A call for sex-positive epidemiology

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Sexual Health Research

Background:

• Sexual health, as defined by WHO, includes pleasurable and safe experiences.
• Epidemiologic research has historically focused on negative sexual outcomes (e.g., STIs), neglecting positive aspects like sexual pleasure.
• Stigma surrounding sexuality can suppress research into positive sexual experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To advocate for the development and adoption of sex-positive epidemiology.
• To define sex-positive epidemiology as the study of pleasure and positive sexual outcomes alongside traditional negative outcomes.
• To address challenges and identify opportunities for incorporating positive sexual constructs into epidemiologic research.

Main Methods:

• This is a commentary, not an empirical study; it synthesizes existing knowledge and proposes a new research direction.
• It calls attention to the role of stigma in limiting sex-positive research.
• It reviews existing measures for studying positive sexual constructs and discusses potential biases (selection, information, confounding).

Main Results:

• Stigma is a significant barrier to sex-positive epidemiologic research.
• Existing measures can be adapted for studying positive sexual constructs.
• Common epidemiologic biases can influence the study of sexual pleasure and positive outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Epidemiologists can enhance the study of sexuality by applying their methodological expertise to positive sexual outcomes.
• Broadening sexual health research to include pleasure and positive experiences is crucial.
• Sex-positive epidemiology offers a more comprehensive understanding of sexual well-being.