A recent study highlighted the significant impact of romantic relationships on men’s sexual functioning. Researchers found that men in intimate relationships experienced better sexual functioning compared to single men, regardless of their sexual orientation.
The study included men of various sexual orientations and aimed to determine whether male sexual function is a universal or variable aspect of human mating psychology. The study involved 427 healthy Brazilian men, including 203 heterosexuals, 77 bisexuals and 147 gay men from different cities of the country. Participants ranged in age from 18 to 65, with a mean age of 28.8. Their relationship status was classified as either “partnered” or “single”. They filled out a questionnaire consisting of the Male Sexual Function Index, which assessed sexual functioning in five areas: desire, arousal, erection, orgasm and pleasure.
The main results of the study
The study found higher levels of sexual arousal, erection quality, orgasm frequency and satisfaction in men in relationships compared to single men. This suggests that stable relationships create a context that improves male sexual functioning. The researchers also noted that sociosexuality, the willingness to engage in casual sex, was a poor predictor of sexual function.
Discussing these results, Silva Jr. told PsyPost, “I expected a different result because sociosexuality is one component of short-term sexual strategies and, as such, is associated with a number of other psychological characteristics important for these strategies, such as sexual aversion, extradyadic relationships and risky sexual behavior’.
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Relationship status is more important than sexual orientation
The study further found that sexual orientation was not a strong predictor of male sexual functioning. Although bisexual men reported slightly lower levels of arousal than heterosexual and gay men, the differences were minimal. Silva Junior explained, “The main message of the study is that sexual function was related to being in a romantic relationship, not being single or having multiple romantic partners—regardless of sexual orientation.”
The study, the authors of which are Maria Louise R. S. de Souza, Adna H. Silva, Jaroslava Varela Valentova, and Maura Diaz Silva Jr. suggested that male sexual functioning may be closely related to the maintenance of long-term relationships. However, the study acknowledged limitations, including reliance on self-reported data and a sample comprised of predominantly young, white and relatively well-educated individuals.
