Bidirectional relationship between sexual arousal and (sex-related) disgust.

Sexual stimuli provoke both sexual arousal and disgust, and the coaction between these emotions determines sexually behavioral outcomes. The current research includes two experiments to explore the bidirectional relationship between sexual arousal toward erotic stimuli and disgust induced by sexual body fluids. Study 1 presented 234 participants (117 women) with sexual body (vs. neutral) fluids followed by erotic stimuli, and Study 2 presented 235 participants (117 women) with erotic (vs. neutral) videos followed by sexual body fluids (and a non-sex-related stimulus). Study 1 showed that exposure to sexual body fluids reduced sexual arousal and the likelihood of sexual engagement toward erotic stimuli in participants with high sexual disgust sensitivity but increased sexual arousal and the likelihood of sexual engagement in participants with low sexual disgust sensitivity, while Study 2 suggested that men exposed to erotic (vs. neutral) stimuli reported lower disgust, stronger sexual arousal state, and higher willingness to interact with the sexual body fluids. There was no relationship between subjective feelings of sexual arousal and disgust in these experiments, while the balance of sexual arousal and disgust toward sexual body fluids and erotic stimuli had a positive association. Also, exposure to erotic stimuli had no effect on reactions to generally disgusting stimulus, but feelings of sexual arousal toward erotic stimuli were positively associated with disgust induced by generally disgusting fluid. These findings suggest that Behavior Immune System regulates disgust to establish a balance between benefit and cost related to sex as well as provide insight into the process underlying sexual dysfunctions.

Effect of sexual arousal on semen parameters during abstinence.

Semen analysis and physical examination are performed while first evaluation for patients with male infertility. Alcohol, smoking and dietary habits can affect the semen parameters. This study aimed to evaluate whether semen parameters are changed with sexual arousal. After excluding, 100 patients with ages of 18-45 were included to the study. All semen analysis were performed with three days of sexual abstinence. An identified 20 min video link was determined to the patients and while the sexual abstinence were told to watch this video once a day; after 3 days abstinence semen analysis was examined again. In the detailed examination normal spermatozoa ratio (Tygerberg strict criteria), spermatozoa concentration, semen volume, total motility and progressive motility ratios were noted. When the two semen analysis from the same patient are compared, it was observed that all parameters did not change except semen volume and total motile sperm count (p < 0.001). In conclusion, to understand the effect of sexual arousal during the sexual abstinence, we need studies with high patient number and longer follow-up.

[Precocious puberty and neuropilin-1 signaling in GnRH neurons]. / Signalisation impliquant la neuropiline dans les neurones sécrétant la GnRH - Son rôle dans le déclenchement de la puberté.

The survival of the species depends on two closely interlinked processes: the correct functioning of the reproductive system, and the balance between the energy needs of an individual and the supply of energy sources through feeding. These two processes are regulated in the hypothalamus, which produces neurohormones that control various physiological functions. Among these neurohormones, GnRH controls not only the maturation and function of the reproductive organs, including the ovaries and the testes, during puberty and in adulthood, but also sexual attraction. Recent evidence suggest that neuropilin-1-mediated signaling in GnRH-synthesizing neurons could be a linchpin that holds together various neuroanatomical, physiological and behavioral adaptations involved in triggering puberty and achieving reproductive function.

TITLE: Signalisation impliquant la neuropiline dans les neurones sécrétant la GnRH - Son rôle dans le déclenchement de la puberté. ABSTRACT: La survie d'une espèce dépend de deux processus intimement liés : la reproduction, d'une part, et l'équilibre entre les besoins énergétiques et l'approvisionnement en sources d'énergie par l'alimentation, d'autre part. Ces deux processus sont contrôlés dans le cerveau par l'hypothalamus, qui produit des neurohormones agissant sur l'hypophyse pour piloter diverses fonctions physiologiques. L'une de ces neurohormones, la GnRH, contrôle non seulement la maturation et le fonctionnement des organes reproducteurs, incluant les ovaires et les testicules, lors de la puberté et à l'âge adulte, mais aussi l'attirance sexuelle. De récentes découvertes suggèrent que la signalisation impliquant la neuropiline-1 dans les neurones sécrétant la GnRH jouerait un rôle charnière dans la coordination du neurodéveloppement et des adaptations physiologiques et comportementales nécessaires au déclenchement de la puberté et à l'acquisition de la fonction de reproduction. Dans cet article de synthèse, nous replaçons ces découvertes dans le contexte de récents travaux montrant que les voies de signalisation des sémaphorines de classe 3 sont impliquées dans la physiopathologie non seulement de l'infertilité, mais aussi de l'obésité. Nous discutons également l'implication potentielle des neurones produisant la GnRH dans la perception des odeurs sociales et dans la précocité de la maturation sexuelle. L'hypothèse selon laquelle l'activité de ces neurones au cours du développement postnatal constituerait le chaînon manquant entre la prise de poids, le déclenchement de la puberté et le comportement sexuel, ouvre la voie à une meilleure compréhension de l'implication de l'homéostasie énergétique dans la maturation sexuelle, et pourrait aussi avoir des implications thérapeutiques pour la puberté précoce.

