Levels Of Sexual Desire Research Articles

Perception of men's beauty and attractiveness by women with low sexual desire.

Despite the high prevalence of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), especially among women, this sexual disorder remains poorly understood. Among the multiple factors possibly involved in HSDD, particularities in the cognitive evaluations of social stimuli need to be better characterized. Especially, beauty and attractiveness judgments, two dimensions of interpersonal perception that are related but differ on their underlying motivational aspects, may vary according to the level of sexual desire. The main goal of this study was to investigate whether women with and without HSDD differ in their evaluations of beauty and attractiveness of men's faces and voices. Young women from the general population (controls, n = 16) and with HSDD (patients, n = 16) took part in the study. They were presented with a series of neutral/nonerotic voices and faces of young men from the GEneva Faces And Voices database. Ratings of beauty (i.e., assessments of aesthetic pleasure) and of attractiveness (i.e., assessments of the personal propensity to feel attracted to someone) and the frequency to which the participants pressed a key to see or listen to each stimulus again were the main outcome measures. Ratings of attractiveness were lower than ratings of beauty in both groups of women. The dissociation between beauty and attractiveness was larger in women with HSDD than in control participants. Patients gave lower attractiveness ratings than the controls and replayed the stimuli significantly less often. These results suggest that women with HSDD are characterized by specific alterations of the motivational component of men's perception, very early in the process of interpersonal relationships. Our findings have significant implications, both in better understanding the specific cognitive processes underlying hypoactive sexual desire and more largely the evaluative processes involved in human mate choice.

Erectile dysfunction and phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor use: associations with sexual activities, function and satisfaction in a population sample of older men.

The objective of this study was to examine the association between sexual activities, problems and satisfaction, and ED and PDE5 inhibitor (PDE5i) use. A nationally representative sample of men (n=2612) aged 51-87 years from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing completed an in-depth Sexual Relationships and Activities Questionnaire. Associations between ED and/or PDE5i use and sexual outcomes were explored using logistic regression models adjusted for age, health and lifestyle factors. PDE5i use in the preceding 3 months was reported by a total of 191 (7%) men, whereas 542 (21%) reported ED but no PDE5i use (untreated ED). Compared with men without ED, PDE5i users were more likely to be sexually active and report more frequent sexual intercourse. Men with untreated ED reported the lowest frequency of sexual activities. Compared with men without ED, both PDE5i users and those with untreated ED were more likely to report being concerned about their level of sexual desire, frequency of sexual activities, erectile function, waking erections and orgasmic experience. PDE5i users were also more concerned about and dissatisfied with their overall sex life than men without ED. This population-based study shows that while PDE5i use is associated with improved sexual functioning, this is not equally reflected in decreased levels of concern and dissatisfaction with their overall sexual health. Clinicians should be aware of this disparity between functional gains and continuing sexual concerns and dissatisfaction, and, where appropriate, offer psychosexual counselling as an adjunct to PDE5i medication.

Low sexual desire in women: amongst the confusion, could distress hold the key?

With the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM-5) recently released, there has been important debate as to what constitutes low sexual desire/low sexual interest in women and how best to operationalise this construct. A new set of diagnostic criteria has been included for women who present with concerns relating to their level of desire. However, inherent to the diagnosis of “abnormal” or low level of sexual desire or interest, is the notion that there is a “normal” or average level of desire. Given that low desire is present in as many as 55% of women, it is possible that variations in desire levels may be a normative response to life circumstances. Increasing desire level has traditionally been the focus of therapy when individuals and couples experiencing desire problems present for treatment. However, this goal has proven difficult to achieve. Recent research investigating the distress associated with low desire, rather than low desire itself, may encourage a new line of potential treatment targets to address distress, as well as improve relationship quality. This paper will highlight the gaps in our understanding of this construct, outlining the seminal research conducted within the field, and offering support for new directions of enquiry.

A study of possible associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms in the estrogen receptor 2 gene and female sexual desire.

