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1.
Aging Male ; 27(1): 2363275, 2024 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38858824

ABSTRACT

AIM: This study aims to examine the relationship between male genital self-perception and sexual functioning and depression anxieties. METHOD: The study included male patients who were referred to the andrology outpatient clinic between March 2022 and June 2022. Demographic data of the patients were recorded. Cigarette and alcohol consumption was also noted. The Male Genital Self Image Scale (MGSIS) questionnaire was used for the Genital Self Image(GSI) assessment, which consists of 7 questions. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), composed of 15 questions, was used to evaluate sexual function. STAI-I, STAI-II, and BECK scales were used for depression and anxiety. The penis size of the patients was measured in a flask and stretched condition, and the midpenile circumference was recorded. Patients were compared with respect to GSI, depression, anxiety, and sexual functioning. RESULTS: A total of 75 patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 46.69 ± 11.32 (26-72), and the mean BMI was 27.82 ± 3.79 (22.46-40.40) kg/m2. A slightly positive correlation was found between the patients' flask penis size and MGSIS-total scores (r = 0.260, p = .024) and IIEF-SF scores (r = 0.240, p = .038). There was a moderately positive correlation between the stretched penis size and IIEF-OS (r = 0.403, p < .001) and IIEF-SF (r = 0.354, p = .002). While the MGSIS-total score and the STAI-I and STAI-II scores had a moderate negative correlation, there was an advanced negative correlation between the MGSIS-total score and the BECK score. CONCLUSION: Disruption of men's genital self-perception is moderately related to their susceptibility to depression and anxiety. This situation affects the person's sexual performance and causes orgasm problems to increase.


Subject(s)
Anxiety , Depression , Self Concept , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Depression/psychology , Adult , Anxiety/psychology , Surveys and Questionnaires , Aged , Penis , Sexual Behavior/psychology , Sexual Behavior/physiology
2.
Gynecol Endocrinol ; 40(1): 2362249, 2024 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38913084

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between female sexual function and metabolic features among women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) during reproductive age. METHOD: This was a cross-sectional study in which 288 women with PCOS and 180 women without PCOS between the ages of 20 and 40 years were evaluated. All women had serum total testosterone, androstenedione, DHEA-S, fasting glucose, total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, and triglyceride levels analyzed. The McCoy Female Sexual Questionnaire (MFSQ) was applied to all studied women. Exploratory factor analysis and reliability analysis were done after data collection. The factor loadings of MFSQ domains were compared between women with PCOS and controls. RESULTS: Average factor loadings of the MFSQ sexuality domain and MFSQ sexual partner domain were significantly lower in the PCOS group when compared to controls. There was no correlation between the two sexual function domains of the MFSQ and the PCOS features either in the PCOS group or the controls. CONCLUSION: PCOS is a heterogeneous disease with different metabolic components, such as insulin resistance, obesity, and hyperandrogenism. Although sexual function among women with PCOS was lower than controls, no differences were found in metabolic features of the PCOS and non-PCOS groups with relation to sexual function determined by the MFSQ.


Subject(s)
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome , Humans , Female , Polycystic Ovary Syndrome/blood , Polycystic Ovary Syndrome/metabolism , Adult , Cross-Sectional Studies , Turkey/epidemiology , Young Adult , Insulin Resistance/physiology , Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological/epidemiology , Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological/blood , Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological/etiology , Testosterone/blood , Surveys and Questionnaires , Case-Control Studies , Hyperandrogenism/blood , Hyperandrogenism/epidemiology , Sexual Behavior/physiology , Androstenedione/blood , Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate/blood , Obesity/epidemiology , Obesity/metabolism , Obesity/blood
3.
Adv Neurobiol ; 35: 397-433, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38874734