Up-regulating Sexual Arousal and Down-regulating Disgust while Watching Pornography: Effects on Sexual Arousal and Disgust.

Sexual response occurs when sexual excitatory factors outweigh inhibitory factors. Problems with sexual arousal may occur when sexual excitation is too low and/or inhibitory influences such as feelings of disgust are too strong. To explore interventions that may help overcome decreased sexual responding, we examined if sexual responding could be amplified by instructions to up-regulate sexual arousal and/or down-regulate disgust. Women with no sexual difficulties (N = 255; µage = 20.55; SD = 2.23) were randomly assigned to a sexual arousal up-regulation, disgust down-regulation, or passive control condition. Participants were instructed to use the assigned regulation strategy while viewing pornography. To prevent floor effects due to low disgust responsivity in a non-clinical sample, half of the participants were presented with a prime that was designed to make the contaminating properties of sex more salient. Instruction to up-regulate sexual arousal successfully enhanced feelings of sexual arousal in the unprimed group, yet the increase in sexual arousal was not paralleled by reductions in feelings of disgust. Instruction to down-regulate disgust successfully decreased disgust; however, this decrease was not paralleled by increases in sexual arousal. Overall, findings indicate that emotion regulation techniques could facilitate affective control in sexual contexts.

Sexual health among adolescent and young adult cancer survivors: A scoping review from the Children's Oncology Group Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Discipline Committee.

Sexual function is a vital aspect of quality of life among adolescent and young adult (AYA) (ages 15-39 years) cancer survivors. Sexual function encompasses physical, psychosocial, and developmental factors that contribute to sexual health, all of which may be negatively impacted by cancer and treatment. However, limited information is available to inform the care of AYA cancer survivors in this regard. This scoping review, conducted by the Children's Oncology Group AYA Oncology Discipline Committee, summarizes available literature regarding sexual function among AYA cancer survivors, including relevant psychosexual aspects of romantic relationships and body image. Results suggest that, overall, AYA cancer survivors experience a substantial burden of sexual dysfunction. Both physical and psychosocial sequelae influence survivors' sexual health. Interventions to support sexual health and psychosexual adjustment after cancer treatment are needed. Collaborations between the Children's Oncology Group and adult-focused cooperative groups within the National Cancer Institute's National Clinical Trials Network are warranted to advance prospective assessment of sexual dysfunction and test interventions to improve sexual health among AYA cancer survivors.

Prevalencia y factores asociados al deseo sexual hipoactivo en hombres del Quindío / Prevalence and Factors Associated with Hypoactive Sexual Desire in Quindío Men

