Dyspareunia, signs of epithelial disruption, sexual abstinence, and HIV status in female sex workers in Nairobi: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Epithelial trauma is a risk factor of HIV infection in men who have sex with men (MSM) and female sex workers (FSWs). Painful intercourse may be indicative of epithelial tissue disruption. Previous studies on a cohort of Kenyan FSWs established an association between prolonged sexual abstinence and late HIV seroconversion. Our research objective was to establish whether there is a relationship between HIV serostatus and signs of epithelial disruption and between HIV serostatus and sexual abstinence behaviour. METHODS: Participants were selected from a Nairobi health facility. A structured questionnaire was administered to 322 FSWs, who provided data on HIV status, sexual behaviour, abstinence intervals and the level of sexual dysfunction. Sexual dysfunction scores were created using parts of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI-19). Additional questions addressed epithelial trauma signs. Descriptive data analysis, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to describe the study population and determine factors associated with living with HIV. Potential factors influencing sexual dysfunction were assessed by FSWs via self-rating. RESULTS: 36% of FSWs reported discomfort or pain during vaginal penetration half the time. 44% noticed genital bleeding half the time. Vaginal tenderness was experienced by 70.6% half the time during or after intercourse. Variables predictive of living with HIV on multivariate analysis included a medium and high score of discomfort or pain during and following vaginal penetration (medium: AOR 2.288, p-value 0.032, 95% CI 1.075-4.871; high: AOR 3.044, p-value 0.031, 95% CI 1.110-8.348). No significant association of HIV status with past abstinence durations as reported by participants could be established in the multivariate analysis. A majority of FSWs agreed that steady partnerships (81% agreement), regularity of intercourse (74%), foreplay (72%) and lubricants (65%) alleviated dyspareunia. CONCLUSIONS: Recurrent exposure to blood during sex was highly prevalent in FSWs, as was sexual dysfunction. Complaint levels were associated with living with HIV, providing evidence that reducing sexual dysfunctions may prevent HIV transmission. Preventive initiatives may be created that address sexual dysfunction in key populations and general populations with a high HIV prevalence. Subjective assessments indicate that prevention may include the promotion of sexual intercourse regularity, foreplay, and lubricant use.

Anal dyspareunia - biological and psychosocial correlates of painful anal intercourses in population. / Dyspareunia analna ­ biologiczne i psychospoleczne korelaty bolesnych kontaktów analnych w populacji.

Anodyspareunia (anal dyspareunia) is a phenomenon related to the passive side's feeling of pain or discomfort in anal sex when attempting or completely penetrating the anus. This dysfunction was first described in 1998 by Rosser's team investigating its biopsychosocial correlates in a sample of men who had sex with men. The work is theoretical in nature and is an attempt to integrate the current knowledge on the phenomenon of anodyspareunia. It presents attempts to define the phenomenon and data on its prevalence, possible reasons for its occurrence and further research directions. The analyzed studies show that although the occurrence of anodyspareunia is influenced by both physiological factors (e.g., lack of lubrication, oral or manual stimulation of the anus prior to penetration) and psychological factors, the latter seem to play a decisive role in the experience of pain. Not all people who practice anal sex report pain associated with it, which may lead to the perception of anal dyspareunia.

Sexual Anal Pain in Gay and Bisexual Men: In Search of Explanatory Factors.

BACKGROUND: Sexual anal pain-or anodyspareunia-in gay and bisexual men is a scientifically and clinically neglected topic. More understanding of its origins and correlates is needed. AIM: To search for correlates of painful anal intercourse with the inclusion of minority stress processes. METHODS: The analysis is based on data collected in an Internet study on the sexuality of Polish gay, bisexual, and straight men. Multiple ordinal regression analysis was used to search for the correlates of painful receptive anal intercourse in a group of 1,443 nonheterosexual men who declared practicing this type of intercourse within the last 12 months. The investigated correlates included demographics, sexual patterns and experiences, experiencing minority stress, sexual problems, and mental and physical health. To assess the level of minority stress, we used the Sexual Minority Stress Scale based on Ilan Meyer's Minority Stress Model, with its subscales relating to internalized homophobia, expectation of rejection, concealment, and sexual minority negative events. Sexual problems were measured with single-item questions adapted from the National Health and Social Life Survey. Data on the remaining correlates were obtained using a survey that we developed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The intensity of pain during receptive anal sexual intercourse as rated on a 5-point Likert scale was a dependent variable. RESULTS: Age (odds ratio [OR]: 0.97; P < .001), performance anxiety (OR: 1.94; P < .001), and internalized homophobia (OR: 1.04; P < .001) were the only statistically significant predictors of the intensity of pain during receptive anal sexual intercourse. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Clinicians addressing sexual anal pain should consider performance anxiety, internalized homophobia, and younger age as possible operating factors. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: The major strengths of the study include the provision of additional data on this neglected topic derived from a large sample of participants from the little recognized Central European cultural context and the major limitations are the nonrepresentative sampling, retrospective data collection, cross-sectional design, Internet methodology, and lack of information on the clinical relevance of experienced pain, that is, distress or help-seeking, as well as its recurrent or persistent character. CONCLUSION: Painful sexual anal activity requires further investigation. Grabski B, Kasparek K. Sexual Anal Pain in Gay and Bisexual Men: In Search of Explanatory Factors. J Sex Med 2020;17:716-730.

