Abstract
Introduction: Asexuality is usually defined as a lack of sexual attraction to others; however, asexuals may engage in sexual activity. Previous research has shown that asexuals are less likely to engage in sexual intercourse and masturbation than allosexuals. But information about detailed aspects of sexual behavior among asexuals is still scattered.
Objectives: The main aim of this study was to map the sexual behavior of asexual women and men. In addition, the usage and pleasurability of various sex positions in asexuals were explored.
Methods: Participants were recruited in 2020 via a sociodemographic agency using computer-assisted web interviewing software. Stratified random sampling with quotas on Czech nationality, region, size of the place of residence, sex, age, and education was applied. A representative sample of 1,616 adult men (n = 806; 21 - 85 years; mage = 50.65; SD = 15.52) and women (n = 810; 20 - 91 years; mage = 50,62; SD = 16.15) answered questions about selected dimensions of sexual behaviour in the last year.
Results: Approximately 2.1 % (n = 17) of men and 1.6 % (n = 13) of women indicated they were asexual. Preliminary results showed that asexual women had more sexual intercourse per month in the last year (7-10 vs. 4-6 occasions) compared to asexual men. Asexual women and men had the same average number of orgasms per month achieved during partner sexual activities with a long-term partner in the last year (2-3x). Asexual men had a stronger desire for sexual activity with a partner per month (7-10x vs. 4-6x), a higher number of masturbations per month and orgasms achieved during masturbation (2-3x vs. none), and a higher number of searches for erotic/pornographic materials per month in the last year (2-3x vs. none). Asexual women expressed a higher preference for sexual activities with a partner, whereas asexual men expressed a similar preference for sexual activities with a partner and masturbation. Based on median frequencies of sexual positions used in the last year, asexual women reported engaging in most penile-vaginal sexual positions (1-2x), but not sexual positions with oral-genital contact. Among asexual men, face-to-face/male above was the only reported sexual position used in the last year (1-2x). Asexual women and men reported face-to-face/male above, face-to-face/female above, and kneeling/rear entry as the most pleasurable sexual positions.
Conclusions: Consistent with previous research, we found that asexuals may engage in sexual intercourse and masturbation. Asexual women were more likely to engage in sexual intercourse with various penile-vaginal sexual positions, whereas asexual men experienced stronger sexual desire and were more likely to engage in masturbation. No discrepancy was found in the rated pleasurability of several sexual positions. Thus, our results suggest that asexual women may prefer sexual activities with a partner, whereas asexual men may prefer autosexual activities.