Let’s Talk About Sex: The Experience of Sexual Difficulties
Date
2023-06-05
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Abstract
From songs like “WAP” and to shows like “Too Hot to Handle”, people cannot stop
talking about having enjoyable sex. But, what about when sex is difficult? Ten to fifty-two
percent of cis-women and fifty-four percent of transmen experience difficulties during the sexual
response cycle or pain during sex (Kerckhof et al., 2019; Nazareth et al., 2003). These
difficulties (hereafter referred to as sexual difficulties) can lead to a sex life that does not align
with societal expectations. People often feel shame or not normal due to not following the
societal expectations of what a “good” sex life looks like (Fitter et al., 2009; Shepard et al.,
2008). This study explores how the stigma around sex and traditional sexual scripts affect the
emotional health and self-image of adults’ in the United States who experience sexual
difficulties. This study was conducted with people who were born with and still have
predominantly internal reproductive anatomy (people assigned female at birth and some people
assigned intersex at birth) and experience sexual difficulties. The experience of sexual
difficulties across relationships with different genders was explored, and therefore all
participants were required to have a relationship history inclusive of different genders. This
qualitative study consisted of interviewing six participants. Interpretative Phenomenological
Analysis was conducted and the data was analyzed through creating mind maps and coding in
NVIVO. Some of the resulting themes include questioning “What is wrong with me?”, grappling
with pressure and feelings of obligation to have sex, feelings of self-blame and regret, shared
experiences, and growth towards sexual freedom.
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Keywords
Sex, Sexuality, Sexual Dysfunction, Sexual Difficulties, LGBTQ, Mental Health, Self Image