Low Sexual Frequency Research Articles

Systemic immune-inflammatory index and its association with female sexual dysfunction, specifically low sexual frequency, in depressive patients: Results from NHANES 2005 to 2016.

Sexual dysfunction, particularly in females, is a complex issue influenced by various factors, including depression and inflammation. The Systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), an inflammatory biomarker, has shown associations with different health conditions, but its relationship with female sexual dysfunction (FSD) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between SII and FSD in the context of depression, utilizing low sexual frequency as an assessment indicator. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005 to 2016, involving 1042 depressed female participants, were analyzed. FSD, indicated by low sexual frequency, and SII, derived from complete blood count results, were assessed. Logistic regression and subgroup analyses were conducted, considering demographic and health-related factors. A total of 1042 individuals were included in our analysis; 11.5163% of participants were categorized as having FSD, which decreased with the higher SII tertiles (tertile 1, 13.8329%; tertile 2, 13.5447%; tertile 3, 7.1839%; p for trend < 0.0001). Multivariate linear regression analysis showed a significant negative association between SII and FSD [0.9993 (0.9987, 0.9999)]. This negative association in a subgroup analysis is distinctly and significantly present in the Mexican American subgroup [0.9959 (0.9923, 0.9996)], while it does not reach statistical significance in other racial categories. Furthermore, the association between SII and FSD was nonlinear; using a 2-segment linear regression model, we found a U-shaped relationship between SII and FSD with an inflection point of 2100 (1000 cells/µL). In summary, in depressed individuals, a higher SII is independently associated with a decreased likelihood of FSD, emphasizing the potential role of inflammation in female sexual health.

Connection Between Depression, Sexual Frequency, and All-cause Mortality: Findings from a Nationally Representative Study

We used the 2005–2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), constructed to evaluate health of adults in the United States using consolidated data from interviews and physical exams that were conducted to obtain data for this study. The analysis sample was representative of noninstitutionalized US adults aged 20–59 years. When considering sexual frequency, overall, only female participants with lower sexual frequency were at a higher risk of all-cause death in a dose-response manner with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.70 (95% CI 1.38–2.10, p trend &lt; .001) during the follow-up period. This relationship was not significant in males. However, when sexual frequency was categorized (&lt;52 times/year vs. ≥52 times/year), the adjusted HR was elevated [2.97 (CI 1.20–7.32, p = .02)] among individuals who had depression and low sexual frequency, but it was close to 1.0 (1.75, CI 0.50–6.07, p = .36) among individuals who had depression and high sexual frequency after adjusting for medical (obesity) and demographic (age, gender, education, and ethnicity) risk factors, indicating a 197% increase in mortality among individuals with low sexual frequency and depression than depression alone. Sexual activity is important for overall cardiovascular health possibly due to reduction of heart rate variability and blood flow increase.

Study of Sexuality in Women in Complete Release of Non-Metastatic Breast Cancer, About 30 Women

Introduction: Breast cancer is a public health problem because of its frequency and severity. This pathology affects the quality of life of the patient and causes physical, psychological, social and especially sexual sequelae. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of 30 patients followed for non-metastatic breast cancer at Monastir Maternity and Neonatal Center. Data collection was conducted using a fact sheet and two internationally validated scales: RSS (Relationship and sexuality) and BESAA (Body-Esteem Scale for Adolescents and Adults). Results: Sexual desire was affected by the disease and its treatments in fourteen patients. The ability to achieve orgasm was reduced in eighteen patients Fourteen patients felt less sexually attractive. Twenty one women reported a decrease in the frequency of sexual intercourse. Four women reported a fear of sex. Dyspareunia and vaginal dryness were present in six women. Women aged 35 to 39 years were significantly more afraid of having sex (p = 0.039) and less sexual frequency (p = 0.003) Hormone therapy was significantly correlated with sexual functioning impairment (p = 0.009) and lower sexual frequency (p = 0.017). Overall, the alteration of the body image was significantly and positively correlated with sexual fear (P = 0.011, r = + 0.46). Altered perception of appearance was significantly and positively correlated with sexual fear (p = 0.008, r = +0.477). The dissatisfaction with weight was significantly and positively correlated with sexual fear (P = 0.011, r = +0.45). Conclusion: Women with breast cancer suffer clear sexual sequelae. These women deserve adequate and collaborative care to ensure a better life.

