PS-02-010 Sexual functioning, satisfaction and distress in BDSMers

Objective: Published studies showed good psychological health of people involved in BDSM activities; nevertheless, BDSM practitioners still meet the prejudice of many health care professionals because of their sexual preferences. Moreover, there is a lack of research on sexual functioning and associated distress among BDSMers. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of sexual dysfunctions, related distress and sexual satisfaction in BDSMers compared with no BDSMers. Methods: An anonymous on-line protocol was used, including: a self-reported questionnaire to assess demographic and psychosocial factors, favourite and most frequent BDSM practices; the SCS-W, SSS-W for woman and SCS-M, SSS-M for man to assess sexual dysfunctions, distress, and satisfaction. Results: 266 BDSMer (141 men - 125 women) and 613 no-BDSMer (270 men - 343 women) fulfilled the questionnaire. Data showed that Dominant BDSMers scored higher on sexual satisfaction than submissive and controls (F(3,821)¼6.71; p<.001). As regard sexual dysfunctions, Submissive men reported more distress related to ED compared to dominants (p<.05). Dominant men reported less PE and related distress than controls (p<.05). BDSMer women declared less sexual dysfunctions and distress than controls in all the area explored. Deepening the results, Dominant women reported higher level of sexual functioning than submissives (p<.05). Conclusion: The BDSMer group seem to be more satisfied with sexuality and sexual functioning, with higher scores for dominant subjects if compared with submissive and controls. The greate