Sexual Dysfuctions in Homosexual Men and Women

Sexual dysfunction in homosexuals is less studied with respect to sexual dysfunction in heterosexuals. Although there have been studies attempting to define these disorders, sufficient data are not available yet. The specific problems for homosexual women and men are not present in the diagnostic systems. There are different factors playing role in the development of sexual dysfunction in homosexuals compared to heterosexual individuals such as: sociodemographic characteristics, difficulties experienced due to homosexuality, insufficient description of sexual function of homosexuals in DSM, relationship problems and risk for contagious diseases, especially HIV. Furthermore, definitions like "bed death" or "anodyspareunia" are related to special sexual problems in homosexuality. In this paper, the factors which may cause the difference in sexual problems between homosexuals and heterosexuals as well as the sexual function disorders in homosexuals are discussed; additionally, sexual dysfunctions such as desire, arousal, orgasm, pain disorders and other sexual problems separately for female and male homosexuals. (Archives of Neuropsychiatry 2011; 48 Supplement 1: 39-45)