Female sexual desire and arousal problems have been shown to have a heritable component of moderate size. Previous molecular genetic studies on sexual desire have mainly focused on genes associated with neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. Nevertheless, there is reason to believe that hormones with more specific functions concerning sexuality could have an impact on sexual desire and arousal. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible effects of 17 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in estrogen receptor genes on female sexual desire and subjective and genital arousal (lubrication). Based on previous research, we hypothesized that ESR1 and ESR2 are relevant genes that contribute to female sexual desire and arousal. The desire, arousal, and lubrication subdomains of the Female Sexual Function Index self-report questionnaire were used. The present study involved 2,448 female twins and their sisters aged 18-49 who had submitted saliva samples for genotyping. The participants were a subset from a large-scale, population-based sample. We found nominally significant main effects on sexual desire for three ESR2 -linked SNPs when controlled for anxiety, suggesting that individuals homozygous for the G allele of the rs1271572 SNP, and the A allele of the rs4986938 and rs928554 SNPs had lower levels of sexual desire. The rs4986938 SNP also had a nominally significant effect on lubrication. No effects for any of the SNPs on subjective arousal could be detected. The number of nominally significant results for SNPs in the ESR2 gene before correcting for multiple testing suggests that further studies on the possible influence of this gene on interindividual variation in female sexual functioning are warranted. In contrast, no support for an involvement of ESR1 was obtained. Our results should be interpreted with caution until replicated in independent, large samples.

Sexual Health and Well-being Among Older Men and Women in England: Findings from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing.

We describe levels of sexual activity, problems with sexual functioning, and concerns about sexual health among older adults in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), and associations with age, health, and partnership factors. Specifically, a total of 6,201 core ELSA participants (56% women) aged 50 to >90 completed a comprehensive Sexual Relationships and Activities questionnaire (SRA-Q) included in ELSA Wave 6 (2012/13). The prevalence of reporting any sexual activity in the last year declined with age, with women less likely than men at all ages to report being sexually active. Poorer health was associated with lower levels of sexual activity and a higher prevalence of problems with sexual functioning, particularly among men. Difficulties most frequently reported by sexually active women related to becoming sexually aroused (32%) and achieving orgasm (27%), while for men it was erectile function (39%). Sexual health concerns most commonly reported by women related to their level of sexual desire (11%) and frequency of sexual activities (8%). Among men it was level of sexual desire (15%) and erectile difficulties (14%). While the likelihood of reporting sexual health concerns tended to decrease with age in women, the opposite was seen in men. Poor sexual functioning and disagreements with a partner about initiating and/or feeling obligated to have sex were associated with greater concerns about and dissatisfaction with overall sex life. Levels of sexual activity decline with increasing age, although a sizable minority of men and women remain sexually active until the eighth and ninth decades of life. Problems with sexual functioning were relatively common, but overall levels of sexual health concerns were much lower. Sexually active men reported higher levels of concern with their sexual health and sexual dissatisfaction than women at all ages. Older peoples' sexual health should be managed, not just in the context of their age, gender, and general health, but also within their existing sexual relationship.

The object of sexual desire: examining the "what" in "what do you desire?".

Over the past two decades, sexual desire and desire discrepancy have become more frequently studied as have potential pharmaceutical interventions to treat low sexual desire. However, the complexities of sexual desire-including what exactly is desired-remain poorly understood. To understand the object of men's and women's sexual desire, evaluate gender differences and similarities in the object of desire, and examine the impact of object of desire discrepancies on overall desire for partner in men and women in the context of long-term relationships. A total of 406 individuals, 203 men and 203 women in a relationship with one another, completed an online survey on sexual desire. Reports of the object of sexual desire in addition to measures of sexual desire for current partner were collected from both members of the couple. There were significant gender differences in the object of sexual desire. Men were significantly more likely to endorse desire for sexual release, orgasm, and pleasing their partner than were women. Women were significantly more likely to endorse desire for intimacy, emotional closeness, love, and feeling sexually desirable than men. Discrepancies within the couple with regard to object of desire were related to their level of sexual desire for partner, accounting for 17% of variance in men's desire and 37% of variance in women's desire. This research provides insights into the conceptualization of sexual desire in long-term relationships and the multifaceted nature of sexual desire that may aid in more focused ways to maintain desire over long-term relationships. Future research on the utility of this perspective of sexual desire and implications for clinicians working with couples struggling with low sexual desire in their relationships is discussed.

