For Researchers
Submit Your Study
If you are a researcher and would like your study added to this page, simply complete this form. Please note that only IRB-approved studies are eligible for inclusion.
Sex Studies
Participants
Have you ever wanted to take part in a sex study? Here’s your chance! This page is updated regularly with calls for participation from sex scientists across the globe. Feel free to participate in as many studies as you would like. However, please be sure to review the eligibility criteria first to ensure that you’re a good fit for a given study before signing up. Thanks for contributing to the science of sex!
Participate in any of the active studies below.
Researchers
Would you like to add your study to this page? Just complete the form below. You will need to supply the title and weblink/contact information for your study, a sentence about the selection criteria, and a sentence or two describing what will be asked of participants. You will also need to provide the anticipated end date for data collection, as well as confirm that your study has been approved by an IRB or ethics committee.
Active Sex Studies
Competence and Comfort in Therapists
George Mason UniversityResearchers at George Mason University to better understand how mental health professionals perceive their competence and comfort when addressing a range of client concerns—including, but not limited to, topics related to sex and sexuality in therapy. The study also examines how training, licensure, and specialization relate to clinical confidence and comfort.
This survey is open to licensed and pre-licensed professionals across all mental health disciplines. You do not need to specialize in sexuality to participate—your perspective is valuable regardless of your area of focus.
The survey is anonymous, takes approximately 10–15 minutes, and is IRB-approved [IRB #00000518].
[Added June 19, 2025]
Provider Perceptions of Women's Sexual Substance Use (PROWESS)
University of Nebraska-LincolnThis study focuses on health providers’ perceptions of their clients’ experiences of recreational substance (like alcohol, cannabis, or other recreational drugs) involved sexual activity. Our purpose is to collect general information about health providers’ perceptions of client experiences and motivations for use of alcohol or other recreational substances with sexual activity. Data from this study will help us to better understand recreational substance use trajectories. Further, future studies on this topic may help doctors and researchers better help women who may engage in a maladaptive use of recreational substances with sex.
To participate, you must be 18 years or older and work in any of the following health professions: Gynecologist, Endocrinologist, Urologist, Sex Therapist, Therapist/Counselor. Clinical Psychologist, Physical Therapist, Family Physician, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant, Basic Scientist, Clinical Researcher, Patient Advocate, Sex Educator, Medical Student, or Student/Trainee in the above fields. [Added May 29, 2025]
An Exploration of Relationship Doubts and Sexual Well-Being in Couples
University of Prince Edward IslandThis study examines persistent and distressing doubts about one’s partner and/or relationship that some individuals experience. These doubts and behaviours may be symptoms of relationship obsessive-compulsive disorder (ROCD), which is a mental health condition involving obsessions and compulsions regarding romantic relationships. To minimize these doubts, individuals may seek frequent reassurance that their relationship is “right” or avoid aspects of a partner that are upsetting. ROCD has been associated with sexual challenges in the past; however, at present, no one has researched ROCD in couples. This study aims to understand the impact of relationships and/or partner doubts and ROCD symptoms on couples’ sexual well-being. Results from this study may be used to inform treatment for couples navigating these challenges.
If you choose to participate, you will be asked to complete an online survey that includes questionnaires and open-ended questions about relationship and partner doubts and your sexual well-being. The survey will take approximately 45 minutes.
To participate, you and your partner:
(1) Must be 18 years or older and have been in a romantic relationship for at least one year.
(2) You and/or your partner experience persistent and distressing doubts about your relationship or report ROCD symptoms.
(3) Couples of all gender/sex identities and sexual orientations are encouraged to participate.
Note: Additional criteria may apply. [Added May 25, 2025]
Exploring Feelings and Beliefs about Sexlessness and Sexual Activity
Kwantlen Polytechnic UniversityResearchers at Kwantlen Polytechnic University are recruiting for a 30-minute study examining people’s feelings about their sex lives and social beliefs.
We know there is a wide range of values and opinions contributing to reasons why people do, and do not, engage in sexual activity, and your participation will help us understand how these values and opinions shape behaviour. If you participate in this study, you will first answer some questions about yourself (i.e., demographic questions) on the survey platform Qualtrics. You will then be asked to answer questions regarding your personal beliefs about sex and sexuality, satisfaction with your sex life, and social beliefs around sex and sexuality.