Introducción El deseo sexual hipoactivo describe el bajo interés hacia la actividad sexual en general, caracterizando la escasa o nula motivación para tener relaciones eróticas, con disminución o ausencia de pensamientos o fantasías sexuales. Objetivo Evaluar la prevalencia y factores asociados, al deseo sexual hipoactivo en hombres del Quindío, así como estimar las demás disfunciones sexuales. Métodos Estudio observacional. La población estuvo constituida por 171 hombres que asistieron a consulta externa en una clínica universitaria de la ciudad de Armenia, Colombia, en el 2019. Se excluyeron los hombres menores de 18 años, residentes fuera del Quindío, situación psicopatológica o social que dificultara la comprensión del instrumento y los que no consintieron participar en el estudio. Se aplicó como instrumento el "Massachusetts General Hospital-Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (MGH-SFQ)". Se evaluaron las características socio-demográficas, estilos de vida, salud sexual y reproductiva, antecedentes y comportamiento sexual. Se hizo análisis descriptivo. Resultados La edad promedio fue de 41,79 ± 11,46 años (rango 18­81). La prevalencia de disfunciones sexuales en el grupo estudiado fue de 21,63%. La puntuación del MGH-SFQ fue de 14,61 ± 4,23 puntos (variación: 7,26 - 19,26). Se presentaron dificultades con el interés sexual (15,78%), excitación sexual (6,43%), orgasmo (8,77%), erección (21,63%) y satisfacción sexual global (12,28%). La mediana de disfunciones sexuales por hombre fue de 2, que se hizo presente en el 27,48% %. El análisis multivariado (regresión logística) mostró que los factores asociados al deseo sexual hipoactivo fueron testosterona baja (OR: 5,59; IC95% 1,82­18,37), ansiedad / depresión (OR: 5,53; IC95% 1,72­18,43), convivencia en pareja mayor a 10 años (OR: 5,19; IC95%: 2,71­11,71), ansiedad de desempeño (OR: 4,62; IC95% 1,95­10,56), incremento de la edad (OR: 3,42; IC95%: 1,26­9,36), cansancio / estrés (OR: 2,58; IC95%: 1,08­3,28), trastornos del sueño (OR: 1,89; IC95%: 1,35­2,58), conflictos de pareja (OR: 1,53; IC95%: 1,02­2,37) y antecedente de disfunciones sexuales (OR: 1,47; IC95%: 0,99­2,22); mientras que, el uso de juguetes sexuales (OR: 0,78; IC95%: 0,72­0,96; p = 0,021), consumo de vitamina D (2000 UI / diarias) (OR: 0,64; IC95%: 0,42­0,96) o de Inhibidores de fosfodiesterasa-5 (OR: 0,78; IC95%: 0,63­0,93) constituyeron factores protectores. Conclusiones En el presente estudio, el 21,63% de los hombres presentaron disfunciones sexuales. Los trastornos de la erección (21,63%) y el interés sexual (15,78%), fueron los más afectados. La testosterona baja, ansiedad / depresión y convivencia en pareja mayor a 10 años, encabezan los principales factores asociados al deseo sexual hipoactivo. El hacer actividades juntos (OR: 0,44; IC95%: 0,34­0,68), el respeto a ser personas diferentes (OR: 0,53; IC95%: 0,41­0,71), mantener la armonía en la pareja (OR: 0,61; IC95%: 0,47­0,79) y la expresión de sentimientos a la pareja (OR: 0,68; IC95%: 0,46­0,95) constituyen una línea de protección para mejorar las estrategias de prevención de los trastornos sexuales en esa población

Introduction Hypoactive sexual desire describes the low interest in sexual activity in general, characterizing the little or no motivation to have erotic relationships, with a decrease or absence of sexual thoughts or fantasies. Objective To determine the sexual dysfunctions and to evaluate the prevalence and associated factors, to the hypoactive sexual desire in men of Quindío. Methods Observational study. The population consisted of 171 men who attended an outpatient clinic at a university clinic in the city of Armenia, Colombia, in 2019. Men under 18 years of age, residents outside of Quindío, psychopathological or social situation that made understanding difficult, were excluded of the instrument and those who did not consent to participate in the study. The "Massachusetts General Hospital-Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (MGH-SFQ)" was applied as an instrument. Socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyles, sexual and reproductive health, background and sexual behavior were evaluated. Descriptive analysis was done. Results The average age was 41.79 ± 11.46 years (variation: - 81). The prevalence of sexual dysfunctions in the study group was 21.63%. The MGH-SFQ score was 14.61 ± 4.23 points (range between 7.26 - 19.26). There were difficulties with sexual interest (15.78%), sexual arousal (6.43%), orgasm (8.77%), erection (21.63%) and overall sexual satisfaction (12.28%). The median sexual dysfunction per man was 2, which was present in 27.48%%. The multivariate analysis (logistic regression) showed that the factors associated with hypoactive sexual desire were low testosterone (OR: 5.59; 95% CI 1.82­18.37), anxiety / depression (OR: 5.53 ; 95% CI 1.72­18.43), cohabitation in a couple older than 10 years (OR: 5.19; 95% CI: 2.71­11.71), performance anxiety (OR: 4.62; 95% CI 1.95­10.56), increase in age (OR: 3.42; 95% CI: 1.26­9.36), fatigue / stress (OR: 2.58; 95% CI: 1.08­3, 28), sleep disorders (OR: 1.89; 95% CI: 1.35­2.58), couple conflicts (OR: 1.53; 95% CI: 1.02­2.37) and a history of sexual dysfunctions (OR: 1.47; 95% CI: 0.99­2.22); while, the use of sex toys (OR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.72­0.96; p = 0.021), vitamin D consumption (2000 IU / daily) (OR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.42­0.96) or of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (OR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.63­0.93) constituted protective factors. Conclusions In the present study, 21.63% of men had sexual dysfunction. Disorders of erection (21.63%) and sexual interest (15.78%) were the most affected. Low testosterone, anxiety / depression and coexistence in a couple older than 10 years, lead the main factors associated with hypoactive sexual desire. Low testosterone, anxiety / depression and coexistence in couples older than 10 years, are the main factors associated with hypoactive sexual desire. Doing activities together (OR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.34­0.68), respect for being different people (OR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.41­0.71), maintaining harmony in the couple (OR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.47­0.79) and the expression of feelings toward the couple (OR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.46­0.95) constitute a protection line to improve prevention strategies for sexual disorders in this population.