Attitudinal survey of women living with low sexual desire.

Survey data provide evidence that low sexual desire is commonly reported among pre- and postmenopausal women. About 10% of women with low sexual desire experience related personal distress. This survey assessed women's attitudes toward the condition and how it affects personal relationships, along with level of awareness of low sexual desire as a medical condition and treatment-seeking history. The online survey was conducted in a convenience sample of 450 pre- and postmenopausal women aged 20 to 60 years with self-described low sexual desire and related distress. The percentage reported is the ratio of responses over number of respondents for each point on visual analogy scales or option(s) on multiple-choice questions. Twenty-seven percent of premenopausal and 34% of postmenopausal women were very dissatisfied with their current sexual desire level. Over 70% attributed personal and interpersonal difficulties to low sexual desire, most often negative impacts on body image and self-confidence. Feeling "less connectedness" was the most frequently selected impact on partner relationships. Approximately 90% of respondents would like to have or desire sex more often; 95% believed that one or two more satisfying sexual experiences per month would be meaningful. Most respondents did not realize that distressing low sexual desire was a treatable medical condition and had never mentioned their low sexual desire to health care providers. Despite reporting negative impacts of low sexual desire and a desire for more frequent sex, most women had not sought medical help. These results add to the evolving recognition of the importance of sexual functioning in women's lives.

Psychosexual aspects of vulvovaginal pain

Vulvovaginal pain problems are major health concerns in women of childbearing age. Controlled studies have shown that vulvovaginal pain can adversely affect women and their partners' general psychological well-being, relationship adjustment, and overall quality of life. These women have significantly lower levels of sexual desire, arousal, and satisfaction, as well as a lower intercourse frequency than normal controls. They also report more anxiety and depression, in addition to more distress about their body image and genital self-image. Empirical studies indicate that specific psychological and relationship factors may increase vulvovaginal pain intensity and its psychosexual sequelae. Randomized clinical trials have shown that psychosexual interventions, namely cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), are efficacious in reducing vulvovaginal pain and improving associated psychosexual outcomes. Women reporting significant psychological, sexual, and/or relationship distress should be referred for psychosexual treatment. A multimodal approach to care integrating psychosexual and medical management is thought to be optimal.

Vicarious trauma and decreased sexual desire: A hidden hazard of helping others.

Vicarious trauma is a significant occupational hazard for behavioral health clinicians (BHCs), with potentially negative effects on the quality of personal life and interpersonal relationships. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between vicarious trauma (Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale) and sexual desire (Hurlbert Index of Sexual Desire). The constructivist self-development theory (CSDT) was the foundational study theory. The sample consisted of 163 volunteers selected from the Missouri Substance Abuse Professional Credentialing Board (MSAPCB). Years of professional experience, sexual trauma history, gender, and age were computed as covariates. Bivariate correlations and multiple linear regression were utilized. A modest, yet significant inverse relationship was found between vicarious trauma and sexual desire, r 0.24, p .002. Implications are negative dynamics to BHCs’ service provision and personal lives. The results indicate that BHCs struggling with vicarious trauma may also notice a decrease in their level of sexual desire.

MP32-02 BURDEN AND CHARACTERISTICS OF DECREASED SEXUAL DESIRE AND ORGASMIC DYSFUNCTION IN MEN WITH TYPE 1 DIABETES IN THE DIABETES CONTROL AND COMPLICATIONS TRIAL/EPIDEMIOLOGY OF DIABETES INTERVENTIONS AND COMPLICATIONS STUDY (DCCT/EDIC)

MP32-02 BURDEN AND CHARACTERISTICS OF DECREASED SEXUAL DESIRE AND ORGASMIC DYSFUNCTION IN MEN WITH TYPE 1 DIABETES IN THE DIABETES CONTROL AND COMPLICATIONS TRIAL/EPIDEMIOLOGY OF DIABETES INTERVENTIONS AND COMPLICATIONS STUDY (DCCT/EDIC)