First Adolescent Romantic and Sexual Experiences in Individuals With Differences of Sex Development/Intersex Conditions

PurposeAdolescence is an important period for sexual development, including sexual debut. The purpose of this study was to assess first romantic and sexual experiences and debut age in individuals with differences of sex development (DSD/intersex) and compare these with age-matched and gender-matched population control values. MethodsQuestionnaire data on sociodemographic characteristics, romantic and sexual milestones (e.g., masturbation, dating), satisfaction with sexual life and sexual activity at follow-up, self-esteem, and feelings of femininity or masculinity were collected from 976 participants in Europe with a DSD condition. Participants were divided into six diagnostic subgroups based on their diagnostic classification: women with Turner syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, 46XY-DSD nonvirilized, and 46XY-DSD female partially virilized conditions and men with 46XY-DSD male or Klinefelter syndrome. Age-specific and gender-specific reference values were retrieved from a Dutch population sample. ResultsIndividuals with DSD were less likely to reach each of the romantic and sexual milestones compared to their peers without these conditions and they were significantly older when reaching these milestones. Between clinical subgroups, individuals with Klinefelter were significantly older when reaching milestones and in the female groups and individuals with Turner were the least likely to reach milestones. Furthermore, a higher age when reaching several romantic and sexual milestones was correlated with lower self-esteem, lower satisfaction with sexual life, and lower sexual frequency at follow-up. DiscussionDue to a difference in biopsychosocial context, individuals with DSD often experience a different and/or delayed sexual development during adolescence. Healthcare providers should be aware of these differences in adolescents with DSD and their sexual development to optimize affirmative counseling.

Let’s Talk about Sleep Baby: Sexual Activity Postpartum and Its Links with Room Sharing, Parent Sleep, and Objectively Measured Infant Sleep and Parent Nighttime Crib Visits

ABSTRACT The postpartum period may pose a considerable challenge for both parent sleep and sexual activity. This study assessed the links between partnered sexual frequency and satisfaction postpartum and parent sleep, infant sleep, parent nighttime caregiving, and parent-infant room sharing. Participants were 897 parents of infants aged 1–18-months (M = 8.8 ± 4.3, 49% girls). Parents completed an online survey about their sexual frequency and satisfaction, sleep, relationship satisfaction, depression, and demographic characteristics. Infant sleep and parent nighttime crib visits were measured objectively using auto-videosomnography during 2-weeks, with 8,460 nights assessed. Results indicated that the frequency of partnered sexual activity was 3.8 ± 4.2 times per month. Frequency of sexual activity increased with infant age, yet increases beyond the first 6 months postpartum were non-significant. Adjusted GEE modeling revealed that more parent nighttime crib visits were significantly associated with lower sexual frequency, regardless of infant age. Other parent and infant sleep-related factors were not significantly linked with sexual frequency in adjusted models. Moreover, sexual satisfaction was not associated with parent nighttime caregiving, parent or infant sleep, or parent-infant sleeping arrangements in adjusted models, suggesting that it may not be susceptible to the effects of disrupted sleep in the postpartum period. These findings suggest that it is not infant or parent sleep disruption per se, but rather parent nighttime engagement with the infant that is associated with parent sexual activity frequency. Longitudinal investigations are warranted to examine the directional pathways of these links.

Fipronil and its metabolites in human seminal plasma from Shijiazhuang, north China

Fipronil (FP) is an emerging insecticide which could induce reproductive toxicity in male rats at very low dosage, but the occurrence of FP and its transformation products (FPs) in human seminal plasma and their impacts on human semen quality have not been documented. In this study, FPs including FP, fipronil desulfinyl (FP-DES), fipronil sulfone (FP-SFO), fipronil amide (FP-AM), and fipronil sulfide (FP-SFI), were measured in seminal plasma samples (n = 200), which were collected from Shijiazhuang, north China. The cumulative concentration of FPs (ΣFPs), in the seminal plasma samples ranged from 0.003 to 0.180 ng/mL (median: 0.043 ng/mL). FP-SFO was the major target analyte (median: 0.040 ng/mL), accounting for approximately 42.3–100.0% of the ΣFPs. Significantly higher exposure levels of FPs were found in the overweight or obese group (≥25 kg/m2) vs. the normal BMI group (18.5–25 kg/m2) (ΣFPs: 0.047 vs. 0.033 ng/mL), never smoking group vs. current smoking group (ΣFPs: 0.057 vs. 0.037 ng/mL), and low sexual frequency group (<1 time/week) vs. high sexual frequency group (≥3 times/week) (ΣFPs: 0.048 vs. 0.030 ng/mL). No significant association between FPs and impaired semen quality parameter was found in this study. This is the first time to report FPs' occurrence in human seminal plasma and variations in their concentrations among people with different demographic and behavioral characteristics. Further studies on adverse effects of exposure to FPs on reproductive function are needed.