Anodispareunia. Dolor anal durante las relaciones sexuales anorreceptivas en hombres que tienen sexo con hombres / Anodyspareunia. Anal pain during anoreceptive sex in men who have sex with men

Introducción: La región perianal es un área muy rica en terminaciones nerviosas sensitivas, hecho que determina que el erotismo anal sea frecuente, independientemente de la identidad y orientación sexuales. Pese a ello, el impacto del sexo anal receptivo (SAR) en la salud anal ha sido poco estudiado. Algunas personas experimentan dolor durante las relaciones sexuales anorreceptivas. Los objetivos del presente trabajo fueron evaluar su prevalencia en una muestra del colectivo de hombres que tienen sexo con hombres (HSH) residentes en la Argentina, e identificar potenciales factores asociados a su aparición.Diseño: Estudio descriptivo, transversal.Población y método: Se diseñó una encuesta que incluyó variables demográficas y factores relacionados con el SAR. Fue respondida de forma voluntaria y anónima por Internet entre marzo de 2015 y febrero de 2016. Se incluyeron HSH mayores de 18 años residentes en la Argentina, que hubieran practicado SAR durante las últimas cuatro semanas. Se realizaron análisis estadísticos bivariados y multivariados en modelos de regresión logística. Resultados: Respondieron la encuesta 208 HSH. Se seleccionaron para el análisis 135 (64,9%) que acreditaron haber mantenido SAR en las últimas cuatro semanas. El 76,3% pertenecía a la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires y Provincia de Buenos Aires. El 92,6% tenía estudios superiores. El 88,9% manifestó experimentar algún nivel de dolor durante el SAR, siendo grave en el 5,5% de los casos. En el análisis bivariado se identificaron como variables asociadas al desarrollo de dolor: "edad", "edad de inicio de las relaciones sexuales en general", "miedo a sufrir dolor", "fisting" y "miedo al ensuciamiento". En el modelo multivariado surgieron como potenciales factores de riesgo, "edad de salida del placard", "miedo a sufrir dolor" y "uso de poppers". Como posibles factores protectores, "fisting", "edad al momento del estudio" y "edad de inicio de relaciones con otros hombres". Conclusiones: Este estudio se focalizó en la anodispareunia experimentada específicamente por el colectivo homosexual masculino en Argentina. El 88,8% experimentó algún nivel de dolor, siendo grave en el 5,5%. Como en otros estudios, en éste se identificaron posibles factores predisponentes, algunos modificables y otros no. Un mayor conocimiento de los potenciales factores influyentes permitirá un mejor asesoramiento de los profesionales sanitarios a la población afectada sobre prevención del dolor en particular y sobre el erotismo anal en general. (AU)

Introduction: The perianal region is very rich in sensory nerve endings, which determines that anal erotism is frequent, regardless of sexual identity and sexual orientation. Despite this, the impact of receptive anal sex (RAS) on anal health has been little studied. Some people experience pain during anoreceptive sex. The objectives of this study were to evaluate its prevalence in a sample of men who have sex with men (MSM) resident in Argentina and identify potential factors associated with its appearance.Design: Descriptive, transversal study.Population and method: A voluntary and anonymous survey was designed. It included demographic variables and factors related to RAS. It was answered on the Internet between March 2015 and February 2016. MSM over 18 years of age resident in Argentina, who had practiced RAS during the last four weeks, were included. Bivariate and multivariate statistical analyzes were performed in logistic regression models.Results: Two hundred and eight MSM answered the survey. One hundred and thirty-five (64.9%) who had maintained RAS in the last four weeks were selected for the analysis. 76.3% belonged to the Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires and the Buenos Aires Province. 92.6% had higher education. 88.9% reported that they experienced some level of pain during RAS, being severe in 5.5% of cases. In the bivariate analysis were identified as variables associated with the development of pain: "age", "age of onset of sexual relations in general", "fear of suffering pain", "fisting" and "fear of getting dirty". In the multivariate model, the "age of coming out", the "fear of suffering pain" and the "use of poppers" appeared as possible risk factors. As possible protective factors, "fisting", "outing age", "age" and "age when starting relationships with other men". Conclusions: This study focused on the anodyspareunia experienced specifically by the male homosexual group in Argentina. 88.9% experienced some level of pain, being severe in 5.5%. As in other studies, possible predisposing factors have been identified in this one; some modifiable and others not. A greater knowledge of the potential influential factors will allow a better advice of health professionals to the affected population on pain prevention and on anal erotism in general. (AU)