The Impact of Childbirth on Sexual Functioning in Women With Episiotomy

Objective:  To compare the pregnancy period with the postpartum period, and infer if the presence of episiotomy interferes with the experience of female sexuality after childbirth. Method: This is an exploratory and descriptive, quantitative study. A non-probability, convenience sample of 108 women in the first stage (during pregnancy), and of 93 women in the second stage (after birth), was gathered in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Service of a Portuguese hospital. The Female Sexual Function Index and a socio-demographic/clinical questionnaire were used for data collection. Results:  Women that had an episiotomy/episiorrhaphy presented higher mean levels of sexual satisfaction after birth, lower mean levels of sexual desire, sexual arousal, and vaginal lubrication after delivery. Regarding the orgasm, they presented higher mean levels in the postpartum period. Statistical significant differences were found regarding the pain levels, as women with episiotomy presented a significantly higher intensity of pain during sexual intercourse after childbirth than during the pregnancy. Conclusion: The overall sexual function after childbirth did not present significant differences when compared to the pregnancy period. However, there was an exception regarding the pain, which was significantly higher in the postpartum period.

Sexual Dysfunction in Perianal Crohnʼs Disease

Purpose: Crohn's disease (CD) typically presents in adolescence or young adulthood, and is characterized by a chronic disease course with intermittent exacerbations of symptoms followed by periods of remission. Perianal complications are estimated to affect 35-45% of patients with CD. Our objective is to investigate an association between sexual dysfunction in patients with perianal CD. Methods: A pilot survey study was conducted using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Colitis Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (SIBDQ). Informed consent was obtained from all participants. Participants were identified by diagnosis code and gender. Chart review was used to identify patients with perianal CD; CD patients without perianal involvement constituted the control group. Retrospective chart review was done on all patients who returned the surveys to obtain demographic and disease activity information. Results: Eighty-five patients with perianal CD and 150 CD patients without perianal involvement were identified. The response rates were 12% and 7.3%, respectively. Both groups were similar in age, duration of disease, and had comparable SIBDQ scores. Of the 10 perianal CD respondents, five reported no attempts at vaginal penetration within the last 4 weeks, and two reported no sexual activity (defined caressing, foreplay, masturbation, and vaginal intercourse) in the last 2 weeks preceding the survey. The total FSFI score in the perianal CD patients was lower (23.6) compared to the control group (25.7), suggestive that patients with perianal CD may have a higher level of sexual dysfunction, but this was not statistically significant (p=0.58). Both groups have lower FSFI scores than normal subjects without CD, whose total FSFI score is typically 30. Conclusion: Women with CD report low levels of sexual intercourse and dissatisfaction with level of sexual desire. Survey results suggest that women with perianal CD may have a greater degree of sexual dysfunction than CD patients without perianal involvement; however, further larger scale studies are needed to determine if significant changes in sexual dysfunction exist.

Prevalence of Women’s Sexual Desire Problems: What Criteria Do We Use?

Problems of sexual desire are often cited as the most prevalent of the female sexual dysfunctions. Despite this finding, considerable variability exists when comparing prevalence figures across studies, highlighting the inconsistency in how these problems are defined and therefore measured. The current study was designed to determine how the prevalence estimates of women's sexual desire problems varied according to the diagnostic criteria adopted to define such problems. The sample consisted of 741 women from Australia, the Americas, Europe, and Asia. Participants were between 18 and 71 years of age and were involved in a heterosexual relationship spanning between 3 months and 49 years duration. Sexual desire problems were defined using a variety of criteria, including (1) meeting DSM-IV-TR criteria for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), (2) meeting DSM-IV-TR criteria for HSDD, removing the sexual thoughts/fantasy requirement, (3) self-identified "lack of sexual interest," and (4) low average ratings of sexual desire levels, as assessed using the female sexual desire questionnaire. The prevalence of sexual desire problems varied from 3.0 to 31.0% depending upon the criteria used to define such problems. It is important to reach a consensus with regard to the criteria used to define sexual desire problems, in order to standardize and compare studies investigating these problems. How women's sexual desire problems are conceptualized has implications for their treatment. Therapists may or may not need to address absent sexual thoughts/fantasies and may be working with low normative levels of desire versus subjective evaluations of low desire.

