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Chemsex behaviours, sexual response and sexual health

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 July 2023

J. Curto Ramos*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Clinical Psychology and Mental Health, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain, Hospital la Paz
I. Azqueta
Affiliation:
NGO Apoyo Positivo, Madrid
M. T. Heredia
Affiliation:
NGO Apoyo Positivo, Málaga
R. Molina Prado
Affiliation:
CAD ARGANZUELA. Instituto de Adicciones Madrid Salud
I. De Ema López
Affiliation:
CAD TETUÁN. Instituto de Adicciones Madrid Salud, Madrid, Spain
*
*Corresponding author.

Abstract

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Introduction

The intentional use of drugs before or during sexual intercourse (chemsex) is a phenomenon of special importance in the MSM (men who have sex with men) population due to its impact on mental, physical and sexual health. Sexual health issues related to chemsex practice have been described such as difficulties in achieving sober sex, erectile dysfunction or problems with sexual desire.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to understand the impact of chemsex on sexual health and sexual response by the participantes of a sexual health program for chemsex users in two Substance Use Disorder Clinics in Madrid.

Methods

Qualitative research approach. We analyze an anonymous survey with chemsex users with open answer questions about the impact of chemsex practice on sexual response and sexual health. Data analysis was based on thematic analysis of content.

Results

Several differences were identifed between chemsex and sober sex. In sober sex it can take longer to feel aroused, sexual desire is more context-dependent and more easyly controled. They connect easily with other people needs when they had sober sex. They described difficulties with consent with some sexual practices when they were on drugs. Shame and guilt was associated with chemsex. They describe more arousal, more independent of the erotic context, longer sexual intercourse and delayed ejaculation when they had sex under the influence of drugs.

Conclusions

Chemsex is a phenomenon that needs a multidisciplinary approach and mental and sexual health must be taken into account including sexological perspective. Interventions that provide sexual counselling and sexual therapy for chemsex users must be developped.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared

Type
Abstract
Creative Commons
Creative Common License - CCCreative Common License - BY
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2023. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of the European Psychiatric Association
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