Sexual Desire In Men Research Articles

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.

Four shades of sexual fantasies linked to the Dark Triad

The present study explored the links between the Dark Triad traits (i.e., narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy) and sexual fantasies in a sample of Canadian undergraduates (N=643). Among the Dark Triad traits, psychopathy was the most strongly correlated with overall sex drive as well as fantasies containing exploratory, impersonal, and sadomasochistic themes. Further, individuals who scored high on narcissism reported engaging in intimate sexual fantasies more frequently. The Dark Triad, psychopathy in particular, facilitated overall sexual desire in men. Overall, these findings were consistent with the view that the Dark Triad facilitates an exploitative, short-term mating strategy. Implications are discussed in the context of an evolutionary framework.

Is responsive sexual desire for partnered sex problematic among men? Insights from a two-country study

In contrast to the body of research focusing on female sexual desire, there has been very little research into patterns of male sexual desire. This study addresses this deficiency in the literature by providing empirical answers to the following three questions: (1) is there a pattern of responsive sexual desire – defined as being predominantly receptive to a partner's initiation of sexual activity without initially desiring it – among men? (2) Is this pattern associated with lower levels of sexual health than a more spontaneous pattern of male desire? (3) Are existing clinical observations regarding possible causes of reduced interest in partnered sex useful for understanding the more responsive men's sexual desire? A large online survey about men's sexual interest was conducted in 2011 among 2215 Norwegian and Portuguese men aged 18–75 years (the average age in the sample was 36.5 years). Sociodemographic, health-related, sociosexual and relationship-related information was collected. Three distinct patterns of male sexual desire were observed: decreased (23.6%), responsive (2.5%) and spontaneous (73.9%) desire patterns. Men in the more responsive and spontaneous desire groups significantly differed from participants in the decreased desire group, as they reported significantly higher levels of sexual interest, sexual satisfaction and frequency of sexual intercourse and were less likely to have experienced sexual health difficulties in the past 12 months. Interestingly, participants with more responsive and spontaneous desire patterns were indistinguishable in terms of a number of sociodemographic, health-related, sociosexual and relationship-related variables. The sole predictor of the responsive sexual desire pattern was proneness to relationship-related sexual boredom. Clinical observations about the roles of negative emotions, relationship strain and specific sexual arousal patterns (homoerotic, autoerotic and/or paraphilic) in the etiology of hypoactive sexual desire did not seem relevant for men with responsive desire.

Satisfaction–Adaptation Principles in Sexual Desire

Sexual desire may change according to two principles: the satisfaction principle (high sexual opportunity/frequency decreases sexual desire) and the adaptation principle (high sexual opportunity/frequency increases sexual desire). We explore the workings of these opposing principles separately for both genders across the adult life span. Two tests within a large (N = 181,546) and cross-cultural (11 countries) data set revealed that the satisfaction principle accounts for sexual desire in men throughout the entire life and it accounts for sexual desire in women until their mid-30s. From that point onward, however, the pattern of female sexual desire becomes increasingly consistent with the adaptation principle. What sets older women apart from younger women and men of all ages? We discuss several mechanisms, with a focus on the satisfaction principle’s evolutionary value in life phases of high reproductive capacity and the adaptation principle’s evolutionary value in life phases of low reproductive capacity.

Self-Reported Sexual Desire in Homosexual Men and Women Predicts Preferences for Sexually Dimorphic Facial Cues

Recent studies investigating the relationship between self-reported sexual desire and attraction to same- and opposite-sex individuals have found that homosexual men's sexual desire is positively correlated with their self-reported attraction to own-sex individuals only, while homosexual women's sexual desire is positively correlated with their self-reported attraction to both men and women. These data have been interpreted as evidence that sexual desire strengthens men's pre-existing (i.e., dominant) sexual behaviors and strengthens women's sexual behaviors in general. Here we show that homosexual men's (n=106) scores on the Sexual Desire Inventory-2 (SDI-2) were positively correlated with their preferences for exaggerated sex-typical shape cues in own-sex, but not opposite-sex, faces. Contrary to the hypothesis that sexual desire strengthens women's preferences for sexual dimorphism generally, homosexual women's (n=83) SDI-2 scores were positively correlated with their preferences for exaggerated sex-typical shape cues in opposite-sex faces only. Together with previous research in heterosexual subjects, our findings support the proposal that sexual desire increases the incidence of existing sexual behaviors in homosexual and heterosexual men, and increases the incidence of sexual responses more generally in heterosexual women, although not necessarily in homosexual women.