Differences in sexual desire between women with clinical versus biochemical signs of hyperandrogenism in polycystic ovarian syndrome

The role androgens play in female sexual desire remains unclear. We investigated whether androgen sensitivity or elevated androgen levels contributed to sexual desire using a motivational model of sexual desire. Eighty-five women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) were categorized depending on whether they exhibited clinical symptoms of androgen sensitivity or high biochemical androgen levels. Additionally, instead of looking at desire as a uniform construct, we divided desire based on the reasons why women experienced desire, thus distinguishing desire to have sex for relational purposes from the desire to have sex for mating selection or physical pleasure. Findings confirmed that clinical signs suggesting sensitivity to androgen levels, but not biological levels of androgens per se predicted levels of sexual desire. Moreover, in agreement with our hypothesis, we found support for a relationship between androgen sensitivity and some, but not other aspects of sexual desire. Cues that are most closely related to mating selection were significantly associated with androgen sensitivity, but not cues associated with desiring sex to feel emotionally close or create a love bonding with a partner. This study presents a new way to investigate desire and shows some preliminary findings on the importance to consider androgen sensitivity when investigating the relationship between sexual desire and hormones.

The impact of childbirth on female sexuality

Objective: To compare variables related to sexual functioning, namely: sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, pain, sexual satisfaction and sexual function in women during the pregnancy and 3 months after delivery. Methods : This is an exploratory and descriptive, quantitative study. A non-probability, convenience sample of 62 women in the first stage, and of 52 women in the second stage, was used. The two groups were not significantly different regarding socio-demographic aspects. The main outcome measures used were the female sexual function as assessed by the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and a Socio-demographic and Clinical Questionnaire. Results: The women presented higher mean levels of sexual satisfaction after birth, than during the pregnancy presenting statistically significant differences. Also they had lower mean levels of sexual desire, sexual arousal and vaginal lubrication after delivery. Regarding the orgasm, they presented higher mean levels in the postpartum period. The overall sexual function after childbirth did not present significant differences when comparing the pregnancy period to the postpartum, but presented higher mean levels during the pregnancy. Pain levels were higher during the pregnancy. Conclusion: We found no significant differences between the two groups, in most of the studied variables. However, Sexual Arousal and Sexual Satisfaction presented statistically significant differences.

Sex Guilt Mediates the Relationship Between Religiosity and Sexual Desire in East Asian and Euro-Canadian College-Aged Women

Research has examined the relationship between religiosity and sexuality but few studies have explored the mechanisms by which sexual variables are influenced by religiosity. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the role of sex guilt in the relationship between religiosity and sexual desire in women. Euro-Canadian (n = 178) and East Asian (n = 361) female university students completed a battery of questionnaires. Higher levels of religious fundamentalism, intrinsic religiosity and spirituality were associated with higher levels of sex guilt in both ethnic groups. Paranormal belief was not associated with sex guilt in either ethnic group. The Euro-Canadian women reported significantly higher levels of sexual desire and significantly less sex guilt than the East Asian women. Among the Euro-Canadian women, sex guilt mediated the relationships between spirituality and sexual desire, and fundamentalism and sexual desire; among the East Asian women, sex guilt mediated the relationships between spirituality and sexual desire, fundamentalism and sexual desire, and intrinsic religiosity and sexual desire. These findings suggest that sex guilt may be one mechanism by which religiosity affects sexual desire among women.

Couple relationship problems and sexual dysfunctions: therapeutic guidelines

SummarySex is central to most intimate relationships, and there is inevitably a two-way interaction between sex and intimacy. Sex is a physical, a psychological and an interpersonal event, and treatment of sexual problems should take account of all three aspects. Couple relationship problems that can affect sexual interaction include pervasive hostility, poor communication, lack of trust and disparate levels of sexual desire. Therapists should be able to manage therapy sessions with both partners present, without taking sides, and treating the relationship, rather than either individual, as the ‘client’. They should be able to balance the physical approach to problems with managing relationship issues and the partners' individual psychological problems. Techniques are recommended for understanding and modifying the couple relationship during therapy, as well as for dealing with specific sexual problems using a behavioural systems approach.