ABSTRACT

Beta-endorphin is secreted from the hypothalamus and pituitary in both mother and newborn. The placenta produces numerous pituitary hormones from the third month of pregnancy, one of which is ßE. It has been suggested that ßE has a role in the appetitive and precopulatory phase of sexual behavior in animals. An increase in endorphin levels during sexual activity in humans may contribute to attachment and bonding between partners, but contradictory reports in the literature question the association between sexuality and ßE levels. The level of ßE also increases during pregnancy, rises in early labor, peaks in late labor, and drops in the postpartum period. This fluctuation provides natural analgesia, raises the pain threshold, decreases the sensation of pain, or suppresses pain, and decreases fear levels during labor and birth. Beta-endorphin also protects the fetus from hypoxia during labor and birth and potential neural damage by aiding blood flow to the brain under hypoxic conditions. It has been suggested that a variety of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic complementary therapies, when used in pregnancy, labor, and birth, activate the opioid receptors in the CNS and alter the sensation of pain during labor and birth, affect the mother-child attachment and affect sexual function. These studies report contradictory results that will be discussed in this chapter.


Subject(s)
beta-Endorphin , Animals , Female , Humans , Pregnancy , beta-Endorphin/metabolism , Endorphins/metabolism , Reproduction/physiology , Sexual Behavior/physiology , Sexuality/physiology
4.
J Sex Med ; 21(7): 589-595, 2024 Jun 27.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38721677

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Prior studies primarily of men correlated low personal genital satisfaction (PGS) with decreased sexual activity; however, the association between PGS and genital anatomy perceptions is unknown, and there is a paucity of studies examining women. AIM: We assessed the relationship between genital satisfaction, survey respondent sexual activity, and perceptions of anatomy and function. METHODS: A 54-item REDCap survey was distributed to any-gendered volunteers ≥18 years of age through ResearchMatch from January to March 2023. Responses were split into (1) high PGS and (2) low PGS. Analysis was performed using chi-square tests on survey responses and a Mann Whitney U test on median satisfaction level. OUTCOMES: Outcomes were genital anatomy perceptions, sexual activity, and respondents' PGS. RESULTS: Of the 649 respondents who started the survey, 560 (86.3%) completed it. Median PGS was 7 of 10, forming subgroups of high (≥7 of 10) satisfaction (n = 317 of 560 [56.6%]) and low (<7 of 10) satisfaction (n = 243 of 560 [43.4%]). The mean age was 45.8 ± 16.8 years, and demographics were notable for 72.1% women (n = 404 of 560), 83.2% White (n = 466 of 560), 47.9% married (n = 268 of 560), and 75.5% bachelor's degree holders (n = 423 of 560). Comparing high- and low-PGS groups, more low-PGS respondents felt normal flaccid penis length to be <2 inches (11.1% vs 5.1%; P = .008). High-PGS respondents more often responded that it is normal for women to have orgasms over half the time (20.8% vs 13.2%; P = .0002) or to identify as being sexually active (81.1% vs 71.6%; P = .008). Women were more likely than men to report larger normal testicle sizes as 60.1 to 90 mL (24.5% vs 10.3%; P < .0001), whereas more men felt that normal testicle size was 7 to 15 mL (26.3% vs 11.4%; P < .0001). Orgasm length perceptions also differed: more women felt female orgasm length was 2.6 to 5 seconds (36.6% vs 16.7%; P < .0001), and more men believed female orgasms to be longer, at 7.6 to 10 seconds (29.5% vs 17.3%; P = .002), 10.1 to 12.5 seconds (11.5% vs 5.2%; P = .0008), and >12.5 seconds (12.2% vs 5.7%; P = .009). Respondents' views on their genitalia differed by gender, with women more likely to feel that their genitals are normal compared with men (89.4% vs 75.0%; P < .0001). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: PGS may be a useful screening tool given its association with sexual activity. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: Our large-scale survey assesses public perceptions of genital anatomy and function. Limitations include a lack of gender nonbinary perceptions. CONCLUSION: Gender and PGS interact with perceptions of male anatomy and female sexual activity, and the frequency of sexual activity was higher among high-PGS respondents; however, the direction of these interactions remains unclear and requires future causal analysis.