Female Sexual Dysfunction as Measured by Low Sexual Frequency is Associated With Lower Socioeconomic Status: An Analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2007-2016

Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a complex disorder of biopsychosocial etiology, and FSD symptoms affect more than 40% of adult women worldwide. In this cross-sectional study, we sought to investigate the association between FSD and socioeconomic status (SES) in a nationally representative female adult population. Economic and sexual data for women aged 20-59 from the 2007-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a United States nationwide representative database, was analyzed. Poverty income ratio (PIR), a ratio of family income to poverty threshold, was used as a measure of SES, and low sexual frequency was used as a measure of FSD. The association between FSD and SES was analyzed using survey-weighted logistic regression after adjusting for relevant social and gynecologic covariates, such as marital status and history of pregnancy, as well as significant medical comorbidities. We found that FSD, as measured by low sexual frequency, was associated with lower SES. Among the 7,348 women of mean age 38.4 (IQR 29-47) included in the final analysis, 26.3% of participants reported sexual frequency of 0-11 times/year and 73.7% participants reported sexual frequency >11 times/year. Participants of PIR <2 were 92% more likely to report sexual frequency ≤11 times/year than those of PIR ≥2 after adjusting for demographics, social history, gynecologic history and significant medical conditions (OR=1.92; 95% CI=1.21-3.05; P < .006). The evaluation and treatment of FSD may benefit from a comprehensive approach that takes SES into account. This study is limited by its cross-sectional design, but it is strengthened by a large, nationally representative sample with extensive, standardized data ascertainment. Lower SES and lower sexual frequency are directly correlated among female adults in the United States; future studies should focus on social determinants of health as risk factors for FSD. Kim JI, Zhu D, Davila J, et al. Female Sexual Dysfunction as Measured by Low Sexual Frequency is Associated With Lower Socioeconomic Status: An Analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2007-2016. J Sex Med 2022;19:90-97.

Mental and Sexual Health of Polish Women of Reproductive Age During the COVID-19 Pandemic - An Online Survey.

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic can cause emotional distress, which can in turn lead to the development of mental and physical symptoms.AimWe examined the association of the COVID-19 outbreak and the mental, physical and sexual health of the female Polish population.MethodsData were collected in an online survey distributed on social media from April 22, 2020 through to May 7, 2020. The data collection began one month after the start of lockdown in Poland.Main Outcome MeasureWomen were asked to complete the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaires.ResultsOverall, 1644 women (median age 23 years) took part in the survey. They reported a lower frequency of sexual activity (P < .001) and a lower libido level (P < .001) during the pandemic then before it. 57.5% of the study group (n = 944) strongly agreed or agreed that fear of the health condition of loved ones was a source of stress and depressed mood. The average BDI-II total score was 11 (range 0-51; IQR 5-18), which corresponds to minimal depression. The average FSFI total score was 27.01 ± 7.61 (range 2-36). The FSFI and BDI scores were significantly correlated (P < .001). The FSFI score was significantly correlated with the presence of any comorbid chronic disease, the intensity of the fear of infection and fear of health conditions, perceived loneliness, and the being up to date with media news. The BDI score was significantly correlated with age, the intensity of the fear of infection and fear of health conditions, perceived loneliness, being up to date with media news, and the more frequent use of stimulants.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 lockdown setting was associated with a high occurrence of depressive symptoms and increased risk of sexual dysfunction with decreased libido and lower sexual frequency the most commonly reported issues.Szuster E, Kostrzewska P, Pawlikowska A, et al. Mental and Sexual Health of Polish Women of Reproductive Age During the COVID-19 Pandemic – An Online Survey. Sex Med 2021;9:100367.