To take part in the study, participants must be over 16 years of age.
The Kinsey Institute & Womanizer Menopause and Masturbation Study
The Kinsey InstituteThe Kinsey Institute and Womanizer are conducting a 3-month study to examine the relationship between masturbation, sex toy use, sexual function, and wellbeing. Participants will complete a series of questionnaires on their self-pleasure practices during the course of the study.
For taking part in this research, participants will receive a total of $200 in gift cards and a free vibrator.
To take part in the study, participants must meet the following criteria:
- assigned female at birth,
- currently in some stage of menopause,
- 40-75 years old,
- live in the United States,
- masturbated at least once in the past month,
- able to grasp and put in place a sex toy,
- willing to use Womanizer Next toy and complete rating scales on masturbation experience, and
- be able to attend one virtual meeting with the researchers.
[Added April 17, 2025]
Navigating Partnered Sex: Women's Experiences of Faking Orgasm or Exaggerating Pleasure
University of GuelphThis study is an online survey designed to explore how women who have faked their orgasm, pleasure, or satisfaction navigate and negotiate their pleasure/orgasms in their intimate relationships. It will take approximately 10-20 minutes. Taking part in this survey is completely voluntary. Participants are eligible if they are: over 18 years old; identify as a woman; reside in Canada or the US; and have faked an orgasm or exaggerated pleasure at least once. [Added Feb 13, 2025]
Women's Appraisals of Sexual Stimuli
University of PortoThis study is aimed at understanding how asexual, demisexual, graysexual, and heterosexual cisgender women appraise sexual stimuli on cognitive and emotional levels. Participants will answer a series of questions regarding their sexual attitudes and complete a brief cognitive task involving sexual images, followed by the image rating and short qualitative debriefing. The whole study will take approximately 40-45 minutes. The participation is completely anonymous; you can withdraw from the study at any moment by pressing the Esc button. The link can be accessed only from a computer/laptop. Participants are eligible if they are: over 18 years old; identify as an asexual, graysexual, demisexual, or heterosexual cisgender woman; able to read & write in English; and have normal or corrected to normal vision (e.g., glasses, contact lenses). [Added Feb 10, 2025]
Voices of Sexual Shame and Authenticity in Men Who Have Sex with Men
Adler UniversityThis research seeks to understand how men who have sex with men embody and voice sexual authenticity or sexual shame. Participants will be asked to complete a brief screening phone call (approx. 10 minutes) with the researcher, followed by a 60-minute virtual interview via Microsoft Teams. Interview topics will include questions about experiences of sexual shame, sexual authenticity, homophobia, and experiences of sexuality with peer groups, friends, family, and cultural/religious groups. Participants are eligible if they are: a gay/bisexual/heterosexual man who has, in the past or present, had consensual sex with men, at least 19 years old, and living in Canada. If interested in participating, please email David Jennings at: djennings@adler.edu [Added Dec 16, 2024]
Attitudes Toward Mental Health Disclosure Among Friends
Kwantlen Polytechnic UniversityThis study investigates people’s reactions toward a friend’s mental health disclosure and whether attitudes differ based on what the friend tells them. In this short, anonymous online study, you will first answer some demographic questions (e.g., age, gender) and will then be presented with a short scenario about a friend disclosing their current mental health struggles. After reading the scenario, you will be asked to answer a series of questions about your thoughts and feelings toward your friend, followed by more questions about yourself. The study will take approximately 20 minutes and participants may enter into a drawing for one-of-four $25 Amazon gift cards. Participants are eligible if they are: 18 years of age or older. [Added Dec 10, 2024]
Menopause and Sex