Subject(s)
Personal Satisfaction , Sexual Behavior , Humans , Male , Female , Middle Aged , Adult , Sexual Behavior/physiology , Sexual Behavior/psychology , Surveys and Questionnaires , Genitalia, Female/anatomy & histology , Genitalia, Female/physiology , Orgasm/physiology , Genitalia, Male/anatomy & histology
5.
Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol ; 21(6): 377-405, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38763974

ABSTRACT

The ability to experience pleasurable sexual activity is important for human health. Receptive anal intercourse (RAI) is a common, though frequently stigmatized, pleasurable sexual activity. Little is known about how diseases of the colon, rectum, and anus and their treatments affect RAI. Engaging in RAI with gastrointestinal disease can be difficult due to the unpredictability of symptoms and treatment-related toxic effects. Patients might experience sphincter hypertonicity, gastrointestinal symptom-specific anxiety, altered pelvic blood flow from structural disorders, decreased sensation from cancer-directed therapies or body image issues from stoma creation. These can result in problematic RAI - encompassing anodyspareunia (painful RAI), arousal dysfunction, orgasm dysfunction and decreased sexual desire. Therapeutic strategies for problematic RAI in patients living with gastrointestinal diseases and/or treatment-related dysfunction include pelvic floor muscle strengthening and stretching, psychological interventions, and restorative devices. Providing health-care professionals with a framework to discuss pleasurable RAI and diagnose problematic RAI can help improve patient outcomes. Normalizing RAI, affirming pleasure from RAI and acknowledging that the gastrointestinal system is involved in sexual pleasure, sexual function and sexual health will help transform the scientific paradigm of sexual health to one that is more just and equitable.


Subject(s)
Rectal Diseases , Humans , Rectal Diseases/physiopathology , Rectal Diseases/therapy , Rectal Diseases/etiology , Rectal Diseases/diagnosis , Colonic Diseases/therapy , Colonic Diseases/physiopathology , Colonic Diseases/etiology , Sexual Behavior/physiology , Anus Diseases/therapy , Anus Diseases/physiopathology , Anus Diseases/etiology , Anus Diseases/diagnosis , Pleasure/physiology , Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological/etiology , Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological/therapy , Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological/physiopathology
6.
Arch Sex Behav ; 53(6): 2305-2318, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38724699

ABSTRACT

Sexual arousal in male and female victims during nonconsensual sex is an understudied phenomenon with many potential psychological, clinical, and legal implications for survivors. The aim of this scoping review was to assess the literature to determine whether we could estimate the frequency and circumstances of physiological sexual arousal (e.g., erection, lubrication, ejaculation, orgasm) among victims during nonconsensual sex. Six reference database and hand searches led to the screening of 13,894 articles and other reports. Eight articles and one book published between 1977 and 2019 included relevant data from 136 male survivors and 250 female survivors. Results confirmed that physiological sexual arousal (only genital responses were mentioned) can occur in both male and female victims during nonconsensual sex. The frequency of these responses could not be determined because of the widely different methodologies used. In addition, it was not possible to determine the circumstances in which victim sexual arousal was more likely to occur although some were inferred. The results of the scoping review highlight that physiological sexual arousal during nonconsensual sex does occur for victims but has not been studied systematically. There is a clear need to properly assess the type, circumstances, consequences, and frequency of sexual arousal during nonconsensual sex in large and diverse populations of male and female survivors.


Subject(s)
Sexual Arousal , Humans , Male , Female , Sexual Behavior/psychology , Sexual Behavior/physiology , Crime Victims/psychology , Orgasm/physiology
7.
Respir Med ; 228: 107665, 2024 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38768665