Standard Operational Procedures for Low Sexual Desire in Men

Low sexual desire in men is a condition that has received little attention; nevertheless it occurs with high frequency. Clinicians are in need of clear guidelines to address this problem. To develop standardized operational procedures to be implemented with men presenting low sexual desire/interest (LSD/I). Review of relevant evidence-based literature and published guidelines, integrated with expert opinion. Operational procedures for LSD/I that are recommended for clinical practice with various degrees of support from published evidence. A new classification scheme is proposed; LSD/I is proposed as an umbrella term for which hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) is only a subtype. The following standard operational procedures are described: (i) Detection of LSD/I: screening for LSD/I, screening for LSD/I in patients with other sexual dysfunctions; (ii) Diagnosis and assessment of etiology: diagnostic criteria for LSD/I, assessment of depression status, assessment of relationship status, assessment of endocrinologic status, diagnostic criteria for HSDD in men; (iii) treatment of LSD/I secondary to low testosterone, treatment of LSD/I secondary to elevated prolactin, treatment of LSD/I secondary to other endocrinologic disorders, treatment of LSD/I secondary to depressive illness and or anxiety disorders, treatment of LSD/I secondary to relationship conflict and treatment of HSDD. A diagnostic and treatment algorithm is presented. LSD/I is a common condition that should be identified in patients; it is recommended that this condition be actively investigated by the clinician. Once the diagnosis of LSD/I in men is confirmed, a thorough search for possible causes needs to include both biological and psychological causes. TREATMENT should be etiologically oriented.

Male reproductive health and yoga

Now-a-days reproductive health problems along with infertility in male is very often observed. Various Assisted Reproductive Technologies have been introduced to solve the problem, but common people cannot afford the cost of such procedures. Various ayurvedic and other alternative medicines, along with regular yoga practice are proven to be not only effective to enhance the reproductive health in men to produce a successful pregnancy, but also to regulate sexual desire in men who practice celibacy. Yoga is reported to reduce stress and anxiety, improve autonomic functions by triggering neurohormonal mechanisms by the suppression of sympathetic activity, and even, today, several reports suggested regular yoga practice from childhood is beneficial for reproductive health. In this regard the present review is aimed to provide all the necessary information regarding the effectiveness of yoga practice to have a better reproductive health and to prevent infertility.

Changes in Men's Salivary Testosterone and Cortisol Levels, and in Sexual Desire after Smelling Female Axillary and Vulvar Scents.

Several studies have shown that a woman’s vaginal or axillary odors convey information on her attractivity. Yet, whether such scents induce psychoneuroendocrinological changes in perceivers is still controversial. We studied if smelling axillary and vulvar odors collected in the periovulatory and late luteal phases of young women modify salivary testosterone and cortisol levels, as well as sexual desire in men. Forty-five women and 115 men, all of them college students and unacquainted with each other, participated in the study. Female odors were collected on pads affixed to the axilla and on panty protectors both worn the entire night before experiments. Men provided five saliva samples, a basal one before the smelling procedure, and four more 15, 30, 60, and 75 min after exposure to odors. Immediately after smelling the odor source, men answered a questionnaire rating hedonic qualities of scents, and after providing the last saliva sample they answered questionnaire on sexual desire. We found that periovulatory axillary and vulvar odors increased testosterone and cortisol levels, with vulvar scents producing a more prolonged effect. Luteal axilla odors decreased testosterone and cortisol levels, while luteal vulva odors increased cortisol. Periovulatory axilla and vulva scents accounted for a general increase of interest in sex. These odors were also rated as more pleasant and familiar, while luteal vulvar odors were perceived as intense and unpleasant.

Identity, sexuality and commercial sex among Sri Lankan nachchi

This study investigates the complex and contradictory ways in which gender identity, sexuality, and desire are configured in nachchi understandings of their lives in Sri Lanka. Nachchi was an insider term used by a group of sex workers best conceptualized using western understandings as both transgender and homosexual: nachchi celebrate their feminine gendered subjectivity, but also embrace key facets of their biological ‘maleness,’ and are ardent in their sexual desire for men. We examine the relationships between nachchi gender and sexual subjectivities, including how they compare and distinguish themselves from women and men. Particularly in the context of transactional sexual exchanges, we investigate the intersections of economics, desire, stigma and exploitation in shaping nachchi experiences.

