title: Comparing the Prevalence and Correlates of Sexual Health Disturbances Among Heterosexual and Nonheterosexual Men: An Overview of Studies.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although sexuality is a central feature that distinguishes nonheterosexual men from heterosexual men, little is known about how sexual orientation influences male sexual function and sexual problems. This presents a challenge for adequate healthcare for gay and bisexual men.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the literature on the prevalence and correlates of sexual health disturbances among heterosexual and nonheterosexual men.
  
  
  METHODS
  PubMed and PsycINFO databases were searched for relevant studies published in English. Reference sections of selected papers were checked for additional studies of interest.
  
  
  METHODS
  Main outcomes were comparative findings of the prevalence and correlates of sexual health disturbances in heterosexual and nonheterosexual men.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In total, we found nine studies of interest, five of which used a comparative design. Evidence regarding sexual orientation as a risk factor for male sexual difficulties is mixed, with more recent studies reporting nonsignificant associations. Heterogeneity of sampling strategies and indicators used to assess sexual orientation and sexual function in the studies, as well as the use of relatively small subsamples of nonheterosexual participants, preclude any conclusions about a comparative prevalence of male sexual disturbances. Several studies suggested that rapid ejaculation might be more prevalent among heterosexual than nonheterosexual men. However, a single study that controlled for frequency and patterns of male sexual activity failed to corroborate this finding. Two studies reported similar correlates of sexual dysfunction and sexual problems between heterosexual and nonheterosexual men (e.g., age and depression/anxiety symptoms), but also some sexual orientation-specific correlates (e.g., body image). Finally, significant but weak associations between minority stressors and sexual health disturbances among nonheterosexual men were reported in two studies.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is a lack of comparative assessment of the relationship between sexual orientation and male sexual difficulties. Based on an analysis of the existing studies' limitations, we conclude with recommendations for future studies. Štulhofer A, Šević S, and Doyle DM. Comparing the prevalence and correlates of sexual health disturbances among heterosexual and nonheterosexual men: An overview of studies. Sex Med Rev 2014;2:102-111.
authors: Department of Sociology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia. Electronic address: astulhof@ffzg.hr.
authors: Aleksandar
authors: A
authors: Štulhofer
authors: Department of Sociology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.
authors: Sandra
authors: S
authors: Šević
authors: Department of Psychology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
authors: David Matthew
authors: DM
authors: Doyle
keywords: Men; Minority Stress; Sexual Difficulty; Sexual Disturbance; Sexual Dysfunction; Sexual Orientation; Sexual Problem