The effect of differential disgust conditioning and subsequent extinction versus counterconditioning procedures on women's sexual responses to erotic stimuli.

Recent theoretical accounts point to disgust as an important factor in the development and persistence of sexual dysfunctions. This study tested if (i) contingent disgust experiences can render initially sexually arousing stimuli disgusting, and (ii) such acquired disgust responses could be best neutralized via a CS-only extinction or a counterconditioning procedure. Participants (N = 74) were exposed to a differential conditioning procedure that was followed by either a CS-only extinction or a counterconditioning procedure. Erotic films served as the CS+/CS-. A disgusting film served as the US. During the extinction procedure, the CS+ was no longer followed by the disgusting US. During counterconditioning the CS+ was paired with positive stimuli. After conditioning, the CS + elicited lower genital arousal and was rated as significantly more disgusting, less pleasant, and less sexually arousing than the CS-. These diminished genital and subjective sexual arousal responses to the CS+ were successfully restored after both the extinction and the counterconditioning procedure, whereas conditioned feelings of disgust and behavioral avoidance persisted. There was no evidence for differential effectiveness of either procedure. Thus, sexual responses can be attenuated by learned sex-disgust associations and restored by extinction and counterconditioning procedures, but conditioned feelings of disgust seem more resistant.

Sexual Arousal in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder With and Without Contamination/Washing Symptoms: A Moderating Role of Disgust Sensitivity.

Different findings would indicate that obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a common psychiatric condition, might significantly impair intimate relationships and sexual well-being. The aim of the present study was to ascertain whether OCD outpatients with contamination/washing symptoms experience a lower sexual arousal than those experiencing other symptoms. In addition, we explored whether a higher disgust propensity/sensitivity might moderate the relation between contamination/washing symptoms and impaired sexual arousal. A total of 72 outpatients (27 with contamination/washing symptoms and 45 with other obsessive-compulsive symptoms) were selected for this study and assessed by a battery of specific rating scales. The results highlighted how OCD patients with contamination/washing symptoms and higher disgust sensitivity showed an increased propensity to inhibition due to threat of sexual performance failure and consequences. It may be speculated that the disgust sensitivity may be a mechanism involved in the impairment of this well-being domain. In conclusion, these findings suggest that the sexual wellbeing should be evaluated during routine clinical evaluation of OCD patients.

The Reciprocal Relationship Between Sexual Arousal and Disgust as Evidenced in Automatic Approach-Avoidance Behavior.

Sexual encounters imply exposure to stimuli that in other contexts typically elicit disgust-induced avoidance. To explain why people nevertheless tend to show sexual approach, it has been proposed that heightened sexual arousal may temporarily inhibit disgust. In line with this, studies have found that sexually aroused individuals showed heightened willingness to approach disgusting stimuli. Because automatic processes are critically involved in sexual behaviors, we examined whether the impact of sexual arousal extends to automatic responses to disgust-elicitors. To test the proposed reciprocal relationship between sex and disgust, we also investigated whether disgust reduces automatic sexual approach. In Study 1, 116 female participants (M = age 19.53) were assigned to a sexual arousal or control condition and performed a speeded approach-avoidance task to assess automatic responses to disgusting stimuli. In Study 2, 174 female participants (M = age 22.14) were assigned to a disgust, sexual arousal, or control condition and performed an approach-avoidance task involving both sex and disgust-relevant stimuli. Sexual arousal did not affect automatic responses to disgusting stimuli, and disgust did not influence automatic responses towards sexual stimuli. The reciprocal relationship between sexual arousal and disgust that was previously found for controllable responses did not extend to automatic responses.

Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder: Review of Pertinent Peripheral Nerves.

INTRODUCTION: Persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD) is a condition that is still poorly understood. Etiologies reported for PGAD are vascular, neurological, pharmacological, and psychological. Determining the neurophysiological etiology of PGAD began with developing an understanding of the underlying biomechanics of the pudendal nerve and the female sexual response. AIM: To summarize the anatomy, physiology, etiologies, diagnostics, and treatments of the pertinent peripheral nerves involved in the pathology of PGAD. METHODS: We performed a PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar search for English-language articles in peer-reviewed journals with no predefined time period for inclusion. Terms included "humans"[All Fields] AND "persistent"[All Fields] AND/OR ("genitalia"[All Fields] OR "genital"[All Fields]) AND/OR "arousal"[All Fields] AND/OR ("disease"[All Fields] OR "disorder"[All Fields]) AND/OR "nerve"[All Fields]. The main outcomes of the papers were reviewed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The main outcome measures were the anatomy and physiology, etiologies, history and physical examination, diagnostic imaging, and current evidence for the treatment of PGAD related to the peripheral nervous system. RESULTS: Most of the literature for PGAD originates from case studies. The diagnosis of PGAD itself is still a debated topic of discussion. More recent data published indicate that this disease affects males, as well. CONCLUSION: Nerve entrapment may be a source of continuous arousal. Associated PGAD symptoms would depend on the segment of the nerve involved. Unwelcomed or unwanted arousal has been observed as the most common detrimental symptom. Pelvic 3-tesla magnetic resonance imaging is recommended in all patients with suspected nerve entrapment. Lumbosacral 3-tesla magnetic resonance imaging is recommended if a Tarlov cyst or a herniated intervertebral disc is suspected. If the peripheral nerve is the source of the pathology, surgical intervention may be curative. A multidisciplinary team approach consisting of a medical provider, pelvic floor physical therapist, and sex therapist has demonstrated benefits. There are currently no Food and Drug Administration-approved evidenced-based treatments for PGAD. Klifto KM, Dellon AL. Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder: Review of Pertinent Peripheral Nerves. Sex Med Rev 2020;8:265-273.

Disfunções sexuais nos três trimestres gestacionais / Sexual dysfunction in three gestational trimesters

Introdução: Dificuldades sexuais são bastante frequentes durante a gestação, pelas mudanças hormonais e emocionais deste período.Objetivo: Avaliar a prevalência de disfunções sexuais nos três trimestres gestacionais. Métodos: Pesquisa observacional com 140 mulheres de 7 unidades básicas de saúde de um município do interior do RS. Foram aplicadosuma ficha de avaliação e o Female Sexual Function Index. Foi realizada a estatística descritiva para representação dos grupos e o teste de normalidade de Kolmogorov-Smirnov para os testes de hipóteses com nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: Houve alta prevalência de disfunção sexual, com diferença entre o primeiro e o segundo trimestres (p 0,018), e entre o primeiro e o terceiro trimestres (p 0,014). Conclusão: Houve alta prevalência de disfunção sexual (33,04%), sendo os domínios mais afetados a satisfação (100%), lubrificação (94,69%), orgasmo (94,59%) e excitação (91,89%). Identificou-se aumento das disfunções sexuais com a evolução da gestação.

Introduction: Sexual difficulties are quite frequent during gestation, due to the hormonal and emotional changes of this period. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in the three gestational trimesters. Methods: Observational research with 140 women from 7 basic health units of a municipality in the interior of RS. An evaluation form and the Female Sexual Function Index were applied. Descriptive statistics were performed for group representation and the Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality test was used for hypothesis tests with a significance level of 5%. Results: There was a high prevalence of sexual dysfunction, with a difference between the first and second quarters (p 0.018), and between the first and third quarters (p 0.014). Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of sexual dysfunction (33.04%), with satisfaction (100%), lubrication (94.69%), orgasm (94.59%) and excitation (91.89%) being the most affected domains. It was identified an increase of the sexual dysfunctions with the evolution of the gestation.