London Metropolitan UniversityThis study examines the relationship between age-gap relationships and partnership satisfaction, as well as sexual function, sexual efficacy, and well-being. The researchers are particularly interested in older women dating younger men and women dating a similar age group of men who are peri/post-menopausal. The survey will take approximately 20 minutes and includes questions about your age, sexuality, gender, dating preferences, partnerships, whether you are on HRT/bioidentical hormones treatments and whether you use sex toys, followed by questionnaires looking at sexual function, well-being, sexual efficacy, and age-gap relationship preferences along with menopause symptoms. Participants are eligible if they are: either peri- or post-menopausal, 25 years or older, and currently in a relationship/partnership with someone at least 7 years younger or of a similar age group (within 7 years). Additionally, your partner must be at least 18 years old. Note: You may be involved with more than one person. [Added Dec 9, 2024]
Motivations for BDSM Engagement
University of SunderlandThis study aims to create an empirical measure of BDSM desire/engagement to reflect the diversity in understanding and practice surrounding BDSM. The survey takes around 20-30 minutes to complete; you will be asked about some demographic information and then a series of questions asking you about why you engage in BDSM. Participants are eligible if they are: 18 years of age or older, and identify as a BDSM practitioner (though not necessarily currently practicing). Note: Those with a history of trauma or self-injury are not excluded but may wish to approach the study with caution and not take part if they feel questions on these subjects may cause excessive rumination or relapse. [Added Dec 6, 2024]
Sexual Communication Between Gay Men in CNM Relationships
Sam Houston State UniversityResearchers are investigating sexual communication between gay men in consensually nonmonogamous relationships. Participation will involve two Zoom interviews as a couple: an initial 90-minute interview and a 15-30-minute follow-up interview. Click the link below to learn more about the study. To be eligible to participate, you must be: 18 years of age or older, self-identify most closely as a gay male, be married or cohabitating with your partner in a consensually nonmonogamous relationship (any style), and live in the US. [Added Dec 5, 2024]
Romantic Relationships in Early Recovery: Provider Attitudes
Fairleigh Dickinson UniversityResearchers at Fairleigh Dickinson University are conducting a survey of behavioral health clinicians, 12-step sponsors, and peer recovery workers to explore their thoughts and feelings about new romantic relationships for their clients or peers who are early in recovery from substance misuse. The survey should take about 20 minutes to complete and includes questions about professional experience and beliefs about new romantic relationships in substance misuse recovery. At the end of the survey, respondents can enter a drawing for one of four $50 Amazon gift cards. To be eligible to participate, you must meet the following criteria: be (1) a mental or behavioral health clinician/therapist who treats substance misuse as part of their practice, OR (2) a person who sponsors others in a 12-step peer recovery program, OR (3) a person who is considered a peer recovery worker for those with substance misuse. You must also be aged 18 or older; live in the United States; and able to read and understand English. Please contact Dr. Nicole Zmuda if you have any questions (email: n.zmuda@fdu.edu). [Added Sept 3, 2024]
Perceptions of Sexual Preferences
University of Western OntarioResearchers are looking to recruit couples to learn about their perceptions of their own and their partner’s sexual preferences. This research is part of a series of studies investigating sexual similarity, sexual complementarity, and perceptual accuracy of sexual preferences. Participants and their partners will be asked to complete two separate and identical confidential online surveys. The survey will take approximately 60 minutes to complete, and questions will pertain to yourself, your partner, your relationship with your partner, and your sexual preferences. Participation in the study will grant you entry to a drawing for one of four $25.00 CAD/USD Amazon Gift Cards. Couples who both respond to the study will each be granted a bonus entry – for a total of two each. To be eligible to participate, you and your partner must meet the following criteria: 18 years of age or older, currently be a couple (e.g., dating, in a relationship [i.e., romantically attached], or in a consensual non-monogamous relationship), and be fluent in English. Note: People who are seeing someone very casually are eligible for the study. Individuals who are in consensual non-monogamous relationships are also eligible for the study. Click the link below to learn more and access the survey. [Added April 9, 2024]
The Relationship Attitudes Study
