Evaluation of Indicators of Female Sexual Dysfunction in Adult Entertainers

Introduction: Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) incorporates a wide range of sexual issues within the female population; however, it has not been evaluated among female adult entertainers. Aim: To evaluate the prevalence of FSD in women working in the adult entertainment industry. Methods: A 53-question online survey was distributed to female adult entertainers via e-mail through collaboration with the Free Speech Coalition, the North American Trade Association of the Adult Industry. Surveys were sent by the Free Speech Coalition to those within the Performer Availability Screening Services database who met the criteria of having biological vaginas and having experience as adult entertainers. The surveys were answered anonymously. Statistical analysis was performed with Stata/IC 15.1. Main Outcome Measures: The survey acquired baseline characteristics, use of contraceptives, sexual activity, work vs home sexual satisfaction, and orgasm, in addition to evaluation of female sexual function using the Female Sexual Function Index survey, with a total score < 26.55 indicative of FSD. Results: Of the 147 respondents, 96 (65%) met inclusion criteria of adequately completing the survey, having a biological vagina, and working in the adult entertainment industry. The mean age was 34.1 +/- 10.3 years (range 20-66). The average Female Sexual Function Index score was 28.7 +/- 5.6, and 24.0% (23 of 96) of entertainers had scores indicative of FSD. Overall, women found their personal sex lives more satisfying when compared with their professional sex lives (3.99 +/- 1.40 vs 3.08 +/- 1.52, P < .01). When comparing women with FSD to those without FSD, women with FSD had less sexual satisfaction at home (2.8 +/- 1.7 vs 4.4 +/- 1.0, P < .01), fewer overall sexual events (7.0 +/- 6.7 FSD vs 12.9 +/- 10.0 non-FSD, P < .01), and fewer satisfying sexual events overall (3.3 +/- 4.2 vs 10.7 +/- 8.7, P < .01). Clinical Implications: FSD is prevalent among all women, including those within the adult entertainment industry, and must be addressed during patient interactions. Strength & Limitation: This is the first study to evaluate the novel group of female adult entertainers. Despite this novel population, the study size is rather small and is susceptible to response bias. Conclusion: FSD appeared to be less prevalent among female adult entertainers than rates commonly quoted for the general population and was more often seen in the women with less satisfying personal sex lives. Copyright (C) 2019, International Society for Sexual Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.