inactivity (OR 5.79, 3.98-8.42 men; OR 12.0, 8.4-17.2 women). Worse self-rated sexual health, suffering ≥ 2 comorbid conditions, and taking ≥ 2 medications were associated with higher probability of reporting no sexual activity in both men and women. The most common sexual practices were kissing, hugging, and vaginal intercourse. The most common reasons for sexual inactivity were: partner was physically ill (23%), lack of interest (21%), and the man was a widower (23%). CONCLUSIONS: This study provided data on sexual activity in older Spanish adults and has identified potential factors that appear to influence sexuality in the elderly with some gender differences. Current results can have implications for healthcare providers for addressing these concerns in an effective manner.

Beliefs about women's vibrator use: results from a nationally representative probability survey in the United States.

Women's vibrator use is common in the United States, although little is known about beliefs about its use. Elicitation surveys and interviews informed the development of a 10-item scale, the Beliefs About Women's Vibrator Use Scale, which was administered to a nationally representative probability sample of adults ages 18 to 60 years. Most women and men held high positive and low negative beliefs about women's vibrator use. Women with positive beliefs reported higher Female Sexual Function Index scores related to arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain (indicating less pain).

Sexual behaviors and situational characteristics of most recent male-partnered sexual event among gay and bisexually identified men in the United States.

INTRODUCTION: Recent nationally representative studies documenting event-level sexual behavior have included samples that are predominantly heterosexual, resulting in limited information on the sexual repertoire of gay and bisexually identified men. AIM: This study sought to document the sexual behaviors that gay and bisexually identified men report during their most recent male-partnered sexual event and to describe the situational characteristics and participants' evaluation of these events. METHODS: Via an internet-based survey, data were collected from 24,787 gay and bisexually identified men (ages 18-87 years) from 50 US states and the District of Columbia. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Measures included items related to sociodemographics, recent sexual behavior history, situational characteristics, orgasm, and ratings of arousal and pleasure. RESULTS: Participants' mean age was 39.2 years; ethnicities included white (84.6%), Latino (6.4%), and African American (3.6%); and most men (79.9%) identified as homosexual. The most commonly reported behavior was kissing a partner on the mouth (74.5%), followed by oral sex (72.7%), and partnered masturbation (68.4%). Anal intercourse occurred among less than half of participants (37.2%) and was most common among men ages 18-24 (42.7%). Sex was most likely to occur in the participant's home (46.8%), with less frequently reported locations including hotels (7.4%) and public spaces (3.1%). The number of behaviors engaged in during last sexual event varied with most (63.2%) including 5-9 different sexual behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: These data provide one of the first examinations of sexual behaviors during the most recent male-partnered sexual event among gay and bisexually identified men in the United States. Findings from this study suggest that gay and bisexually identified men have a diverse sexual repertoire and that partnered sexual behaviors are not limited solely to acts of penile insertion.

Prevalence, frequency, and associations of masturbation with partnered sexual behaviors among US adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To assess masturbation prevalence, frequency, and associations with partnered sexual behaviors. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SETTING: The United States of America. PARTICIPANTS: Nationally representative samples of adolescents aged 14 to 17 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Solo masturbation, partnered sexual behaviors, and condom use. RESULTS: Across age groups, more males (73.8%) reported masturbation than females (48.1%). Among males, masturbation occurrence increased with age: at age 14 years, 62.6% of males reported at least 1 prior occurrence, whereas 80% of 17-year-old males reported ever having masturbated. Recent masturbation also increased with age in males: 67.6% of 17-year-olds reported masturbation in the past month, compared with 42.9% of 14-year-olds. In females, prior masturbation increased with age (58% at age 17 years compared with 43.3% at age 14 years), but recent masturbation did not. Masturbation was associated with numerous partnered sexual behaviors in both males and females. In males, masturbation was associated with condom use, but in females it was not. CONCLUSIONS: Sexual development is a dynamic process during adolescence, and masturbation is an enduring component of sexuality. Fundamental differences appear to exist between male and female sexual expression. Health care providers should recognize that many teens masturbate and discuss masturbation with patients because masturbation is integral to normal sexual development.