Sexual Behaviors and Experiences among Bisexual Men in the Midwestern United States

Introduction: Limited research exists examining the sexual lives of bisexual men. Most studies continue to focus on understanding sexual risk in a small number of dichotomous heterosexual/homosexual behaviors, which may not be appropriate within the context of bisexual men's diverse sexual behaviors and experiences. This research aimed to assess a broad range of sexual behaviors and associated experiences among bisexual men living in a Midwestern region of the United States. Methods: Researchers completed in-depth interviews with 75 men who engaged in bisexual behavior within the past six months. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was included regarding lifetime and recent sexual behaviors and experiences with both men and women. The findings from this portion of the interview were quantified and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: A wide range of sexual behaviors with partners of both genders was found. Reported levels of pleasure, arousal and sexual function were similar with both male and female sexual partners. Condom use was relatively high and the majority of participants used condoms during insertive sexual behaviors with male and female partners, but less during oral sex. High risk behaviors, such as receptive anal sex, were less common. Discussion: Overall, behaviors and experiences were markedly similar regardless of partner gender; however, unlike other populations, men shared these experiences with partners of both genders. Findings have implications for how prevention messages may be structured for programs specifically targeting bisexual men, rather than relying on traditional interventions for exclusively heterosexual or homosexual men that may not meet their needs.