ABSTRACT

CONTEXT: Sex and gender are related concepts, but they have distinct meanings and implications. Respiratory diseases are a major driver of morbi-mortality. It is frequent that respirologists, primary care doctors, or other specialists, when dealing with respiratory patients, and aiming for a holistic management of their patients, they all skip any question or matter associated with sexual activity or behavior. OBJECTIVES: To review how sexual activity is explored in respiratory patients. METHODS: To conduct this review, we endorse PRISMA guidance for reporting systematic reviews, and also the sex and gender equity in research (SAGER) guidelines. RESULTS: Compared to other conditions such as heart disease, mental disorders, Alzheimer's, or even COVID-19, to date there is no review focused on sexual activity and respiratory health and disease. Asthma, COPD and other respiratory patients can have their sexual activity and behaviors affected by their disease, but also limitations in sex might be the sentinel event of an incident respiratory disease. Asking on sexual desire and related sex issues should not be considered taboo in any respiratory consultation. Importantly, any marketed stereotypes on cigarettes after any sexual activity should be counteracted. Many clinical trials of respiratory drugs keep recruiting few or no women, so research on women's sexual desire and satisfaction lags behind that of men's. By using the available objective tools and validated questionnaires summarized in this review, these important domains of respiratory patients and their partners can be properly identified and managed. CONCLUSIONS: Sexual activity, depending on age and individual specific conditions, is a fundamental driver of overall health, and therefore of lung health.


Subject(s)
Sexual Behavior , Humans , Sexual Behavior/psychology , Sexual Behavior/physiology , Female , Male , Asthma , Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/psychology , Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/physiopathology , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/psychology , Sex Factors , Respiratory Tract Diseases
8.
Sci Rep ; 14(1): 11051, 2024 05 14.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38745001

ABSTRACT

Distressing low sexual desire, termed Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD), affects approximately 10% of women and 8% of men. In women, the 'top-down' theory of HSDD describes hyperactivity in higher-level cognitive brain regions, suppressing lower-level emotional/sexual brain areas. However, it is unknown how this neurofunctional disturbance compares to HSDD in men. To investigate this, we employed task-based functional MRI in 32 women and 32 men with HSDD to measure sexual-brain processing during sexual versus non-sexual videos, as well as psychometric questionnaires to assess sexual desire/arousal. We demonstrate that women had greater activation in higher-level and lower-level brain regions, compared to men. Indeed, women who had greater hypothalamic activation in response to sexual videos, reported higher psychometric scores in the evaluative (r = 0.55, P = 0.001), motivational (r = 0.56, P = 0.003), and physiological (r = 0.57, P = 0.0006) domains of sexual desire and arousal after watching the sexual videos in the scanner. By contrast, no similar correlations were observed in men. Taken together, this is the first direct comparison of the neural correlates of distressing low sexual desire between women and men. The data supports the 'top-down' theory of HSDD in women, whereas in men HSDD appears to be associated with different neurofunctional processes.


Subject(s)
Brain , Libido , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological , Humans , Female , Male , Adult , Brain/diagnostic imaging , Brain/physiology , Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological/psychology , Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological/physiopathology , Libido/physiology , Sex Characteristics , Young Adult , Sexual Behavior/psychology , Sexual Behavior/physiology , Brain Mapping , Surveys and Questionnaires , Middle Aged
9.
Sci Rep ; 14(1): 10513, 2024 05 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38714675

ABSTRACT

In the current research, we used data from a sample of 16,327 menstrual cycle tracking app users to examine the association between menstrual cycle characteristics and sexual motivation tracked over 10 months of app use. Guided by past work that finds links between menstrual cycle characteristics related to conception risk and sexual motivation, we found that (a) between-women, shorter (r = - 0.04, p = 0.007), more regular cycles predicted small increases in sexual motivation (r = - 0.04, p = 0.001); (b) within-women, shorter cycles predicted greater sexual motivation that month (r = - 0.04, p < 0.001) and (c) the next month (ßs: - 0.10 to - 0.06, ps < 0.001), but (d) changes in sexual motivation did not reliably precede changes in cycle length (ßs: - 0.01 to 0.02, ps > 0.15). Within-woman analyses also revealed that (e) shorter cycles were followed by more frequent reports of fatigue (ß = - 0.06, p < 0.001), insomnia (ß = - 0.03, p < 0.001), and food cravings (ß = - 0.04, p < 0.001). Together, results suggest that menstrual cycles characteristics and sexual motivation may covary together in ways that reflect changing investments in reproduction. Small effect sizes and lack of experimental control warrant cautious interpretations of results.


