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 and it is becoming increasingly prevalent in heterosexual relationships. Although pain related to receptive anal intercourse is not uncommon, little is known about its phenomenology.

Aim: This study aims to determine the prevalence of anodyspareunia (AD) in a sample of the Belgian Men who have Sex with Men (MSM)-population, and to assess the relevance of major predictors such as age, relationship and sexual behaviour.

Methods: An internet-based survey on sexual behaviour and sexual dysfunctions, called GAy MEn Sex StudieS (GAMESSS), was administered to MSM, aged 18yr or older, between the months of April and December 2008. A part of the questionnaire was focusing on anal eroticism. The participants, who self-reported being HIV-positive or indicating not having anal intercourse, were excluded for this part of the survey.

Results: Of the 1190 participants, who practice anal sex, 59 % indicated having some degree of anal pain during and after sexual intercourse. Mild AD was reported by 32,7% of the participants, 17,2% had mild to moderate AD, 4 % had moderate AD and 1,8 % had severe AD.
Independent predictors for the presence of AD were: age (Odds ratio [OR]= 0.99, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 0.98 - 1.00, p 0.006), having a steady relationship (OR= 1.30, 95% CI 1.03 - 1.65, p 0.029), frequency of sex with their partner (OR= 1.14, 95% CI 1.03 - 1.27, p 0.011), number of sex partners (OR = 0.88, 95% CI 0.82 - 0.94, p
Conclusion: 59% of participating Belgian MSM reported some degree of AD. These findings highlight the need for more information and education about anal eroticism and safe sex.