Even in the 21st century, sexuality remains a topic shrouded in prejudice and stereotypes, despite the fact that it is just another aspect of human development. In many areas of society, sexuality is banned, repressed and viewed in a strange way, giving rise to doubts and insecurities.

Mothers engage in dialogue about sex education in the family, study says – Photo: Freepik/Disclosure/ND

This is evidenced by the 2023 Sex Without Taboo study by MindMiners, a technology company specializing in digital research.

The study shows that, in addition to people’s life stage, there are several characteristics that influence the experience of sexuality, such as gender, level of conservatism or marital liberalism, and access to effective sex education. In addition, according to the survey, when it comes to dialogue by family members, the mother is the most present figure, with 64% – more than twice the involvement of the father (27%).

The study took into account generational and regional aspects, including such important points as “Sexual life: behavior and opinions”, “Exploring desires and needs”, “Safe sex”, “Parents and children: overcoming taboos” and other approaches.

For Insights coordinator Juliana Tranjan, human sexuality is a topic that deserves special attention.

“This segment of sexual health and wellness has grown tremendously over the past decades, whether in terms of sales or the number of product launches. We see more and more companies plucking up the courage to make sexuality a distant taboo, not only with countless methods of contraception, but also with the launch of sex toys of all kinds and various “sex care” products, he explains.

Sexual behavior and opinions

In the past, in our culture, talking about issues of sexuality was considered inappropriate. A lot of repression, ignorance, shame, fear and guilt have been associated with these themes. Intimacy was allowed only after marriage, and even within marriage there was little freedom to explore, experiment, and seek pleasure.

Currently, these ideas are already considered obsolete and obsolete. Sexuality and sex have gained more space in society, and people can have an active sex life regardless of their relationship status. Random encounters are considered the norm.

Despite these developments, this topic still remains a taboo for many people. The MindMiners survey aimed to understand the relationship dynamics and opinions of over 2,000 participants on sexuality in order to better understand the topic.

When the survey asks about respondents’ sex lives:

• 76% say they are sexually active. This percentage is significantly higher among those who are currently in a relationship (93%) and much lower among those who do not have a permanent partner (52%);
• 50% of respondents reported that they had their first sexual intercourse before the age of 18;
• Over the course of their lives, respondents reported that they had few sexual partners. 41% had sex with three people and 25% with 4-10 partners.

In terms of using dating apps, the study highlights that:

Respondents report whether they have already used relationship channels – Photo: Pexels/Reproduction/ND

• 38% of respondents said they have already used relationship channels. And among them, 35% are currently using;
• 71% of active users of these platforms say they enjoy meeting people through apps, and 59% often look for partners in these types of channels.

Research shows that sexual activity begins during adolescence, so it is important to discuss this topic with full information about sexuality, reproductive health, and disease prevention, including sexually transmitted infections. In fact, 74% of respondents consider talking about sex a safety issue.

During the survey, respondents described how they received their first sexuality guide:

• 30% with friends;
• 30% at school;
• 27% with family members;
• 26% via the Internet;
• 9% with doctors.

According to the results of the survey, the first source of information about sexuality is often unreliable. For example, friends and the Internet can spread misconceptions. On the other hand, families are generally not prepared to provide accurate and correct information on the subject, which can be harmful.

“For this reason, it is so important to discuss this topic in schools and always have under the guidance of medical professionals,” emphasizes Flavia Rodriguez, who is responsible for conducting the study.

When it comes to dialogue from family members, the mother is the most present figure, with 64% – more than twice as much as the participation of the father (27%).

wants and needs

Knowing that sex has a number of physical and mental health benefits, the Sex Without Taboos study aimed to understand how respondents experience sexuality, what are their main desires, needs and difficulties. While some people may consider sex fundamental, others may feel completely satisfied without it.

There are several factors that influence how people perceive and relate to this topic. Body insecurity, physical or mental health issues, and sexual desires or desires that are repressed by fear of judgment are some examples. Below are some highlights:

• 70% of respondents consider sex important;
• 59% say they are satisfied with their sex life;
• 39% of respondents have already simulated an orgasm, of which 54% among women and 23% among men;
• 53% believe that mental health directly affects sex drive;
• 21% do not feel comfortable having sex without clothes. This discomfort is slightly higher among women (24%). Among men, the value is equal (18%).

According to the results of the survey, more than half of those surveyed reported that mental health directly affects their sexual desire. This is a significant number that deserves more detailed analysis. In addition, among the conditions listed, anxiety, stress, and depression were most prominent as affecting people’s sexual desire.

More than half of people reported that mental health has a direct impact on their sex drive, according to a survey — Credit: Pexels/Disclosure/ND

It is no coincidence that they are called diseases of the 21st century. Since 2019, 10% of Brazilians have suffered from depression, according to BIGS, and this number may have increased after the pandemic. For this reason, people are becoming more aware of the importance of the subject and tend to take better care of themselves.

sexual health

It’s important to talk about sex, but it’s just as important to talk about sexual health. It is important that this practice be adopted from an early age to provide the right guidance for disease prevention and possible unwanted pregnancies.

According to the survey:

• 38% of respondents do not have the habit of going to a doctor to check aspects of sexual health;
• 46% use contraceptive methods;
• 14% of women have already become pregnant even with the correct use of contraceptive methods;
• 38% tend to always have condoms in their purse/pocket/wallet and at home so that sex is always safe. This behavior is more common in men (48%) than in women (33%);
• 73% are in favor of male contraceptives so as not to be responsible only for women, while the desire of women (80%) is higher than that of men (66%);
• 46% do not use any method of preventing STIs.

Sex Education is a guide and self-knowledge tool that, through dialogue, encourages people to reflect and develop feelings about knowledge and behavior related to human sexuality. It is through it that people can get rid of prejudices, solve doubts about the body and ways of obtaining pleasure, as well as show the risks of certain behaviors, improve health and responsibly explore sexuality.

“We know there is complexity that goes beyond demographic profiles. You ideas obtained in this study are a first step, but it is possible to go further with studies of more behavioral or segmental content that identify groups with behavioral differences and measure them,” concludes Iuliana Tranjan.