University of Western OntarioThis is a study on perceptions of relational attitudes and factors that influence these perceptions. Researchers are looking to recruit participants, of any gender identity and sexual orientation, to complete a confidential online survey consisting of a series of questions about yourself and perceptions of people’s relational attitudes. The survey will take approximately 20 minutes. Participants are eligible if they are 18 years of age or older and fluent in English. [Added March 27, 2024]
Examining the Effects of Research Participation on Perceptions of Benefit and Cost
Kwantlen Polytechnic UniversityThis study aims to examine the experiences, opinions, and cognitive abilities of individuals in sex-based research as well as the costs and benefits of participation. Participation will require answering questions about yourself (e.g., demographic questions such as your age, sexual orientation, and relationship status) in a ~20-minute survey. We ask demographic questions of this nature for generalizability, transparency in our findings, and research replication. You will also be presented with a set of questions regarding your positive and negative emotions, followed by either a set of sexuality and trauma-based experiences and opinions questionnaires, or a set of questionnaires regarding your cognitive abilities and skills. The study will close with a final set of questions regarding your emotions and feelings regarding the study itself. Participants are eligible if they are 16 years of age or older. [Added March 1, 2024]
TIPURQ: Similarities and Differences in Sexual Interests
Université Catholique de Louvain (Belgium)The purpose of this study is to investigate how similarities and differences in partners’ sexual interests are related to their perceptions of relationship quality. This study is intended for couples/two partners, including those involved in LGBTIQA+ and CNM relationships. Compensation of an $11 USD Amazon gift code is offered for EACH participant (i.e., $22 USD per couple). Couples are eligible if they are: in a romantic relationship of at least 6 months, and further, both members of each couple must consent to participate and be 18 years of age or older. Those in CNM relationships are encouraged to participate, though this study can only collect data from two partners in each relationship. [Added February 23, 2024]
Threesome Experiences and Expectations
University of Minnesota DuluthIndividuals are invited to participate in a research study assessing stigma toward and willingness to engage in sexual activity. As part of this study, participants will be asked to read vignettes describing a particular sexual experience and then complete various surveys on their opinions toward those behaviors. The study should take about 15 minutes to complete and is entirely voluntary without compensation. Participants are eligible if they are: 18 years of age or older, currently residing in the United States, speak fluent English, and identify as cisgender (i.e., your gender identity is the same as your sex assigned at birth) and heterosexual. [Added January 10, 2024]
APPROACH 2.0
University of British ColumbiaAPPROACH 2.0 is a study that aims to explore how transgender women and gender non-binary individuals (of any sex assigned at birth) experience distressingly low sexual desire. Participants will be invited to complete an eligibility screening and—once determined eligible—will complete a semi-structured interview asking about sexual concerns by a trained interviewer, then complete one online questionnaire package. Participants are eligible if they are: 19 years of age or older, identify as a transgender woman or non-binary (any sex assigned at birth), struggle with low sexual desire/arousal, and do not identify as asexual. To participate, please contact the researcher at: ohellers@student.ubc.ca [Added December 13, 2023]
Investigating Experiences of Physical Pain in Impact Play
Modern Sex Therapy InstitutesResearchers at Modern Sex Therapy Institutes are interested in investigating the experiences of physical pain among female bottoms engaged in impact play in BDSM community dungeon play spaces versus private play settings. Participation will involve a short questionnaire and a scheduled interview with the investigator. Use the link below to express interest in participating. [Added November 7, 2023]
Participants are eligible if they:
– are 18 years old or older;
– are cisgender female or transgender female on hormone therapy;
– engage in impact play in both private and BDSM dungeon play space as a bottom within the past 6 months
– are English speaking and understanding;
– have no history of diagnosed chronic pain, dissociative disorder, borderline personality disorder, PTSD, or an episode
of psychosis within the past two years; and
of psychosis within the past two years; and
– have no use of drugs or alcohol during impact play.