PS-1-15 Sexual Attitude of Japanese Men and Women - Reasons of Low Sexual Frequency in Japan -

PS-1-15 Sexual Attitude of Japanese Men and Women - Reasons of Low Sexual Frequency in Japan -

Assessment of sexual activity and menopausal symptoms in middle-aged Chinese women using the Menopause Rating Scale

Objectives: This study aimed to assess sexual activity and menopausal symptoms in middle-aged Chinese women and to correlate this with their vaginal maturation status (VMS).Methods: 120 women aged 45–60 years were assigned to four groups: premenopause (Pre-M), perimenopause (Peri-M), early postmenopause (Post-EM), and late postmenopause (Post-LM). The menopausal symptoms were assessed using the Menopause Rating Scale. VMS was determined using the vaginal maturation index (VMI) and pH value. Sexual activity including sexual frequency and distress was measured using self-administered questionnaires.Results: A high proportion (48.2%) of Post-LM women reported low sexual frequency, and a high proportion (24.2%) of Peri-M women reported sexual distress. Physical/mental exhaustion and sexual problems were the most prevalent symptoms, followed by sleeping problems and hot flushes/sweating rated as severe or very severe. Physical/mental exhaustion and sexual problems became more frequent as menopausal stages progressed (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). Hot flushes/sweating was more prominent in women in the Peri-M and Post-EM groups. The Post-LM group exhibited lower VMI and higher pH values than the Pre-M and Peri-M groups (p < 0.017 and p < 0.001, respectively), and pH was positively correlated with sexual problems (r = 0.298, p < 0.01).Conclusions: Advancing menopausal status is associated with prevalent physical/mental exhaustion and sexual problems in middle-aged Chinese women. Hot flushes/sweating is among the most frequent menopausal symptoms rated as severe or very severe. In addition, urogenital symptoms are correlated with pH in these women.

Prevalence and predictors of sexual function in midlife partnered Chinese women assessed by two simple indicators: Sexual frequency and sexual desire.

To investigate the prevalence and predictors of sexual frequency, sexual desire in midlife partnered Chinese women. Sexual frequency, sexual desire over the past 3 months, menopausal symptoms and other socioeconomic information were assessed for women aged 40-65 years in the Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital. Among 3485 eligible partnered participants, the prevalence of low sexual frequency (less than once per week) and low sexual desire (less than 5 scores) were 72.74% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 71.16%-74.23%) and 71.79% (95% CI = 70.30-73.17%), respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that age (odds ratio (OR) = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.17-1.23), more educated (>15 years) (compared with<10 years, OR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.48-0.82), perimenopause, postmenopause (compared with premenopause, OR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.02-2.15, OR = 2.76, 95% CI = 1.80-4.23), sleep disorder (OR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.02-1.50), unemployment (OR = 2.05, 95% CI = 1.45-2.92) were independently associated with low sexual frequency, while multiple linear regression revealed that age β = -0.126, 95% CI = -0.139--0.114), unemployment (β = -0.792, 95% CI = -0.954 to -0.629),chronic diseases (compared with no disease, single disease (β = -0.200, 95% CI = -0.020 to -0.077, multiple diseases (β = -0.792, 95% CI = -0.859 to -0.372), body mass index (β = -0.615, 95% CI = -0.859 to -0.372), postmenopause (β = -0.915, 95% CI = -1.143 to -0.759) were independent indicators for low sexual desire after adjusting for confounders. Low sexual frequency and low sexual desire were quite prevalent in midlife Chinese partnered women. Some factors, such as sleep disorder, obesity are modifiable or can be prevented or treated with safe and effective therapies.

Is Comparison the Thief of Joy? Sexual Narcissism and Social Comparisons in the Domain of Sexuality.

Are people who are high in sexual narcissism more sensitive to information comparing their sex lives with the sex lives of others? Does this sensitivity explain narcissists' lower sexual and relationship satisfaction? We conducted three studies to address this question. Participants completed the Sexual Narcissism Scale (Widman & McNulty, 2010), and then either recalled (Study 1), imagined (Study 2), or actually made (Study 3) a sexual comparison. We found that people high in sexual narcissism (compared with those lower in sexual narcissism) were more bothered when comparing themselves with someone with a higher sexual frequency and felt better about a comparison with someone with a lower sexual frequency. In turn, narcissists' greater sensitivity to upward social comparisons predicted lower sexual and relationship satisfaction. These results suggest that those high in sexual narcissism may use downward sexual comparisons to maintain their grandiose self-views and be particularly sensitive to upward sexual comparisons.