Subject(s)
Menstrual Cycle , Motivation , Sexual Behavior , Humans , Female , Menstrual Cycle/physiology , Menstrual Cycle/psychology , Motivation/physiology , Sexual Behavior/psychology , Sexual Behavior/physiology , Adult , Longitudinal Studies , Young Adult , Mobile Applications , Adolescent
10.
Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am ; 51(2): 285-298, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38777484

ABSTRACT

Stressors occur in a spectrum, ranging from daily hassles to life-threatening experiences, and can significantly impact sexual functioning. Thus, this review summarizes the intricate relationship between trauma spectrum experiences and women's sexual functioning. Biological mechanisms are described to elucidate the physiologic complexity that manifests because of trauma-related experiences. Additionally, both psychological and social implications are discussed. Treatment recommendations for practitioners working with women are discussed, underscoring the importance of adopting a trauma-informed care model.


Subject(s)
Stress, Psychological , Humans , Female , Stress, Psychological/complications , Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological/psychology , Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological/therapy , Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological/etiology , Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological/etiology , Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological/therapy , Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic , Sexual Behavior/physiology , Women's Health
11.
Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am ; 51(2): 311-322, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38777486

ABSTRACT

Infertility diagnoses and treatment can lead to psychological distress and relationship strain. Infertility is commonly associated with disruptions in sexual function and satisfaction among women, in part due to overlapping etiologic factors (eg, comorbid medical conditions). Women and couples with infertility should be screened for sexual problems and provided education on the relationship between infertility and sexuality. Sexual dysfunction in the context of infertility is often best addressed using an interdisciplinary approach. This article provides a summary on the relationship between sexuality and infertility and recommendations for the assessment and management of sexual dysfunction in women with infertility.


Subject(s)
Infertility, Female , Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological , Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological , Female , Humans , Infertility, Female/psychology , Infertility, Female/etiology , Sexual Behavior/physiology , Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological/etiology , Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological/therapy , Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological/etiology , Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological/therapy , Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological/psychology , Sexuality/physiology , Male
12.
Rev Int Androl ; 22(1): 23-28, 2024 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38735874

ABSTRACT

Assess the long-term outcome on cosmetic appearance, voiding, sexual function, and psychological impact of young adults operated by urethral advance (UA) technique in childhood. Patients over 14 years old, who underwent UA hypospadias repair in our centre (2000-2010) were evaluated. All patients presented mid-distal hypospadias with subcoronal or penile meatus and curvature lower than 20°. The cosmetic appearance, urinary and sexual function, body perception and overall satisfaction were assessed through 5 questionnaires. From 2000 to 2010, 143 children underwent UA hypospadias repair. 36 patients between 14 and 27 years were evaluated. The Hypospadias Objective Penile Evaluation (HOPE) showed an average of 8.75 (+/- 0.97), which indicates a good aesthetic result. Voiding dysfunction symptoms were assessed through the American Urological Association Symptom Index (AUASI) where 80.6% had none or mild symptoms and 19.4% had moderate symptoms. Only 11/36 patients were sexually active, according to the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15) scale, none had erectile dysfunction, and their relationships were satisfactory. Assessment of the body perception through the Genital Perception Scale (GPS) was positive or very positive in 88.9% of the patients. However, the perception of their genitals was positive or very positive in 77.8%, there is a negative correlation between the perception of their body and genitals in 13.9% of the patients. Our results indicate that UA technique for hypospadias repair might be a valid option for the correction of mid-distal hypospadias when indicated.


Subject(s)
Hypospadias , Patient Satisfaction , Urethra , Humans , Hypospadias/surgery , Hypospadias/psychology , Male , Adolescent , Urethra/surgery , Adult , Young Adult , Follow-Up Studies , Treatment Outcome , Urologic Surgical Procedures, Male/methods , Surveys and Questionnaires , Sexual Behavior/physiology
14.
Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil ; 30(2): 37-53, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38799605

