Abstract
Research examining the sexual behaviors and experiences of behaviorally bisexual men is limited. Most studies focus primarily
on highlighting sexual risk behaviors among groups of “men who have sex with men (MSM)” or “gay and bisexual men,” which may
not be appropriate in terms of behaviorally bisexual men’s sexual repertoires with both men and women. This study aimed to
assess a broad range of sexual behaviors and associated experiences among bisexual men living in the midwestern United States.
An interviewer-administered questionnaire containing items from the National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior assessed
lifetime and recent (i.e., past 6 months and last event) sexual behaviors and experiences with both male and female partners
among a diverse sample of 75 behaviorally bisexual men. Responses were quantified and analyzed using descriptive and multivariate
statistics. A wide range of sexual behaviors with partners of both genders was found. Vaginal intercourse and oral sex with
both men and women were the most commonly reported behaviors. Subjective reports of pleasure, arousal, and sexual function
during sexual activity were similar with both male and female sexual partners. Many participants reported using condoms during
insertive sexual behaviors with male and female partners, but less during oral sex. Unprotected receptive anal sex was less
commonly reported. Overall, participants reported a variety of sexual behaviors and experiences; however, unlike other populations,
they shared these with partners of both genders. Results have implications for interventions targeting the sexual behaviors
and associated issues among behaviorally bisexual men.
on highlighting sexual risk behaviors among groups of “men who have sex with men (MSM)” or “gay and bisexual men,” which may
not be appropriate in terms of behaviorally bisexual men’s sexual repertoires with both men and women. This study aimed to
assess a broad range of sexual behaviors and associated experiences among bisexual men living in the midwestern United States.
An interviewer-administered questionnaire containing items from the National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior assessed
lifetime and recent (i.e., past 6 months and last event) sexual behaviors and experiences with both male and female partners
among a diverse sample of 75 behaviorally bisexual men. Responses were quantified and analyzed using descriptive and multivariate
statistics. A wide range of sexual behaviors with partners of both genders was found. Vaginal intercourse and oral sex with
both men and women were the most commonly reported behaviors. Subjective reports of pleasure, arousal, and sexual function
during sexual activity were similar with both male and female sexual partners. Many participants reported using condoms during
insertive sexual behaviors with male and female partners, but less during oral sex. Unprotected receptive anal sex was less
commonly reported. Overall, participants reported a variety of sexual behaviors and experiences; however, unlike other populations,
they shared these with partners of both genders. Results have implications for interventions targeting the sexual behaviors
and associated issues among behaviorally bisexual men.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-10
- DOI 10.1007/s10508-011-9878-2
- Authors
- Brian Dodge, Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University, 1025 E. 7th Street, HPER 116, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
- Phillip W. Schnarrs, Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University, 1025 E. 7th Street, HPER 116, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
- Michael Reece, Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University, 1025 E. 7th Street, HPER 116, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
- Omar Martinez, Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University, 1025 E. 7th Street, HPER 116, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
- Gabriel Goncalves, Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University, 1025 E. 7th Street, HPER 116, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
- David Malebranche, Department of General Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Barbara Van Der Pol, Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University, 1025 E. 7th Street, HPER 116, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
- Ryan Nix, Step Up, Inc., Indianapolis, IN, USA
- J. Dennis Fortenberry, Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University, 1025 E. 7th Street, HPER 116, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
- Journal Archives of Sexual Behavior
- Online ISSN 1573-2800
- Print ISSN 0004-0002