Sexual Desire and Relationship Duration in Young Men and Women

Sexual desire is often present at the beginning of a romantic relationship. However, research is divided regarding whether, and how, desire is experienced as a relationship progresses. The authors examined relationship duration and its effect on sexual desire in a sample of 170 undergraduate men and women between the ages of 18 and 25 years. Hierarchical multiple regression results indicated that women's sexual desire was significantly and negatively predicted by relationship duration after controlling for age, relationship satisfaction, and sexual satisfaction. Men's sexual desire, however, was not significantly affected by the duration of their romantic relationships. These findings suggest that men and women may have different experiences with sexual desire as relationships progress and that sexual desire might be affected by different factors depending on one's gender. Possible reasons for these results are suggested and therapeutic implications are discussed.

Biopsychosocial Determinants of Men's Sexual Desire: Testing an Integrative Model

There is a severe lack of studies on male sexual desire and its biopsychosocial determinants. Most of the studies are focused on female sexual interest and are based on the contribution of single dimensions instead of the interaction between them. The aim of the present study was to test a conceptual model considering the interrelated role of biopsychosocial factors on male sexual desire. This model allowed us to test not only the unique impact of predictors that are traditionally related to sexual desire, but also how their interaction affects sexual desire in men. Two hundred and thirty seven men from the general population were assessed according to age (mean age = 35, standard deviation = 11), medical problems, psychopathology, dyadic adjustment, and cognitive-emotional factors. Psychopathology measured by the Brief Symptom Inventory, dysfunctional sexual beliefs measured by the Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire, thoughts and emotions in sexual context measured by the Sexual Modes Questionnaire, dyadic adjustment measured by the Dyadic Adjustment Scale, medical condition measured by the Medical History Formulation, and sexual desire measured by the Sexual Desire subscale of the International Index of Erectile Function. Results showed that cognitive factors (sexual beliefs and automatic thoughts during sexual activity) were the best predictors of sexual desire in men. Specifically, beliefs related to restrictive attitudes toward sexuality, erection concerns, and lack of erotic thoughts in sexual context, had a significant direct effect on reduced sexual desire. Moreover, this set of cognitive-emotional factors also mediated the relationship between medical problems, age, and sexual desire. Results from this integrative approach highlighted the role of cognitive factors related to cultural values (dysfunctional sexual beliefs) and distraction mechanisms during sexual context (automatic thoughts) in male sexual interest. Findings support the need to include cognitive dimensions in the assessment and treatment of sexual desire problems, considering their involvement as vulnerability or resiliency factors for deficient sexual desire in men. Moreover, these factors surpassed the importance of the remaining factors (particularly, of medical factors and psychopathology), showing that, despite the lack of studies, male sexuality is better conceptualized from a biopsychosocial perspective.

Prolactin Levels and Sexual Adverse Effects in Patients With Schizophrenia During Antipsychotic Treatment

Patients with schizophrenia often experience sexual dysfunction (SD), to which disorder-related factors like negative symptoms and nondisorder-related factors can theoretically contribute. Thus, we investigated the correlation of SD and serum prolactin level in patients with schizophrenia during antipsychotic treatment. We included 39 patients with schizophrenia with a mean age of 34.6 years who were switched to second-generation antipsychotics into the study. Sexual adverse effects (via a specific scale) and serum prolactin levels were measured at baseline and week 4. In males, mean prolactin levels increased over 4 weeks at a trend level of significance. Although a high incidence of SD was reported at baseline, there were no statistically significant changes over the course of 4 weeks. At baseline, a positive correlation between diminished sexual desire and prolactin levels could be found in men, which was not found in women; at week 4, both male and female patients demonstrated a positive correlation between orgastic dysfunction and prolactin levels. We found significant positive correlations between changes in prolactin levels over 4 weeks and changes in orgastic dysfunction for both sexes. Regression analyses showed prolactin levels at baseline to be a predictor of diminished sexual desire in men. Change in prolactin level was found to be a predictor of change for diminished sexual desire in women and for orgastic dysfunction in both sexes. We conclude that the potential of antipsychotics to increase serum prolactin levels imposes a certain risk that patients will experience SD of varying severity.

The cerebral correlates of sexual desire: Functional neuroimaging approach

Summary In recent years, functional neuroimaging techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) have made possible the identification of cerebral correlates of sexual desire in men and women, whether healthy or suffering from sexual disorders. Here, we review the main results of functional neuroimaging studies of cerebral correlates of sexual desire in healthy male subjects and we conclude with a theoretical model of sexual desire based on a cognitive neuroscience approach.