Pain experienced during vaginal and anal intercourse with other-sex partners: findings from a nationally representative probability study in the United States.

INTRODUCTION: Recent U.S. nationally representative data indicate that about 30% of women and 5% of men reported pain occurring during their most recent sexual event; however, little is known about the severity, duration, or context of such pain, or its prevalence during vaginal vs. anal intercourse. AIMS: To document the prevalence and characteristics of pain during vaginal and anal intercourse among U.S. women and men (ages 18+) at their most recent other-sex sexual event, including the self-reported severity, duration, and location of their pain; how participants addressed their pain; and partner communication related to the pain. METHODS: Data from a subsample of 1,738 women and men in the 2012 National Survey of Sexual Health Behavior, a nationally representative probability survey of Americans ages 18+ collected via the Internet, were analyzed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Participants responded to items about their background characteristics; whether they had vaginal or anal intercourse during their most recent sexual experience; the severity, duration, and location of any pain experienced during said sexual event; and whether they responded to or communicated about the pain. RESULTS: About 30% of women and 7% of men reported pain during vaginal intercourse events, and most of the reports of pain were mild and of short duration. About 72% of women and 15% of men reported pain during anal intercourse events, with more of these events including moderate or severe pain (for the women) and of mixed duration. Large proportions of Americans do not tell their partner when sex hurts. CONCLUSION: Pain is a relatively common, and often not discussed, aspect of both vaginal and anal intercourse events occurring between women and men. Individual and clinical implications are discussed.

The GAy MEn Sex StudieS: Anodyspareunia Among Belgian Gay Men.

INTRODUCTION: Anal intercourse is commonly associated with male homosexuality, but not all gay males engage in anal sex. Receptive anal intercourse can cause pain. Little is known about this sexual dysfunction. AIM: This study aims to determine the 4-week incidence of anodyspareunia (AD) in a sample of Belgian men who have sex with men (MSM) population and to assess the relevance of possible predictors such as age, relationship, and sexual behavior. METHODS: An internet-based survey on sexual behavior and sexual dysfunctions, called GAy MEn Sex StudieS, was administered to the MSM aged 18 years or older, between April and December 2008. A part of the questionnaire was focusing on anal eroticism. The participants, who self-reported being human immunodeficiency virus-positive or not having anal intercourse, were excluded. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Female Sexual Function Index questions on pain domain adapted for anal intercourse. RESULTS: A total of 1,752 Belgian MSM completed the questionnaire. Of the 1,190 (68%) participants who reported engaging in receptive anal sex in the last 4 weeks, 59% indicated having some degree of anal pain during and after sexual intercourse. For 44%, the level of pain was acceptable. Mild AD was reported by 32%, 17% had mild to moderate AD, 4% had moderate AD, and 2% had severe AD. Independent predictors for the presence of AD were age, having a steady relationship, frequency of sex with their partner, number of sex partners, number of sex partners at the same time, and massaging the anal sphincter before anal sex. The prevalence and severity of AD among the MSM were lower among older participants, the MSM who more frequently had sex with their partner, and participants with a higher number of sex partners. Inadequate lubrication and lack of oral or digitoproctic stimulation prior to penetration were the most important factors predicting pain. Unsafe anal sex was performed by 28%. CONCLUSION: One-third of the participants reported not engaging in receptive nor penetrative anal sex. The 59% of participating Belgian MSM, who had anal receptive intercourse, reported some degree of AD. These findings highlight the need for more education about anal eroticism for MSM, and more research into AD is needed. Vansintejan J, Vandevoorde J, and Devroey D. The GAy MEn Sex StudieS: Anodyspareunia among Belgian gay men. Sex Med 2013;1:87-94.