Lesbian- and Bisexually-Identified Women's Use of Lubricant During Their Most Recent Sexual Event with a Female Partner: Findings from a Nationally Representative Study in the United States.
PURPOSE
While previous research suggests that lubricant use may be common among lesbian- and bisexually-identified women, it remains unclear from this research whether lubricant was being used with a male or female partner. The present study explores the behavioral, emotional, situational, and relational aspects of lesbian- and bisexually-identified women's lubricant use during their most recent female-partnered sexual event.


METHODS
Nationally representative data was collected as part of the 2012 National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior (NSSHB). The 2012 NSSHB had an oversample of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals. Participants were included in the present study if they identified as a lesbian or bisexual women and indicated that their most recent sexual partner was a female. Participants were asked a variety of questions about the context and experience of lubricant use during this event.


RESULTS
Nearly a quarter (21.9%, n=32) of the participants reported that they used a lubricant during their most recent female-partnered sexual event. The likelihood of lubricant use significantly differed based upon age, race/ethnicity and sexual identity. The most commonly reported reason for lubricant use was to "make sex more comfortable," with half reporting use for clitoral stimulation (50.6%, n=16). Overall, participants indicated that lubricant use enhanced their sexual experience.


CONCLUSION
Lubricant use may improve comfort and increase pleasure during certain sexual acts between women. The use of lubrication should be considered as a means of reducing pain and enhancing sexual pleasure during sexual behavior between women.
['Schick|Vanessa R|VR|', 'Hensel|Devon|D|', 'Herbenick|Debby|D|', 'Dodge|Brian|B|', 'Reece|Michael|M|', 'Sanders|Stephanie|S|', 'Fortenberry|J Dennis|JD|']
D000328:Adult D001727:Bisexuality D005260:Female D018452:Homosexuality, Female D006801:Humans D054327:Lubricants D008153:Lubrication D008875:Middle Aged D014481:United States D055815:Young Adult
lubricant bisexual women sexual behavior lesbian women probability sample women who have sex with women (WSW)