ABSTRACT

Background: Sexual dysfunction is highly prevalent in males with spinal cord injury (SCI) and has been recognized to be a key recovery priority. Objectives: This cross-sectional, mixed-methods study aimed to investigate the major themes linked to sexual functioning in males with chronic (>1 year) SCI. Methods: Twenty male participants with SCI, aged 25 to 59 years, completed validated questionnaires exploring sexual function/satisfaction and health-related quality of life and a semi-structured interview with an experienced sexual medicine physician. Sex hormone concentrations and metabolic biomarkers, along with body composition and habitual physical activity levels, were assessed. Interview recordings were transcribed and thematic analysis performed using combined COM-B (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, and Behavior) and biopsychosocial models to identify and organize major contributors and barriers to sexual functioning. Results: Metabolic and hormonal biomarkers largely fell within normal physiological ranges despite reduced sexual functioning reported in our cohort (19/20 participants reported some degree of erectile dysfunction). Qualitative analysis of interview transcripts revealed 24 themes. Adaptability was important for improving sexual satisfaction. Attraction and attentiveness to sex and partners remained stable over time, while the desire for intimacy increased post injury. Sexual social norms, and comparisons to the able-bodied population, provided challenges for sexual activity and partnership. Environmental concerns regarding access to sexual health resources and accessible physical spaces during intimacy were relevant. Mood disorders and general life stressors negatively impacted sexual desire, while physical activity encouraged sexual activity. Conclusion: By considering a holistic view of sexuality in males with SCI, we identified key contributors and barriers to sexual functioning for the cohort studied.


Subject(s)
Quality of Life , Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological , Spinal Cord Injuries , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Adult , Cross-Sectional Studies , Spinal Cord Injuries/psychology , Spinal Cord Injuries/complications , Spinal Cord Injuries/physiopathology , Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological/etiology , Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological/psychology , Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological/physiopathology , Sexual Behavior/physiology , Sexual Behavior/psychology , Sexuality/physiology , Sexuality/psychology , Surveys and Questionnaires
15.
J Sex Med ; 21(6): 539-547, 2024 May 28.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38582607

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Models depicting sexual desire as responsive to sexual arousal may be particularly apt for women experiencing arousal or desire difficulties, and the degree to which arousal triggers desire may depend on the relationship context and desire target and timing-yet, these associations have not been directly tested among women with and without sexual interest/arousal disorder (SIAD). AIM: To assess the role of SIAD status and relationship satisfaction in the associations between genital arousal and 4 types of responsive desire. METHODS: One hundred women (n = 27 meeting diagnostic criteria for SIAD) in romantic relationships with men viewed a sexual film (pleasurable intimate depiction of oral sex and penile-vaginal intercourse) while their genital arousal was recorded via vaginal photoplethysmography (n = 63) or thermal imaging of the labia (n = 37). Partner and solitary desire was assessed immediately before and after the film (immediate desire) and 3 days later (delayed desire). OUTCOMES: Outcomes consisted of genital response (z scored by method) and associations between genital response and responsive sexual desire. RESULTS: The key difference between women with and without SIAD was not in their ability to experience genital arousal but in how their genital responses translated to responsive sexual desire. Women with SIAD actually exhibited greater genital arousal than unaffected women. Associations between genital arousal and desire were significant only for women with SIAD and depended on relationship satisfaction and desire type. For women with SIAD with low relationship satisfaction, higher arousal predicted lower immediate desire for a partner; for those with high relationship satisfaction, arousal was either positively related (vaginal photoplethysmography) or unrelated (thermal imaging of the labia) to immediate desire for a partner. Associations with other desire types were not significant. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Patterns of genital arousal and partner-specific responsive desire among women affected with SIAD were indicative of an avoidance model in response to heightened genital arousal, unless relationship satisfaction was high; attending to genital arousal sensations could be a means of triggering sexual desire for women with SIAD who are satisfied in their relationships. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: This is one of the first sexual psychophysiologic studies to connect relationship factors to patterns of sexual response. The differing arousal assessment procedures and lack of official diagnosis may have attenuated results. The homogeneous sample and in-person session requirement limit generalizability. CONCLUSION: When compared with unaffected women, women affected by SIAD may exhibit stronger arousal responses with sufficiently incentivized sexual stimuli, and the connection between their genital arousal and responsive desire for their partners may be stronger and more dependent on relationship context.


