Orgasm Research Articles

Patient-Reported Symptoms in the Global Multiple System Atrophy Registry.

The Global Multiple System Atrophy Registry (GLOMSAR) was established in 2013. It is an online patient-reported contact registry open and free that relies on self-reported diagnosis by the patient or caregiver. To report the demographics of patients enrolled in GLOMSAR and the results of an ancillary online symptom questionnaire. Patients enrolled in GLOMSAR were invited to complete a custom-designed online questionnaire about disease onset and symptom prevalence. At the time of writing, there were 1083 participants in GLOMSAR, of which 33% (365) completed the questionnaire. The onset and frequency of most symptoms was similar to those reported in the literature in physician-reported studies. Some were understudied or not typically associated with multiple system atrophy (MSA), including reduced female sexual sensation (55%), forgetfulness (60%), pseudobulbar affect (37%), olfactory changes (36%), and visual hallucinations (21%). Patient-reported studies and ancillary online questionnaires are valid, underused research tools useful to advance our knowledge on understudied MSA features and highlight the patients' voice.

THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE CULTURE AND LANGUAGE OF INTIMACY

Immigrants originating from »traditional« societies go through a transformation of culture and language of intimacy in Denmark. Many first and second generation Turkish immigrants either use Danish words or shift totally to Danish when speaking about sexual and intimate matters in Turkish. Turkish males make use of the new possibilities for sexual and intimate gratification with Danish women, while trying to preserve the original ethnic culture, especially in areas pertaining to women's control over their bodies and sexualities. Research on immigrants should take into account both the willingness and resistance to change among immigrants and avoid cultural patronizing.

Psychological Factors and Sexual Risk Behaviors: A Multidimensional Model Based on the Chilean Population.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a global health problem, with sexual risk behaviors (SRB) being the main routes of spreading the virus. Evidence indicates that different psychological factors influence SRB (e.g., attitude towards condoms, sexual self-concept, sexual sensation seeking, knowledge of sexual risk behaviors, risk perception). This study proposes an explanatory model of sexual risk behaviors in young people and adults. The sample consisted of 992 young people and adults aged between 18 and 35 years. The model presented good levels of fit (X2 = 3311.433, df = 1471, CFI = 0.964, TLI = 0.959, RMSEA = 0.036), explaining 56% of the variance of sexual activity with multiple partners, 77% of the inadequate use of protective barriers, and 58.8% of sexual activity under the influence of alcohol or drugs from a set of psychological factors in self-report measures. The details of the results offer novel contextual evidence for the prioritization of prevention-oriented psychosocial interventions.

Incorrect Assumption: Transgender Men Do Not Willingly Engage in Vaginal Penetration

ABSTRACT Introduction In Western countries, biological sex is the organizing principle on which gender is constructed. Gender is commonly understood as innate-at birth, and upon genital inspection, a designation of “male” or “female” is given to the child and the presumed gendered characteristics and behaviors, including future sexual behaviors, are expected to follow. Transgendered individuals, who may perform societal normative gender scripts but do not possess the sexual anatomy of their gender identity, subvert the rigid boundaries of sexual dimorphism. For the healthcare community, the sexual behavior of transmen should be assessed, especially as it has pregnancy and STI implications. Objective Because there are still several misconceptions about transgender men regarding preferred sexual practices and gratification, this research explored their sexual preferences, including engagement in vaginal penetration. The study examined the incorrect assumption of transgender men's disdain for a retained vagina and the idealization of masculinity as the ability to sexually “penetrate” their partner. It also analyzed whether the reconfiguration of gender identity by virtue of being a transgender man has any influence on the reconfiguration of sexual practice–more importantly, whether or not transmen engage and derive sexual pleasure from vaginal penetration. Methods A literature review was conducted on sexual function in transgender men with a specific focus on vaginal penetration during sexual activity. PubMed/Medline and Google Scholar were used with keyword combinations that included, "transgender men", "transmen", "sexual function", "vaginal penetration", and "sexual pleasure”. Results The data suggested that subsets of transgender men do partake and derive pleasure from vaginal penetration. Outward perceptions of masculinity and gender validation from sexual partners were determined to be an important indicator of interest in vaginal penetration. For transgender men, there tended to be a reliance on gendered behavior, including sexual behavior, when their biological sex was perceived as being more outwardly ambiguous. An increase in perceived male identity as well as the establishment of secondary male sex characteristics correlated with an increase in the fluidity of sexual behavior, such as the touching of breasts, and vaginal intercourse. Many transgender men use language to recode bodies and sexual acts, such as referring to the clitoris as a penis, and the breast as a chest. By reclassifying the vagina from a female sex organ to a neutral front hole, transmen can engage in vaginal sexual intercourse without destabilizing their masculine embodiment. The literature also noted that for queer, bisexual, and gay transgender men being vaginally penetrated by cis-gendered men may re-affirm their male identity. Conclusions Reframing gender and sexual behavior as dynamic and adaptable opens up a realm of possibilities for trans-identities. In this framework, sexual encounters and practices, which may or may not involve sexual organs misaligned with a transgendered individual's identity, have no bearing on their gender identity. The study findings highlight that transgender men often find pleasure in vaginally penetrative intercourse, and that there is less of a dependence on heteronormative sexual scripts as the female-to-male transition progresses. Disclosure No