Erectile dysfunction, loss of libido and low sexual frequency increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in men with low testosterone

Introduction: Testosterone deficiency increases the cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.Aim: To evaluate the effect of erectile dysfunction (ED), sexual frequency and hypogonadal symptoms on CVD risk.Methods: A total of 395 hypogonadal men aged 45–74 years were surveyed using the Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male and the International Index of Erectile Function.Main outcome measures: The 10-year CVD risk was measured with the Framingham Risk Score. Logistic regression was performed to obtain the odds ratios of sexual function and hypogonadal symptoms for a 10-year CVD risk ≥20% (high risk).Results: The mean age was 56.1 ± 6.7 years. The mean 10-year CVD risk of the whole cohort was 18.1% ± 11.4%, while 131 subjects (33.2%) were classified as high risk. Logistic regression revealed that ED severity was associated with CVD risk [OR = 2.37 (CI 1.24–4.51) for mild-to-moderate ED, OR = 4.39 (1.78–8.43) for moderate ED and OR = 12.81 (4.65–26.11) for severe ED]. Compared to sexual frequency <1 per month, sexual frequency ≥4 decreased the risk of high CVD risk [OR = 0.35 (0.23–0.780)]. Loss of libido [OR = 2.95 (1.91–4.12)] and less strong erection [OR = 3.87 (CI 2.11–4.95)] increased the risk of high CVD risk. All remained significant after adjustment for age and testosterone.Conclusions: ED, decreased sexual frequency and loss of libido predict a high 10-year CVD risk in hypogonadal men.

After Breast Cancer: Sexual Functioning of Sexual Minority Survivors

Research on sexual difficulties after cancer has neglected sexual minority women (SMW); for example, lesbian and bisexual women. Clinicians treating these women are therefore at a disadvantage as they lack information about sexual problems in this population. This study tested the hypothesis that SMW with breast cancer have poorer sexual function than SMW without breast cancer, distinguishing partnered from unpartnered women. Using convenience sample recruitment, we conducted a case-control study to compare survivors of breast cancers who are SMW, in other words, cases to controls, that is, SMW without cancer. Anonymous survey data were collected from 85 cases after they had completed active cancer treatment and 85 age- and partner-status matched controls with no history of any cancer. Participants' self-reported sexual frequency and sexual function measured by the Female Sexual Function Index were evaluated. Cases and controls did not differ in risk of sexual dysfunction or the level of overall sexual functioning; however, cases had lower sexual frequency and scored lower on desire and ability to reach orgasm, and higher on pain compared to controls. Results inform clinicians about sexual minority survivors' sexual domains affected by cancer. When discussing sexual problems and therapeutic options, sexual orientation should be ascertained.

Predictors of Sexual Bother in a Population of Male North American Medical Students

The prevalence and associations of sexual bother in male medical students has not been extensively studied. The aim of this study is to analyze predictors of sexual bother in a survey of male North American medical students. Students enrolled in allopathic and osteopathic medical schools in North America between February 2008 and July 2008 were invited to participate in an internet-based survey of sexuality and sexual function. The principle outcome measure was a single-item question inquiring about global satisfaction with sexual function. The survey also consisted of a questionnaire that included ethnodemographic factors, student status, sexual history, and a validated scale for the assessment of depression. Respondents completed the International Index of Erectile Function, the premature ejaculation diagnostic tool, and the Self-Esteem and Relationship Quality survey (SEAR). Descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, and multivariable logistic regression were utilized to analyze responses. There were 480 male subjects (mean age 26.3 years) with data sufficient for analysis. Forty-three (9%) reported sexual bother. Sexual bother was significantly more common in men with erectile dysfunction (ED), high risk of premature ejaculation (HRPE), depressive symptoms, and lower sexual frequency. However, after multivariate analysis including SEAR scores, ED, and HRPE were no longer independently predictive of sexual bother. Higher scores for all domains of the SEAR were associated with lower odds of sexual bother. ED and HRPE are associated with sexual bother in this young and presumably healthy population. However, after controlling for relationship factors neither ED nor HRPE independently predicted sexual bother. It is plausible to hypothesize that sexual dysfunction from organic causes is rare in this population and is seldom encountered outside of relationship perturbations. Attention to relationship and psychological factors is likely of key importance in addressing sexual concerns in this population.

Sexual Frequency and the Stability of Marital and Cohabiting Unions

Prior research found that lower sexual frequency and satisfaction were associated with higher rates of divorce, but little research had examined the role of sexual activity in the dissolution of cohabiting unions. We drew upon social exchange theory to hypothesize why sexual frequency is more important in cohabitation: (a) cohabitors' lower costs of finding sexual alternatives, (b) cohabitors' lower barriers to ending the relationship in the form of union‐specific economic and noneconomic capital, and (c) cohabitors' higher expectations for sexual activity. Using the National Survey of Families and Households (N =5,902), we examined the relationship between sexual frequency and union dissolution. Results indicated that low sexual frequency was associated with significantly higher rates of union dissolution among cohabitors than married couples.