Subject(s)
Libido , Photoplethysmography , Sexual Arousal , Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological , Humans , Female , Adult , Libido/physiology , Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological/physiopathology , Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological/psychology , Vagina/physiopathology , Young Adult , Personal Satisfaction , Sexual Partners/psychology , Sexual Behavior/physiology , Sexual Behavior/psychology
16.
J Int Med Res ; 52(4): 3000605241244762, 2024 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38676541

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional study aimed to explore the association between non-penetrative sexual activities (NPSA) and depression levels in women diagnosed with vaginismus. METHODS: A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted between March 2016 and June 2019, after approval by the Firat University Faculty of Medicine ethics committee. Participants comprised married women referred to our female sexual dysfunction outpatient clinic with vaginismus. Diagnosis of vaginismus was established following comprehensive evaluations, including gynecological examination and psychiatric assessment. Sociodemographic data and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores were collected. We compared depression levels between women who engaged in NPSA and those who did not. RESULTS: Of the 75 women with primary vaginismus included in the study, 18 did not engage in any NPSA and 57 engaged in at least one NPSA. The average BDI score of those who engaged in NPSA was significantly lower than those who did not. A negative correlation was found between the number of NPSA engaged in and BDI scores (r = -0.494). CONCLUSIONS: Women with vaginismus had high depression scores, but engaging in NPSA was associated with lower depression levels. The findings suggest that incorporating NPSA into clinical interventions may be beneficial for managing depression in women with vaginismus.


Subject(s)
Depression , Sexual Behavior , Vaginismus , Humans , Female , Cross-Sectional Studies , Adult , Depression/psychology , Vaginismus/psychology , Vaginismus/physiopathology , Retrospective Studies , Sexual Behavior/psychology , Sexual Behavior/physiology , Middle Aged , Young Adult , Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
17.
Neurosci Biobehav Rev ; 161: 105679, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38642866

ABSTRACT

In this mini-review, we summarize the brain distribution of aromatase, the enzyme catalyzing the synthesis of estrogens from androgens, and the mechanisms responsible for regulating estrogen production within the brain. Understanding this local synthesis of estrogens by neurons is pivotal as it profoundly influences various facets of social behavior. Neuroestrogen action spans from the initial processing of socially pertinent sensory cues to integrating this information with an individual's internal state, ultimately resulting in the manifestation of either pro-affiliative or - aggressive behaviors. We focus here in particular on aggressive and sexual behavior as the result of correct individual recognition of intruders and potential mates. The data summarized in this review clearly point out the crucial role of locally synthesized estrogens in facilitating rapid adaptation to the social environment in rodents and birds of both sexes. These observations not only shed light on the evolutionary significance but also indicate the potential implications of these findings in the realm of human health, suggesting a compelling avenue for further investigation.


Subject(s)
Estrogens , Social Behavior , Animals , Humans , Estrogens/metabolism , Aromatase/metabolism , Brain/physiology , Brain/metabolism , Recognition, Psychology/physiology , Sexual Behavior, Animal/physiology , Sexual Behavior/physiology
18.
Horm Behav ; 162: 105542, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38636206

ABSTRACT

Previous research on the endogenous effects of ovarian hormones on motivational states in women has focused on sexual motivation. The Motivational Priority Shifts Hypothesis has a broader scope. It predicts a shift from somatic to reproductive motivation when fertile. In a highly powered preregistered online diary study across 40 days, we tested whether 390 women report such an ovulatory shift in sexual and eating motivation and behaviour. We compared 209 naturally cycling women to 181 women taking hormonal contraceptives (HC) to rule out non-ovulatory changes across the cycle as confounders. We found robust ovulatory decreases in food intake and increases in general sexual desire, in-pair sexual desire and initiation of dyadic sexual behaviour. Extra-pair sexual desire increased mid-cycle, but the effect did not differ significantly in HC women, questioning an ovulatory effect. Descriptively, solitary sexual desire and behaviour, dyadic sexual behaviour, appetite, and satiety showed expected mid-cycle changes that were diminished in HC women, but these failed to reach our strict preregistered significance level. Our results provide insight into current theoretical debates about ovulatory cycle shifts while calling for future research to determine motivational mechanisms behind ovulatory changes in food intake and considering romantic partners' motivational states to explain the occurrence of dyadic sexual behaviour.