Sexual Mindfulness

ABSTRACT Introduction What is Mindfulness, and how does it relate to sexuality in our contemporary socio-cultural, political, and economic context?This research paper explores how ancient and contemporary mindfulness and embodiment lineages can be proactively and therapeutically engaged to facilitate holistic sexual health. Acculturation within societal scripts and socio-political driven forces are creating disembodiment, shame, and stigma. The associated tensions and traumas held in our bodies are manifesting a significant range of symptoms and pathologies. Masters & Johnson's "sensate focus" studies have re-emerged through the work of Weiner & Avery-Clark. The parallel research of Brotto and colleagues in mindfulness techniques, has clinically proven to decrease sexual dysfunction while concurrently increasing both self-awareness and erotic pleasure. Objective 1. Distinguish the aspects of Mindfulness in Eastern Philosophy that inform contemporary Western clinical practices;2. Recognize at least 5 sexual dysfunctions that can be treated with Mindfulness practices; and3. Employ 3 somatic awareness techniques to teach clinical patients. Methods Objective qualitative analysis, unbiased constructive critique, and practical utilization of techniques to enhance situational engagement, genuine desire mapping, pleasure options for request and/or offer, and somatic practice found successful in a myriad of clinical and practical applications. Results Recent clinically tested scientific research demonstrates that Mindfulness has vast application in the field of human sexuality. The current research is founded upon centuries of Eastern yogic wisdom that focus self-regulation. It has been tested in both military stress response and medical sexual dysfunction case studies for decades. It is currently being tested in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade socio-emotional learning curriculum and has applicability in future comprehensive sex education curriculum. The import of Sexual Mindfulness will be shown to enhance one's professional, personal, and even sensual / sexual life on a daily basis; such as focusing one's own mind for higher productivity and joy, successfully navigating interpersonal interactions, positive effects of neurotransmitters on sexual functioning in the central nervous system, common sexual dysfunction symptom alleviation, plus enhanced sexual performance and sensation. Conclusions Due to bio-individuality and the transcendental nature of emotional fluctuations; there is limitless potential to these explorations. It is possible to explore one's own body, or the body of another each day for a lifetime, and for each day to be remarkably unique. Hopefully this practice will inspired you for solo and/or partnered exploring to discover uncharted pleasure in each unfolding moment. Remember compassion, compersion, humor and Proustian patience. Mindfully enjoy each flick of your hair, brushing of skin upon skin, the rapture in gazing upon yourself or a lover, one button, and then two, falling off of the bed, giggles, talking about your feelings, and more.By unpacking our cultural baggage to better understand where society went awry and stop perpetuating potential harms; we can blaze a path toward holistic health. Hopefully individuals, lovers, friends, family, clients, and colleagues can actively shift the often negative effects of many socio-cultural, political, and economic factors abounding today. If we can minimize harm and create embodied sexual healing, we might impassion future generations.The Sexual Mindfulness techniques presented can be easily practiced by the individual participant or taught to others. Disclosure No

Desire for Solitary Sexual Activity Predicts Discordance Between How Young Women Self-identify and Their Reported Attractions