The DSM Diagnostic Criteria for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder in Men

Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) is one of two sexual desire disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and is defined by two criteria: A-"persistently or recurrently deficient (or absent) sexual fantasies and desire for sexual activity" and B-"marked distress or interpersonal difficulty." This paper reviews the prevalence and correlates of low desire in men and qualitative and quantitative research on the experience of sexual desire in men and women. A literature search of Medline, PudMed, and PsychInfo was used to identify any publication on low desire in men. The strength of empirical findings was used as a basis for making proposed revisions to the diagnostic criteria for HSDD in men. The dilemma of whether desire and arousal can be reliably differentiated in men is discussed, and parallels to the literature in women are drawn. Finally, I consider three options for the diagnosis of low desire in men for DSM-5. Option 1 proposes that the DSM-IV-TR name and criteria are preserved for men in DSM-5. Option 2 proposes that the recently proposed criteria for Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder in women are also adopted for men, which would result in one gender-neutral category. Option 3 proposes that the criteria for Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder also be applied to men, with a minor modification to one criterion (i.e., that absent or reduced genital and/or nongenital physical changes not be included as a criterion); this diagnosis would then be applied only to men. The evidence supporting each of these proposals is presented and critiqued. It is concluded that the proposal for DSM-5 should be made on the basis of field testing of new criteria.

Predictors of Men's Sexual Desire: The Role of Psychological, Cognitive-Emotional, Relational, and Medical Factors

The aim of this study was to evaluate the main predictive factors of male sexual desire, considering medical, psychological, and relationship factors. The study assessed 205 men from the general population on the following variables: psychological adjustment, dysfunctional sexual beliefs, automatic thoughts and emotions during sexual activity, dyadic adjustment, and the presence of medical conditions. Regarding cognitive and emotional factors, restrictive attitudes toward sexuality (β = −.27), lack of erotic thoughts during sexual activity (β = −.35), concerns about erection (β = −.26), emotions of sadness (β = −.23), and shame (β = −.23) in a sexual context were significant predictors of sexual desire. Dyadic adjustment and the presence of medical conditions were not significant predictors of male sexual desire. A multiple regression analysis including all these variables, in addition to age, indicated that lack of erotic thoughts during sexual activity was the only significant predictor of sexual desire (β = −.28). These findings suggest the importance of cognitive dimensions in sexual desire, particularly the role of attentional focus and lack of erotic thoughts during sexual activity.

Are gonadal steroids linked with orgasm perceptions and sexual assertiveness in women and men?

Past findings suggest links between orgasms and testosterone (T), as well as sexuality and estradiol (E), and we examined hormone–orgasm links in this study via two hypotheses (below). Participants were 86 women and 91 men who provided a saliva sample and completed a demographics questionnaire, the Orgasm Checklist ( Mah and Binik, 2002), the Hurlbert (1991) Index of Sexual Assertiveness, and the Sexual Desire Inventory ( Spector and Fremeth, 1996). Results supported the first hypothesis of correlations between T and positive orgasm experience in women, specifically with the relaxation, soothing, and peaceful items in both partnered and solitary orgasm contexts. Results also indicated correlations between E and flooding and spreading items in a solitary orgasm context. There were no associations between hormones and men's perceptions of their orgasm experiences. There was no support for the second hypothesis of associations between higher T and more sexual assertiveness. Post hoc analyses showed associations between E and women's sexual desire, and T and men's sexual desire. We discuss implications of these findings including that solitary vs. partnered orgasm experiences may differ, and suggest that T might be associated with perceptions of psychological experiences of orgasms, and E might be associated with perceptions of physical experiences of orgasms.

Testosterone levels in men with erectile dysfunction

To investigate the frequency of hypogonadism in men with erectile dysfunction (ED) and to assess which factors are related with low testosterone levels. In all, 165 men with ED were assessed; the evaluation included: hormonal profiles, serum total and free testosterone (using Vermeulen's formula) levels, and self-reported questionnaires on erectile function and desire domains of the International Index of Erectile Function. The frequency of hypogonadism was established using total and free testosterone levels as diagnostic criteria. The factors that might influence testosterone levels were evaluated by univariate and multivariate statistical analysis, and a logistic regression was used to determine which factors can predict free testosterone levels below normal limits (biochemical hypogonadism). Using the total testosterone levels, 4.8% of the men were hypogonadal, whereas when using the free testosterone levels, 17.6% were hypogonadal. In the univariate analyses, not smoking and hypertension were associated with lower total and free testosterone levels. Ageing, absence of nocturnal erections and a lower erectile function score were only associated with lower free testosterone serum levels. There was no association between total and free testosterone levels and desire. In the multivariate analysis, only total testosterone levels were related to hypertension, while free testosterone levels were related to age and nocturnal erections. For biochemical hypogonadism, simple logistic regression analysis selected age, erectile function score and aetiological diagnosis of ED as predictors. In the multivariate analysis only the erectile function score had significant independent prognostic value. The frequency of hypogonadism is higher when free testosterone levels are used for diagnosis. The total and free testosterone levels were not related to the level of sexual desire in men with ED. The free testosterone levels could be related to the quality and frequency of nocturnal erections, and when ED is more severe, it is more probable that free testosterone levels are below the 'normal' limit.