MILFS and Matrons: Images and Realities of Mothers’ Sexuality

Motherhood and sexual appeal are rarely linked in Western culture. There seems to be a notion that once a woman has children she is first and foremost an example, and must be responsible and conservative in a culturally specific way. Most women become mothers at some point in their lives and this is a major physical, emotional, and role transition, one that many women struggle with privately given societal ideals of a “good” mother. Despite its essential role in motherhood and life, and the health benefits known to be associated with sexual activity, public expression of sexuality is still primarily associated with being young, childless, and unmarried. Using a social constructionist perspective, we look at the ways in which acceptable expressions of mothers’ sexuality are defined and negotiated by contemporary women. Based on in-depth interviews with fifty women in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, we discuss women’s images of mothers’ sexuality and the ways in which motherhood impacts women’s experiences of sexuality. We find that for most mothers interviewed, the way they felt about sex, their sexual appeal, and their level of sexual desire changed after having children. Coupled with the fatigue and responsibility associated with being a new mother, women felt disconnected from their sexuality for a period of time.

Sexual desire in female-to-male transsexual persons: exploration of the role of testosterone administration

ObjectiveTo describe sexual desire in female-to-male transsexual persons post sex reassignment surgery (SRS). The associations between serum androgen levels and sexual desire are examined.DesignSingle center cross-sectional study.MethodsForty-five female-to-male transsexual persons post SRS completed a standardized questionnaire assessing sexual desire (Sexual Desire Inventory). In addition, participants were asked questions on sexual desire before starting hormone treatment and having SRS. Serum levels of testosterone, LH and sex hormone-binding globulin were measured on fasting morning serum samples.ResultsIn retrospect, 73.9% of the participants reported an increase in sexual desire after hormone treatment and SRS. Solitary sexual desire scores were significantly correlated with frequency of masturbation (r=0.835;P<0.001), whereas frequency of sexual intercourse with a partner was not. No direct associations were found between testosterone and solitary or dyadic sexual desire. However, ANOVA showed an independent effect of LH on solitary sexual desire (P<0.001).Post hocanalysis revealed that female-to-male transsexual persons with elevated levels of LH, indicating suboptimal testosterone therapy, reported significantly lower solitary sexual desire levels (than those with low LH levels;P=0.007). Suppressed LH levels were also associated with having a higher need for sexual activities (P=0.009) and a higher frequency of excessive sexual desire (P=0.007).ConclusionMost female-to-male transsexual persons report on a marked increase in sexual desire after testosterone treatment and SRS. No direct associations between levels of testosterone and solitary or dyadic sexual desire were found. However, measures of sexual desire were inversely associated with LH levels.

Demographic and Psychological Factors Related to Sexual Desire among Heterosexual Women in a Relationship

This study examined demographic, psychological, and relationship factors that are associated with the experience of sexual desire in women. The contribution of other aspects of sexual function on sexual desire was also investigated. The participants were 741 partnered heterosexual women (mean age = 45.7 years), who completed the Female Sexual Desire Questionnaire online, which evaluated their levels of sexual desire, as well as a range of individual and dyadic variables. For each of the six aspects of sexual desire assessed, the number and frequency of problems in other aspects of women's sexual functioning were the most common predictors. The results demonstrated that sexual desire was lower among older, postmenopausal women and those who had been in their current relationship for a longer period of time. Women who reported that their partner experienced a sexual dysfunction also obtained lower sexual desire scores. These findings demonstrate the strong interrelationship between the different phases of the sexual response cycle for women. Further, they suggest that sexual dysfunction in one partner is likely to be associated with sexual dysfunction in the other partner. The clinical implications of these findings in terms of the treatment for sexual dysfunction among women (and their partners) are discussed.