Why have sex? Reasons for having sex among lesbian, bisexual, queer, and questioning women in romantic relationships

Abstract

Research has traditionally cited pleasure and reproduction as the primary reasons to engage in sex. However, recent research suggests that there are many psychosocial reasons that women engage in sex and that relational factors such as relationship duration may also influence why women engage in sex. Few studies have examined reasons for sex among sexual minority women, although research has suggested that reasons may be similar to and different from those of heterosexual women. Using the YSEX? survey measure, the current study examined reasons for having sex among 229 lesbian, bisexual, queer and questioning women, aged 18-59 currently in a romantic relationship. The most frequent reasons women reported for engaging in sex were reasons related to pleasure and love/commitment. Contrary to theories of love and attachment, women in the current study did not report significantly different reasons for engaging in sex depending upon the duration of the relationship. Women in earlier stages of their relationship were just as likely to report engaging in sex to feel close to their partner, as were women in later stages of their relationship. In addition, women in later stages of their relationship were just as likely to report engaging in sex out of a physical desire for their partner as were women in earlier stages of their relationship. The strengths and limitations of the study, along with implications of the results are discussed.

Current Research on Sexual Response and Sexual Functioning Among Lesbian Women

“…Similar results have been identified in cross-sectional survey research examining reasons for sex among lesbian, bisexual, queer and questioning women [17]. Using the YSEX?…”

“…In addition to love and expression, lesbian women have been reported to engage in sex for reasons primarily related to pleasure and physical attraction [16•, 17]. These physical reasons for sex are highly endorsed and relevant in both early and later stages of romantic relationships [17]. Lesbian women frequently engage in a variety of genital and non-genital sexual behaviours [28], report high rates of orgasm, more frequent orgasms when compared to bisexual and heterosexual women [13] and longer duration of partnered sexual activities than individuals in mixed-sex or men in same-sex relationships [12].…”

“…Research on sexual motivation with lesbian women indicates that the reasons to engage in sex with a partner are numerous, multifaceted and similar to those reported by heterosexual, bisexual and queer women [15][16][17]. Lesbian women report engaging in sex for a variety of reasons, ranging from pleasure and physical relief to emotional expression and obligation [16•, 17].…”

“…Relational factors such as relationship status and the duration of the partnership have been explored. In one study, relationship duration did not impact sexual motives [17]. However, relationship context appears to play a role in the reasons that lesbian women report for engaging in sex [15, 16•, 20].…”

Romantic and Sexual Relationships with Adult Partners Among Pedohebephilic Men

“…Research examining why individuals engage in sex has been primarily conducted using cisgender, heterosexual samples (e.g., Meston, Hamilton, & Harte, 2009) with a few studies conducted on samples of sexual minority women (Ronson, Milhausen, & Wood, 2012;Wood, Milhausen, & Jeffrey, 2014). Heterosexual men and women typically reported pleasure, feeling desired, attraction, and expressing love to their partner as the most frequent reasons for engaging in sex (Meston & Buss, 2007).…”