Devon J Hensel1,2, Vanessa Schick3, Debby Herbenick4, Brian Dodge4, Michael Reece4, Stephanie A Sanders5,6, J Dennis Fortenberry1. 1. Division of Adolescent Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA. 2. Department of Sociology, Indiana University Purdue University-Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA. 3. School of Public Health, Management, Policy & Community Health, University of Texas, Houston, TX, USA. 4. Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA. 5. The Kinsey Institute for Research on Sex, Gender and Reproduction, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA. 6. Department of Gender Studies, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The diversity in self-identified lesbian and bisexual women's sexual interactions necessitates better understanding of how and when they integrate personal lubricant into different experiences. However, little is known about lesbian and bisexual women's lifetime lubricant use, particularly at the population level. AIMS: The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and characteristics of lubricant use among adult lesbian and bisexual women in the United States. METHODS: Data were drawn from a subset of lesbian and bisexual participants who participated in the 2012 National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior, an online questionnaire administered to a nationally representative probability sample of U.S. adults ages 18 and older. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We examined socio-demographic characteristics, recent and lifetime lubricant use, lubricant use in associated with specific sexual behaviors and condom use, frequency of use, motivations for use, as well as perception of lubricant when used. RESULTS: A majority of lesbian- (60.1%) and bisexual-identified (77.1%) women reported ever using lubricant; 25.7% of lesbian women and 32.7% of bisexual women used it in the last 30 days. Across most age groups, lubricant was commonly used during partnered sexual play, partnered sexual intercourse, or when a vibrator/dildo was used. Lesbian and bisexual women reported using lubricants to increase arousal/sexual pleasure/desire, to make sex more fun, or to increase physical comfort during sex. CONCLUSIONS: Lubricant use is identified as a part of lesbian and bisexual women's sexual experience across the life span, as a part of both solo and partnered experiences. As part of evolving sexual health assessments, clinicians and health educators may find value in integrating lubricant-focused conversation with their lesbian and bisexual patients and clients, particularly.
INTRODUCTION: The diversity in self-identified lesbian and bisexual women's sexual interactions necessitates better understanding of how and when they integrate personal lubricant into different experiences. However, little is known about lesbian and bisexual women's lifetime lubricant use, particularly at the population level. AIMS: The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and characteristics of lubricant use among adult lesbian and bisexual women in the United States. METHODS: Data were drawn from a subset of lesbian and bisexual participants who participated in the 2012 National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior, an online questionnaire administered to a nationally representative probability sample of U.S. adults ages 18 and older. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We examined socio-demographic characteristics, recent and lifetime lubricant use, lubricant use in associated with specific sexual behaviors and condom use, frequency of use, motivations for use, as well as perception of lubricant when used. RESULTS: A majority of lesbian- (60.1%) and bisexual-identified (77.1%) women reported ever using lubricant; 25.7% of lesbian women and 32.7% of bisexual women used it in the last 30 days. Across most age groups, lubricant was commonly used during partnered sexual play, partnered sexual intercourse, or when a vibrator/dildo was used. Lesbian and bisexual women reported using lubricants to increase arousal/sexual pleasure/desire, to make sex more fun, or to increase physical comfort during sex. CONCLUSIONS: Lubricant use is identified as a part of lesbian and bisexual women's sexual experience across the life span, as a part of both solo and partnered experiences. As part of evolving sexual health assessments, clinicians and health educators may find value in integrating lubricant-focused conversation with their lesbian and bisexual patients and clients, particularly.
Authors: Lucia Guerra-Reyes; Benjamin Rush; Debby Herbenick; Brian Dodge; Michael Reece; Vanessa Schick; Stephanie A Sanders; J Dennis Fortenberry Journal: J Immigr Minor Health Date: 2017-10