How Do Early Life Experiences Modulate Sexual Function, Stress, and Pain? The Role of Serotonin in Sexual Function

Abstract

Healthy sexual functioning is an important contributor to individual and relational health and well-being. Sexual pain disorders can significantly negatively impact sexual function. Childhood maltreatment, especially sexual abuse, is associated with sexual dysfunctions in adulthood. The serotonin system appears to play a role in this association, as evidenced by both relationships with serotonin transporter gene mutations and sexual side effects of antidepressants which target the serotonin system. Recent research has focused on novel and successful treatments for sexual pain, including hormone treatment, physical therapy, surgical intervention, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). Diagnosis of sexual pain disorders, however, has been complicated by the discordant terminology advanced by different medical associations. Much research on sexual dysfunction does not discriminate pain from other dysfunctions, and additional research is needed to examine these relationships specifically with sexual pain.