Exploring Individuals’ Experiences of Sexual Pleasure
University of British ColumbiaResearchers are seeking men-identifying and genderdiverse (e.g., agender, genderfluid, non-binary, transgender) individuals to participate in one 60-90 minute online focus group of 6-8 participants (per group), where participants will be asked to share how they conceptualize and experience sexual pleasure, as well as answer two online questionnaires that ask about their background and sexual experiences. Total participation time is up to 2 hours and 45 minutes. Participants will receive an honorarium. Participants are eligible if they are: 19 years of age or older, fluent in English, reside in Canada or the US, have previous partnered and solitary sexual experience, and are comfortable participating in a focus group with their video camera on. Those interested should email Faith Jabs: faith.jabs@psych.ubc.ca [Added October 27, 2023]
Sexual Assault Among University Students in Canada: A Minority Stress and Intersectional Perspective
Kwantlen Polytechnic UniversityThe purpose of this study is to investigate the experiences of sexual assault in university students, especially in situations that involve the consumption of alcohol or other substances. We are interested in the types and levels of stress experienced in such incidents and how these connect to various identities that students may possess, including, but not limited to, sexual and racial identities. Participation requires answering some demographic questions (i.e., gender, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, body size [body weight and height], current student status, place of residency, and disability status) and completing questionnaires assessing sexual assault exposure, alcohol use, drug use, overall physical and mental health, and experiences with minority stress on the online survey platform Qualtrics. This study will take approximately 30 minutes. Participants are eligible if they are: 18 years of age or older and current OR former students at a Canadian post-secondary institution (i.e., university/college). [Added October 2, 2023]
Intimacy, Relational, and Sexual Satisfaction in Couples
University of Texas at AustinThe purpose of this study is to evaluate how intimate interactions relate to satisfaction in romantic relationships. This study is a couples study, so you and your partner would both participate. You will be asked to fill out demographics, questions about your relationship and sexuality, and identify different interactions that make you feel intimacy/intimate with your partner. This study will have 1 one-on-one session with a researcher via Zoom and at least two online surveys over 4 weeks. The first session will take approximately 1 hour. You will be asked to complete the first online survey two weeks after your first session and the final survey 28 days after your first session. You must complete a phone screen with our team in order to determine if you are eligible to participate. You and your partner will receive $50 (i.e., $25 each) for the completion of the full study. Participants are eligible if both partners are: 18 years of age or older, in a committed relationship together for 6+ months, and fluent in and able to read and write in English. Please note that partners do not have to be cohabiting, but cannot be in a long-distance relationship. Couples from all over the world are welcome to participate! However, both partners will need either a U.S. phone number or a Google Voice number for this study. [Added August 28, 2023]
Psychosocial influences on the decision to take PrEP
Nottingham Trent UniversityThis study is exploring the psychosocial influences on the decision to take pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for the prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among Gay, Bi, and Straight Men who have sex with Men in the UK. This research aims to explore the specific nuances around PrEP decision-making to develop interventions to empower people to have the kind of sex they want – as safe as possible. A 15-minute online survey will ask about current PrEP usage and then a multitude of psychometric variables. It can be completed on a smartphone, tablet, or computer device. Participants are eligible if they: were assigned Male at birth, are at least 16 years of age, are based in the United Kingdom (UK), and have access to the internet on a smartphone, tablet, or computer device. Please note that it does not matter if you take, have taken, or have never taken PrEP. [Added July 31, 2023]
Exploring Partnered Sex Toy Usage among Men
Kwantlen Polytechnic UniversityResearchers at KPU are examining sex toy use among males (cisgender men) with female (cisgender women) sexual partners. We know there is a wide range of values and opinions contributing to men’s reasons for and against sex toy usage, and your participation will help us understand how these values and opinions shape behavior. Participation in this study will involve answering some questions about yourself (i.e., demographic questions such as your age, sexual orientation, and relationship status) as well as some questions regarding specific types of sex toys, how you feel about your sexual ability and your genitals, and your values associated with masculinity and attitudes toward women. The study will be conducted on the survey platform Qualtrics and will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. Participants are eligible if they: are male (cisgender men), at least 16 years of age, and have had at least one (1) female (cisgender women) sexual partner. Please note that you DO NOT need to be a sex toy user to be eligible. [Added June 21, 2023]
Cross-Sex Mind Reading
University of Texas at AustinResearchers are investigating how accurate (or inaccurate) each sex is at guessing the sexual desires of the other sex. Participants are eligible if they are: 18 years of age or older and fluent in English. You may be of any sex or gender and of any sexuality to take part. [Added April 25, 2023]
For Participants
Additional Opportunities
For other research participation opportunities, check out the sites below.
