Perhaps unsurprisingly, many people are hesitant or even reluctant to seek help for sexual problems. In fact, several population-based studies have demonstrated that just up to one-third of people experiencing a sexual health issue consult a medical professional and sometimes even less than that, depending on the region and other circumstances.
The most frequently cited reasons for not seeking help for a sexual problem are embarrassment, not recognizing the issue as a medical problem, considering sexual problems to be a natural part of aging, hoping that sexual issues will resolve themselves, and financial barriers to care.
To compound these issues, individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community may be more likely to avoid seeking health care due to discrimination or fear of discrimination, possibly coupled with a desire to conceal their sexual identity from their providers. Therefore, the authors of a recent study in The Journal of Sexual Medicine hypothesized that sexual minority men (i.e., gay and bisexual men) may be even less likely than heterosexual men to seek help for sexual health problems.
To explore this hypothesis, the authors surveyed a total of 3,697 Polish men of different sexual orientations. The three primary questions included in the survey were:
- Do you consider yourself to be heterosexual, gay, or bisexual?
- Have you ever had a problem with sexual functioning that lasted at least several months?
- Did you seek professional assistance then?
Data was collected between June and September 2016, and subsequently analyzed by the researchers to determine whether or not there was an association between the participants’ sexual identities and their likelihood of seeking medical care for sexual problems.
Ultimately, 1,138 heterosexual men, 1,811 gay men, and 748 bisexual men participated in the study. The average age of the participants was 30.8 years. In line with previous research, the majority of the men surveyed (84.5%) did not seek professional help when they experienced sexual problems.
Gay men (but not bisexual men) were significantly less likely than other men to seek help for sexual problems. Conversely, the respondents’ age, number of doctors visits per year, and having a psychiatric diagnosis were all positively related to seeking help for sexual health issues.
It is possible that gay men are less likely to seek help for sexual problems because they do not wish to reveal their sexual orientation to their health care providers, anticipating or experiencing a negative response. As such, it is important that sexual health specialists are explicit about inclusivity and strive to make their practices as accessible as possible to people of all sexual orientations.
References:
Grabski, B., Kasparek, K., Koziara, K., & Mijas, M. (2022). Professional Help-Seeking in Men Experiencing Sexual Problems–The Role of Sexual Identity and Minority Stress. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 19(7), 1090-1097. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2022.04.012
You may also be interested in...
SMSNA Patients
The Intersection of Telemedicine and Men’s Health
May 7, 2024SMSNA Patients
How Willing Are Individuals to Undergo Surgery for Peyronie’s Disease?
February 20, 2024Blog
Considerations for LGBTQIA+ Youth in Sexual Health Education
November 28, 2023Blog
What Are Some Guidelines for Prostate Cancer Survivors When It Comes to Sexual Health?
November 7, 2023SMSNA Patients
How Screening for Female Sexual Dysfunction Differs Among Gynecologic Clinicians
November 14, 2023SMSNA Patients
What Are the Potential Side Effects of Erectile Dysfunction Medications, and Are There Alternative Treatments?
October 3, 2023SMSNA Patients
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Sexual Well-Being
September 21, 2023Blog
How Cigarette Smoking Can Contribute to Erectile Dysfunction
March 21, 2023Did You Know?
How Long Does It Take the Average Man to Ejaculate?
March 7, 2023Other Popular Articles
What Is Jelqing, and Does It Actually Work?
The term “jelqing” refers to a set of penis stretching exercises that some believe can make the penis bigger. Although the practice has gained attention and popularity in blogs and internet forums in recent years, there is no scientific evidence that it is an effective way to permanently increase the size of one’s penis. In fact, in some cases, jelqing may actually cause damage to the penis, so it is a good idea to get all the facts before setting off to try it.
What Is the Average Penis Size?
If you have ever wondered how your penis compares to others in terms of size, you are not alone. Many men are curious to know how their penises stack up compared to the average. Unfortunately, general curiosity can sometimes give way to full-on obsession and anxiety about penis size. This can be an unhealthy and often unnecessary fixation, especially because most men who think their penises are too small have perfectly normal-sized penises.
What Is Sensate Focus and How Does It Work?
Sensate focus is a technique used to improve intimacy and communication between partners around sex, reduce sexual performance anxiety, and shift away from ingrained, goal-oriented sexual patterns that may not be serving a couple.
What Is Edging and Why Do People Do It?
Edging is the practice of stopping sexual stimulation before reaching orgasm to prolong a sexual experience. The term stems from the concept of approaching the metaphorical “edge” of orgasm but stopping before going over the edge.
Can Sex Reduce Menstrual Cramps?
The SMSNA periodically receives and publishes ‘guest editorials.’ The current article was submitted by Mia Barnes, a freelance writer and researcher who specializes in women's health, wellness, and healthy living. She is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine.
Having sex while you experience menstrual cramps is healthy and can provide significant benefits. While it might not be the first activity that comes to mind when your PMS or period cramping begins, many people enjoy sex to reduce menstrual cramps, experience increased pleasure and benefit from other advantages. Learn more about having sex while menstrual cramps are happening and how it can help your body.
Can Sex Throw off Your Vaginal pH Balance?
The SMSNA periodically receives and publishes ‘guest editorials.’ The current article was submitted by Mia Barnes, a freelance writer and researcher who specializes in women's health, wellness, and healthy living. She is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine.
Your vagina is a pretty powerful organ. It is a pathway for menstrual blood and babies. It also is a main player in sexual intercourse. You might hear about your vagina’s pH and worry that yours is at risk. Here’s what to know about vaginal pH, including the impacts sex could have.
