Associations between recalled childhood gender nonconformity and adult sexual dysfunction in Denmark: baseline assessment in the Project SEXUS cohort study

Abstract

Abstract Background Sexual dysfunctions may negatively affect an individual’s self-perceived womanhood or manhood, but whether gender nonconformity in childhood or adolescence can influence adult sexual functioning has not been examined so far. Aim To explore the possible link between recalled childhood gender nonconformity and sexual dysfunctions in adulthood in a large sample. Methods We analyzed baseline questionnaire data from Project SEXUS, a nationally representative cohort study on sexual health among 15- to 89-year-old Danish citizens. Our sample included sexually active participants aged ≥18 years who were queried about gender nonconformity in childhood or adolescence (N = 21 390). To capture sexual dysfunctions, we assessed (1) difficulties with lubrication, orgasm, vaginal cramps precluding sexual intercourse, and/or genital pain during partnered sexual activity in women and (2) difficulties with erection, premature ejaculation, orgasm, and/or genital pain during partnered sexual activity in men. Furthermore, we assessed whether such difficulties were perceived as problematic. The 6-item Female Sexual Function Index and the 5-item International Index of Erectile Function served as standardized measures. Polytomous logistic regression analyses yielded demographically weighted adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% CIs for associations between childhood gender nonconformity and sexual dysfunctions, controlling for age, sociodemographics, health-related factors, and other potential confounders. Outcomes Sexual difficulties and dysfunctions, as well as scores on the Female Sexual Function Index and International Index of Erectile Function. Results Age-adjusted odds ratios indicated that sexual dysfunctions were significantly more common among childhood gender-nonconforming than conforming participants. After controlling for additional potential confounders, most sexual dysfunctions—notably, vaginal cramps in women (aOR, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.25-3.60) and genital pain dysfunction in men (aOR, 2.99; 95% CI, 1.79-4.99)—remained significantly increased among childhood gender-nonconforming respondents. Clinical Implications Findings suggest that self-perceived gender nonconformity in childhood or adolescence may negatively affect sexual functioning in adult life. If confirmed by future studies, they may warrant a clinical emphasis on such issues in sexologic treatment and care. Strengths and Limitations Our study is the first to report associations between childhood gender nonconformity and adult sexual dysfunction, building on data from a large-scale, nationally representative cohort study. The retrospective assessment of childhood gender nonconformity via one item might have neglected significant dimensions of this construct. Conclusion The present study is the first to show that individuals who recall being gender nonconforming in childhood or adolescence may be at a greater risk of experiencing sexual dysfunctions, particularly sexual pain disorders, as adults.