Examination of first same sex sexual experiences among Men who have Sex with Men

Purpose: Our understanding of early sexual experiences among men who have sex with men (MSM) is limited. Existing data among MSM focuses primarily on sexual risk behaviors, but often fails to examine contextual factors associated with the initiation of same sex sexual behavior.

Methods: Data were collected via an internet-based survey from 9,776 18-29 year old MSM. Measures assessed sociodemographics, first same sex sexual behaviors, partner characteristics, and satisfaction measures.

Results: Participants' mean age was 23.9 years, ethnicities included white (76.7%), Latino (10.0%), African American (5.1%), and most (76.1%) self identified as homosexual. Mean age of first sexual experiences varied by types of behavior with oral sex (giving = 16.4 years and receiving = 16.6 years) occurring at an average younger age than anal intercourse (insertive = 18.6 years, receptive = 18.2 year). Nearly half of men (48.8%) reported that during their first anal intercourse experience they were exclusively the receptive partner, and their sexual partner was someone they had just met (30.9%), a friend (24.9%), or a boyfriend (21.7%). While the majority of men indicated that they had expected their first anal intercourse experience to be both physically (81.1%) and emotionally (62.8%) satisfying, actual satisfaction was reported less for both (physical = 69.7%, emotional = 51.3%).

Conclusions: These data provide one of the first large assessments of MSM sexual initiation. Findings highlight differences in behavioral debut based on age, and suggest the need to further explore how these differences influence MSM sexual health.