ABSTRACT Introduction Introduction: While most clinicians know it is important to tailor sexual healthcare for their sexual minority patients, it can be complicated to assess who identifies with a sexual minority label, as engaging in same-sex behavior or having same-sex attractions does not always lead to an identity as a sexual minority1. Prior work suggests that people who have same-sex attractions or behaviors but identify as heterosexual have different healthcare needs than people who identify as sexual minorities2. Given this, and recent data showing that 1 in 6 young Americans identify with non-heterosexual orientation labels3, it is important to understand what drives discrepancies between young people's attractions and sexual identity label. Objective Objective: To determine characteristics that predict discordance between young women's sexual orientation label and reported sexual attractions. Methods Methods: 440 young, Midwestern women (age M = 20.6, SD = 1.53) completed a survey battery that assessed their sexual orientation – using both orientation labels and numeric attraction scales – as well as their sexual function (Female Sexual Function Index), sexual desire (Sexual Desire Inventory), sexual sensation seeking (Sexual Sensation Seeking Scale), sexual excitation and inhibition (Sexual Excitation and Inhibition Inventory), and their mental health (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7). The numeric attraction scale scored participant's attractions to men, women, and non-binary people from 0 – 100. To assess concordance, participant's chosen sexual orientation labels were compared to their numeric attraction scores. Results Results: Desire for solitary sexual experiences increased the likelihood of participants indicating identity labels that did not match their reported patterns of attraction (effect size = - .044, z = -2.69, p = .007); these results remained significant when controlling the influence of other sexuality measures (sexual function, sexual sensation seeking, sexual excitation and inhibition). Further, neither depression scores nor anxiety scores were related to the likelihood of identity/attraction concordance. Conclusions Conclusions: Desire for solitary sex seems to uniquely predict dissonance between one's stated sexual orientation label and experiencing sexual attraction patterns that may be better encapsulated by another label. A sizeable portion of our sample were in relationships with men, which may be a more salient consideration than attraction patterns when choosing an orientation label. If replicated, these findings suggest that assessing sexual desire patterns may help identify patients whose identity/attraction discordance lead to unique sexual health needs. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Good Clean Love

Misrepresentation of Female Sexual Behavior in Pornography

ABSTRACT Introduction Female sexual wellness is a highly complex condition that builds not only on biological factors, but also on social norms, background, religion, education, and social media. One source where both women and men learn about sexual behavior, interactions, and expectations is pornography. This resource has become widely available to anyone with access to the internet. While pornography is a way of expanding sexual horizons, like any media it may misrepresent more common behaviors and expectations for both genders. Objective The purpose of this review is to evaluate how women's sexuality is portrayed in the most commonly viewed pornography videos in order to understand its role in female sexual health. Methods Videos from the category “most viewed videos” based on internet ratings were viewed. We analyzed the content and female and male sexual behaviors portrayed. Results We reviewed the 25 most viewed videos by the general public from the five most popular free pornography websites. The two most commonly viewed contexts were sexual encounters between step relatives (16%) and during casting sessions (16%). With the majority of videos having two participants (92%), two videos included three and five participants. Overall, only 9 (36%) videos demonstrated at least one female orgasm with 5 (20 %) videos showing clitoral stimulation before reaching orgasm. Only 4 (16%) videos did not demonstrate male orgasm. Similarly, only 8 (32%) videos pictured a female as the recipient of oral sex, whereas all but 3 (12%) videos showed the male as the recipient. Only in one (4%) video did a woman have more than one orgasm. Anal sex was represented in 4 (16%) of videos, with novelty toy uses in one (4%) video. Conclusions We found that he most viewed videos on popular pornography sites did not represent the most common real life sexual scenarios and were predominantly male-pleasure centered.Inaccurate portrayal of female sexuality can contribute to sexual performance anxiety, unfulfilled expectations among both partners, and sexual dysfunction. More research is needed to determine the best referral websites and categories for women and their partners, representing more realistic female sexual behavior. Disclosure No

Methods of coping with neoplastic disease in men with non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer

AbstractOnly limited data evaluating coping methods in patients with bladder cancer are available in the literature. Also, it is unclear how the mental status of these patients affects their stress coping strategies. The aim of the study was to evaluate the stress coping strategies in patients with non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) and to assess the impact of sociodemographic factors, presence of anxiety and depressive symptoms and degree of sexual satisfaction on stress coping strategies. This prospective cohort study included 100 male patients qualified for control cystoscopy who underwent at least one transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURB) procedure in the past for NMIBC and at least one control cystoscopy. The minimal follow‐up period after primary TURB was 1 year. The MiniCOPE, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire were used. The questionnaires were completed anonymously before cystoscopy in a room that provided privacy. Majority patients with NMIBC chosen adaptive strategies, with ‘accepting’ and ‘seeking emotional support’ being the most common. The choice of strategy was influenced by the severity of anxiety and depressive symptoms as well as the level of sexual satisfaction and pain sensations. Also, sociodemographic variables, such as marriage status, progeniture or the level of education played a role in strategy selection. The results of this study indicate that patients with NMIBC choose adaptive stress coping strategies. It also provides a better understanding of the impact of various aspects of mental health in patients with NMIBC on coping with stress. Each patient treated for NMIBC should undergo appropriate psychological and sociodemographic evaluation, which will allow easier identification of patients at high risk of treatment and postoperative surveillance discontinuation.

