Feminist men report higher rates of erectile dysfunction drug use than non-feminist men, according to new research published in The Journal of Sex Research.
“I have research interests in both masculinity and sexuality,” said study author Tony Silva, an assistant professor of sociology at the University of British Columbia. “Previous research has shown a connection between concerns about masculinity, on the one hand, and the use of erectile dysfunction medications, on the other, so I wanted to investigate this further to see what other factors may be related to it.” the use of drugs for erectile dysfunction. .”
The study examined data provided by 1,015 cisgender men for the 2018 Sex in Canada survey. As part of the survey, participants were asked if they had used any medication designed to help them achieve or maintain an erection during their last sexual encounter. The survey also asked “Do you consider yourself a feminist?”
The researchers found that feminist men were more than twice as likely to report the use of erectile dysfunction medications as non-feminists. Approximately 7.7% of men who did not consider themselves feminists reported using erectile dysfunction medication, compared to 18.1% of men who did consider themselves feminists. Approximately 10.6% of men who were “unsure” reported using erectile dysfunction medication. Feminist men also reported significantly more difficulty achieving or maintaining their erections compared to non-feminist and insecure men.
Silva and his colleague also discovered other variables associated with the use of medications for erectile dysfunction. Those who reported more frequent religious attendance and those who reported consuming alcohol before or during treatment were more likely to use erectile dysfunction medications. Single men were less likely to use erectile dysfunction medications compared to their widowed, divorced, or separated counterparts, and Asian men had substantially lower odds of erectile dysfunction than white men.
But the statistical association between feminist identification and ED medication use held even after accounting for these variables and others, such as age, education, political orientation, and sexual health status.
“I think the main takeaway is that our research suggests that feminist identity can shape sexual behaviors, as well as attitudes about gender equality,” Silva told PsyPost.
But it is not clear why there is a relationship between feminist identification and the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Feminist men may experience higher levels of erectile dysfunction for a reason. However, it is also possible that men who identify as feminists experience similar rates of erectile dysfunction compared to other men, but are more likely to report their experiences honestly.
“Our research established a connection between feminist identity and informed use of prescription drugs for erectile dysfunction, but more research is needed to know exactly why this connection exists,” Silva explained. “Men’s concerns about masculinity are one possible explanation, but other factors also need to be investigated. For example, future research could ask about men’s attitudes about sex and feelings toward their partners, as well as men’s understanding of their masculinity.”
The study, “Male Feminist Identification and Informed Use of Prescription Medications for Erectile Dysfunction,” was authored by Tony Silva and Tina Fetner.