Why do men call prostitutes?
Table of contents
Reasons why men call for prostitutes
manCalling ChickenThe motivations for sexual activity are diverse, often stemming from physiological, psychological, and social factors. According to multiple studies, lack of intimacy is the primary reason, accounting for approximately 241 TP3T, followed by loneliness (241 TP3T) and depression (141 TP3T). For example, among married men, some choose this path because their partners are not adventurous enough in bed, or to seek variety. Other reasons include curiosity, a need for control, and the fulfillment of special fantasies. These motivations are not absolute; some men view it as an emotionally unburdened transaction.

- Physiological needs and sexual satisfactionMale victimmale hormonesThe influence of sex drive is strong, but many men find it difficult to satisfy their sexual desires through normal means. For example, men of average appearance or with weak social skills often turn to prostitution because they cannot attract partners. This is described in Chinese research as the "hunger man" dilemma, where men have strong desires on the one hand, but traditional relationships are costly on the other. In surveys in Europe and America, 241% of men resort to prostitution due to a lack of intimacy, and 101% are influenced by pornography.
- Psychological factors: loneliness and the need for intimacyMany men seek love, care, and intimacy from sex workers, rather than purely sexual intercourse. A British study showed that over half of respondents were married or in relationships, yet still sought "fake girlfriend" experiences to fill emotional voids. Chinese data reveals a disturbing fact: two-thirds of men repeatedly encounter the same sex worker more than 50 times, and a quarter more than 100 times, indicating that this is not merely a physical release but also an emotional compensation. Depression (14%) and stress (5%) are also common motivations.
- Seeking stimulation and controlSome men hire prostitutes for instant gratification, adventure, or a sense of dominance. American research shows that men prefer transactions without emotional burdens and avoid drama in relationships. A Hong Kong survey found that university students indicated prostitution satisfies sexual fantasies and helps them resist the rising status of modern women. Married men often choose this path because their wives are unwilling to try new things, viewing it as "self-compensation."
- Social and cultural influencesCuriosity, peer pressure, and midlife crisis are common triggers. Chinese research suggests that as the economy improves, men are more susceptible to being influenced by friends to try new things. Historically, prostitution has been seen as a cost-effective form of male adventure. Genetic factors may also play a role; men with specific dopamine receptor mutations are more likely to have affairs or engage in prostitution.
- Economy and convenienceProstitution requires no investment of time or money to cultivate a relationship; payment is all that's needed. Compared to having a lover, prostitution avoids subsequent complications such as emotional connection or gifts. This is common among business travelers or single men.

Time period and trend
The practice of prostitution changes with the times and is influenced by legal, economic, and public health factors. The following analysis is divided into different periods:
- 1980s-1990sIn Central Africa, the proportion was as high as 13-151 TP3T, while in Southeast Asia, such as Thailand, it reached 23.41 TP3T in 1990. In Europe and America, the proportion was lower, with the UK at only 21 TP3T in 1990. During this period, prostitution was often associated with high-risk groups such as military personnel and truck drivers, with proportions ranging from 30-621 TP3T.
- 2000s-2010sGlobal trends diverge. In the UK, the rate rose from 21 TP3T in 1990 to 4.31 TP3T in 2000, attributed to increased acceptance of commercial contact. Several African countries saw declines, such as Lesotho, which dropped from 14.91 TP3T to 1.71 TP3T due to a change in the definition from "exchanging gifts" to "paying for sex." Thailand experienced a significant decrease to 0.4-2.11 TP3T, attributed to public health education.
- 2010s-2020sThe lifetime rate in the US is stable at 14-201 TP3T, with 1-21 TP3T in the past year. In China, it's approximately 6-81 TP3T. Post-pandemic, online sex services have increased, but in-person prostitution may have declined. One study claims 371 TP3T men have engaged in prostitution, but this is an overestimate; reliable data suggests 161 TP3T. Trends show a lower rate in high-income countries (2-31 TP3T) and a higher rate in developing countries, but this is generally hidden due to stricter laws.

Global male prostitution rate (median, past 12 months)
| area | Ratio (1TP 3T) | Range (%) | Time period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Africa | 13-15 | 12.8-21 | 1989-2004 |
| Southeast Africa | 10-11 | 8.6-26.2 | 1989-2004 |
| west africa | 8.9 | 5.7-9.7 | 2002-2004 |
| Asia (South Asia and Southeast Asia) | 5-7 | 0.4-2.1 | 1990-2004 |
| Latin America and the Caribbean | 5-7 | 0.2-11.6 | 2000-2004 |
| Eastern Europe and Central Asia | 2-3 | 1.4-3.2 | 2000-2004 |
| High-income countries | 2-3 | 0.7-5.3 | 1990-2000 |
This table shows that Africa has the highest proportion, while Europe and the Americas have the lowest. Trend: The proportion is declining in many countries, but changes in definitions affect accuracy.

Reasons why men hire prostitutes (US study)
| reason | Ratio (1TP 3T) | illustrate |
|---|---|---|
| Lack of intimacy | 24 | Emotional emptiness |
| Lonely | 24 | No partner support |
| melancholy | 14 | Psychological stress |
| Pornographic influence | 10 | Porn arouses desire |
| desire | 10 | Purely physiological needs |
| Lack of discipline | 5 | impulsive behavior |
| History of sexual abuse | 5 | Childhood Trauma |
| pressure | 5 | Work-life load |
| Low libido | 5 | External stimulation is required |

The Hong Kong Model: Market Resilience Under High Regulation
Hong Kong continued to use "Punish prostitutes, but not those who solicit prostitutes" The legacy of colonialism:
- Section 147 of the Crimes Ordinance prohibits "Living off prostitutes"(i.e., manipulating or organizing prostitution)" can be punished with up to 14 years in prison.
- Section 147A of the Public Order Ordinance stipulates that both parties involved in "soliciting business in a public place" may be fined HK$10,000 and imprisoned for 6 months.
- In practice, the police often use "WanderingThe crackdown on catch-all charges such as "obstructing public order" has led to a shift of transactions to indoor and online spaces.
Result: The authorities couldn't see the "red-light district," but the market never disappeared; it simply... "Invisibility, High Pricing, Platformization".

Hong Kong's market size and customer profile for prostitutes
Estimates of male sex workers in Hong Kong
| years | Male population aged 20–59 | The proportion of people who bought sex in the past 6 months | Estimated number of customers | Main source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 1.83 M | 14 % | 256,000 | Telephone survey |
| 2000 | 1.89 M | 12 % | 227,000 | Telephone survey |
| 2015 | 1.96 M | 12 %–14 % | 235,000–275,000 | Government estimates |
| 2023 | 2.02 M | 13 % (Assuming the balance remains the same) | 262,000 | Author's estimate |
⚠️Based on the upper limit of 18 % in the 2022 fieldwork of the NGO "Midnight Blue" (n=1,124), the number of participants could reach 364,000.

Benefits assessment of calling chicken
In terms of benefits, some men report that soliciting prostitutes provides temporary satisfaction, such as intimacy, fantasy fulfillment, and guilt-free sexual activity. For example, clients of indoor sex workers often seek love and intimacy, unlike street clients who engage in purely sexual transactions. Among lonely men, this may reduce the risk of suicide. Economically, in legal jurisdictions (such as Nevada), it can increase tax revenue and reduce crime. However, these benefits are subjective; studies show that only a minority benefit in the long term, and most experience guilt afterward.
Analysis shows that hiring a prostitute is not a simple choice, but is driven by multiple factors. It is recommended that society provide alternatives, such as education and support networks.

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