Problems with sexual function in people attending London general practitioners: cross sectional study

Objectives To assess sexual behaviour, prevalence of ICD-10 diagnosed sexual dysfunction, associations between sexual and psychological problems, and help seeking for sexual problems in people attending general practice; to assess...

Effect of an alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone analog on penile erection and sexual desire in men with organic erectile dysfunction

Objectives. To assess the safety, erectogenic properties, and effect on sexual desire of Melanotan II, a synthetic melanotropic initiator of erection, in men with erectile dysfunction and organic risk factors. Methods. Ten subjects were enrolled in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Melanotan II (0.025 mg/kg) and vehicle were each administered twice by subcutaneous injection; real-time RigiScan monitoring and a visual analog were used to quantify the erections during a 6-hour period. The level of sexual desire and side effects were recorded with a questionnaire. Results. Melanotan II initiated subjectively reported erections in 12 of 19 injections versus only 1 of 21 doses of placebo. The mean rigidity score of the responders was 6.9 on a scale of 0 to 10. The mean duration of tip rigidity greater than 80% was 45.3 minutes with Melanotan II versus 1.9 for placebo ( P = 0.047). The level of sexual desire after injection was significantly higher after Melanotan II administration than after placebo. Nausea and stretching/yawning occurred more frequently with Melanotan II, and 4 of 19 injections were associated with severe nausea. Conclusions. The erectogenic properties of Melanotan II are not limited to cases of psychogenic erectile dysfunction; men with a variety of organic risk factors developed penile erections. The finding of increased sexual desire warrants further investigation of centrally acting agents on disorders of sexual desire.

Reconceptualizing Sexual Harassment

This Article documents and criticizes the prevailing paradigm for conceptualizing sex-based hostile work environment harassment. The prevailing paradigm understands harassment as an expression of men's sexual desire for, or domination of, women. Within the paradigm, male-female sexual advances are the core forms of harassment that can constitute a hostile work environment. The paper demonstrates the limitations of this paradigm. Most importantly, the sexual desire-dominance paradigm is underinclusive. The focus on sexual abuse omits, and even obscures, many of the most debilitating forms of harassment experienced by women at work. Much of the conduct that makes workplaces hostile and alienating to women is difficult to construe as sexual in design; many men are also harmed by sex based harassment that cannot be easily understood within a sexualized paradigm. In addition, the prevailing paradigm may be overinclusive. By emphasizing sexual advances as the core harassment, the paradigm may subtly encourage a paternalism that seeks to protect women's sexual sensibilities rather than to promote their empowerment as workers. This paternalism may inspire companies to prohibit some forms of sex talk that do not contribute to gender hierarchy at work. These problems point to a need for a new account of hostile work environment harassment that highlights its relationship to broader forms of gender stratification of work. This piece proposes a new account. It advances an account of sex harassment that emphasizes its role in reproducing work and work competence along gendered lines. In this account, harassment is not driven by a need for sexual domination, but by some men's desire to retain favored lines of work for themselves. Hostile work environment harassment serves a gender-guarding, competence- undermining function. By marking women as incompetent to perform the most highly rewarded forms of work, harassment policies the boundaries of such work and protects its idealized masculine image. By maintaining their jobs as bastions of masculine competence, men protect their material advantage and also preserve their sense of identity (even superiority) as men. This new competence-centered account not only provides a more comprehensive basis for understanding the customary cases of male female harassment by supervisors and coworkers, it also opens up promising new approaches to less conventional forms of harassment, such as harassment of female supervisors by their male subordinates. It also provides a basis for prohibiting some, but not all, instances of men's harassment of other men at work. The conclusion describes concrete ways to implement the new account, at both a conceptual and doctrinal level.