In:
The Journal of Sexual Medicine, Oxford University Press (OUP), Vol. 20, No. Supplement_4 ( 2023-07-06)
Abstract:
Sexual anal positioning amongst men who have sex with men (MSM) is central to the understanding of this population, with important repercussions on the sexological fulfillment of these individuals. The purpose of our study was to determine the real frequencies of the anal positions frequently referred to as “bottom,” “top,” “versatile,” and “side.” We also set out to verify if there were clear differences between “anal sexual identity (ASI),” “anal sexual behavior (ASB),” and “anal sexual preference (ASP).” Methods An on-line anonymous questionnaire was made available in the French language to all cisgender MSM of at least 18 years of age between June 25 and October 26 2020, on the subject of anal positioning. The questionnaire presented 104 questions, with a total of 190 items being evaluated. Descriptive and analytical analyses were performed according to a statistical analysis plan drafted prior to implementation of study. Parametric or non-parametric tests were performed according to the distribution of variables. Statistical significance was set at 0.05. Results 9.734 individuals clicked on our questionnaire. After informed consent, 9,686 declared they desired to participate. 8,755 respondents met all inclusion criteria for statistical analysis. For ASI, 40.8% of respondents declared to be “bottoms,” 30.8% to be “versatile, and 24,0% to be “tops.” Conclusions The TBornotTB study is the largest study to date on anal sexual positioning amongst MSM. Anal intercourse is clearly important to MSM. Receptive ASI was by far the most frequent ASI, the least frequent ASB was versatile, but Versatile ASP was what was desired by the vast majority. Our study underscores the importance of distinguishing three categories: identity, behavior, and desire. Significantly, it puts the spotlight on an area of sexuality that therapists may need to consider while working with MSM: the reduction of the splitting between these three sexological entities. Conflicts of Interest No conflicts of interest to be declared.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1743-6095
,
1743-6109
DOI:
10.1093/jsxmed/qdad062.060
Language:
English
Publisher:
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Publication Date:
2023
