Same-Sex HSDD A Comparison with Straight Couples

Interesting Findings  Most research centers on heterosexual females  Limited research on same-sex females  Same-sex studies focus on males  Differences for same-sex couples must be considered in therapy  Same-sex couples - less rigid sex scripts

Similarities – Individual  Psychological  Stress  Depression  Medical  Substance Use

Differences - Individual  Psychological  Internalized homophobia  External homophobia  Fear of penetration  Oral and anal  Submissive position  Female position  Medical  Aids/HIV  Fear of disease infection/transmission

Similarities - Interactional  Relationship issues  Fear of intimacy  Pressure to perform

Differences - Interactional  Open relationships  Sex not used as power  Fear of hurting partner  Aids/HIV

Similarities – Intergenerational  FOO messages  Cultural aspects  Religion

Differences – Intergenerational  Consider homosexuality relating to:  FOO messages  Culture  Religion  Societal messages