Subject(s)
Menstrual Cycle , Motivation , Ovulation , Sexual Behavior , Humans , Female , Motivation/physiology , Ovulation/physiology , Ovulation/psychology , Adult , Sexual Behavior/physiology , Sexual Behavior/psychology , Young Adult , Menstrual Cycle/physiology , Menstrual Cycle/psychology , Eating/physiology , Eating/psychology , Libido/physiology , Libido/drug effects , Adolescent , Appetite/physiology , Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal/pharmacology
19.
Horm Behav ; 162: 105546, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38640590

ABSTRACT

Many women experience sexual side effects, such as decreased libido, when taking hormonal contraceptives (HCs). However, little is known about the extent to which libido recovers after discontinuing HCs, nor about the timeframe in which recovery is expected to occur. Given that HCs suppress the activities of multiple endogenous hormones that regulate both the ovulatory cycle and women's sexual function, resumption of cycles should predict libido recovery. Here, using a combination of repeated and retrospective measures, we examined changes in sexual desire and partner attraction (among partnered women) across a three-month period in a sample of Natural Cycles users (Survey 1: n = 1596; Survey 2: n = 550) who recently discontinued HCs. We also tested whether changes in these outcomes coincided with resumption of the ovulatory cycle and whether they were associated with additional factors related to HC use (e.g., duration of HC use) or relationship characteristics (e.g., relationship length). Results revealed that both sexual desire and partner attraction, on average, increased across three months after beginning to use Natural Cycles. While the prediction that changes in sexual desire would co-occur with cycle resumption was supported, there was also evidence that libido continued to increase even after cycles resumed. Together, these results offer new insights into relationships between HC discontinuation and women's sexual psychology and lay the groundwork for future research exploring the mechanisms underlying these effects.


Subject(s)
Libido , Menstrual Cycle , Sexual Behavior , Humans , Female , Libido/drug effects , Libido/physiology , Adult , Menstrual Cycle/physiology , Menstrual Cycle/psychology , Young Adult , Sexual Behavior/physiology , Sexual Behavior/drug effects , Sexual Behavior/psychology , Sexual Partners/psychology , Mobile Applications , Longitudinal Studies , Retrospective Studies , Adolescent , Contraceptive Agents, Hormonal/administration & dosage , Contraceptive Agents, Hormonal/pharmacology
20.
Horm Behav ; 161: 105522, 2024 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38447330

ABSTRACT

Testosterone plays an important role as a social hormone. Current evidence suggests that testosterone is positively related to sociosexuality increasing the psychological attitudes toward investing in short-term versus long-term mating and promotes status-seeking behaviors both by dominance and prestige. In addition, the social environment may play an important role in the expression of mating effort through changes in sociosexuality and status-seeking behaviors. However, the causal relationships among the mentioned variables are still debated. We employed a double-blind, placebo-controlled within-individual design, in order to test and integrate the proposed causal relationships between testosterone and social environment over short-term and long-term mating orientation and dominant and prestigious status-seeking behaviors in a sample of 95 young Chilean men. We did not find evidence that the administration of exogenous testosterone increased short-term or decreased long-term mating orientation as expected. Moreover, exogenous testosterone did not affect either aggressive or cooperative behavior failing to support the social status hypothesis. We also did not find any relationship between short or long-term mating orientation with status-seeking behaviors. Finally, we found support for the effect of social environment on sociosexual attitudes but not over status-seeking behaviors. Thus, men reported higher levels of short-term mating orientation in the presence of a woman compared to a man and no differences were found for long-term mating orientation. We argue that sociosexuality may be expressed flexibly, but contextual factors such as the presence of women seem more important than changes in testosterone levels.


Subject(s)
Social Environment , Testosterone , Adolescent , Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Young Adult , Chile , Double-Blind Method , Sexual Behavior/physiology , Sexual Behavior/psychology , Social Behavior , Social Dominance
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