Frequency, Reasons for, and Perceptions of Lubricant Use among a Nationally Representative Sample of Self-Identified Gay and Bisexual Men in the United States

Introduction: Despite its public health significance, few previous studies have examined lubricant use among gay and bisexual men outside the context of HIV risk reduction associated with condom use during penile-anal intercourse and, to a lesser extent, the potential use of lubricants to deliver rectal microbicides. The majority of studies examining lubricant use among gay and bisexual men have employed convenience sampling strategies for participant recruitment, with limited generalizability.

Methods: Data are from a subset of individuals who were sampled as part of the 2012 National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior (NSSHB), which involved the administration of an online questionnaire to a nationally representative sample of individuals in the United States ages 18 and older. Using established techniques, we oversampled for probability samples of self-identified gay and bisexual men.

Results: The vast majority (over 90%) of both gay and bisexual male participants reported using lubricant during sexual activity at least one time. Lubricant use was most common during partnered sexual activities, particularly among men ages 25-29 years old. The most commonly reported reasons for lubricant use included to increase comfort during anal intercourse, curiosity, and to make sex more comfortable.

Conclusions: Most gay and bisexual men in the United States have used lubricant to enhance a wide range of sexual activities, including but not limited to anal intercourse. Findings from this study will be of great utility to clinicians and other health practitioners who seek to understand and promote sexual health among gay and bisexual men and other traditionally underserved public health populations.