Maintenance Laser Treatment for Vaginal Looseness and Sexual Dysfunction: A Double-blinded Randomized Controlled Trial

Vaginal looseness and decreased sensation during intercourse is prevalent in up to 30%-55% of premenopausal women. The efficacy and safety of CO2 laser have been demonstrated for these indications; however, the effect is temporary, up to 6-12 months. No studies regarding the efficacy and safety of adjuvant laser treatments have been conducted to date. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a single maintenance CO2 laser treatment in women with vaginal looseness and a concurrent decline in sexual sensation during intercourse. This prospective double-blinded randomized controlled trial included premenopausal women who experienced significant temporary improvement in symptoms following previous treatment with CO2 laser due to the abovementioned indications. Participants were randomized to either a single CO2 laser treatment or a single sham treatment. Treatment efficacy evaluated with the female sexual function index (FSFI) and the vaginal health index (VHI). Overall, 119 women were included in the study. Mean VHI and FSFI scores were significantly higher in the study group compared to the control group at three months post-treatment (17.34±1.39 vs 12.86±2.23, P=.023 and 30.93±1.79 vs 25.78±1.87, P=.044, respectively). In the study group, both VHI and FSFI returned to baseline at six months post-treatment. The median rate of sexual intercourse per month was increased in the study group at three months post-treatment (8 vs 4, P=.011), and returned to baseline at six months post-treatment. Maintenance laser treatment provides a temporary non-surgical alternative for women with vaginal looseness and associated sexual dysfunction, though treatment effect seems to be limited to less than 6 months, requiring additional maintenance sessions. The strengths of the current study include a randomized-sham controlled design. Furthermore, VHI was used as an objective evaluation tool, in addition to the FSFI, and assessment of the rate of sexual intercourse. The homogeneity and the relatively small sample size of the cohort is a limitation, and calls for caution in interpretation of the results, and the use of CO2 laser treatment in different age groups and populations. A single maintenance laser treatment in women who previously underwent successful treatment with laser is an effective, well-tolerated, and safe procedure for treating symptoms of vaginal looseness and sexual dysfunction, though effects are temporary. Lauterbach R, Aharoni S, Farago N, et al. Maintenance Laser Treatment for Vaginal Looseness and Sexual Dysfunction: A Double-blinded Randomized Controlled Trial. J Sex Med 2022;19:1404-1411.

Sex robots and personality: It is more about sex than robots

Examining the links between personality traits and attitudes toward sex robots can provide insights into who may desire such machines, and why. This online study thus examined the associations between the Big-Five, traits related to sexuality, technology, and (sexual) novelty, and people's willingness to engage with and perceived appropriateness of using sex robots in a convenience sample of 492 adults (≥18 years; 283 ciswomen, 171 cismen, and 37 non-binary and gender nonconforming individuals with access to the recruitment material on social media, the Concordia University participant pool, or flyers/word-of-mouth in the Montreal Community). Correlational analyses showed that willingness to engage with and perceived appropriateness of using sex robots were more closely related to erotophilia and sexual sensation seeking than any other traits. Mixed repeated measures ANOVAs and independent samples t-tests with Bonferroni corrections also showed that cismen and non-binary/gender nonconforming individuals were more willing to engage with sex robots and perceive their use as more appropriate than ciswomen. These findings suggest that erotophilic individuals seeking novel or more intense sexual experiences may be(come) the primary users of sex robots and influence their development. These findings are important given the growing place of technology in our intimate lives and relationships.

Genital Sensitivity and Perceived Orgasmic Intensity in Transgender Women With Gender Dysphoria After Gender-Affirming Surgery: A Pilot Study Comparing Pelvic Floor Evoked Somatosensory Potentials and Patient Subjective Experience

BackgroundThe integrity of the neural pathways that link genital sensitive areas to the brain and the correlation with subjective sensations in transgender women with gender dysphoria after gender affirming surgery (GAS) have not been explored in detail and remain controversial, so far. AimTo test with electrophysiology the integrity of the nervous paths after GAS, and to explore the relationship between genital sensitivity and self-perceived orgasmic intensity in transgender women after GAS. MethodsSix patients who underwent GAS between 2016 and 2019 were enrolled in the study, and the evaluation of genital and pelvic neural pathways was performed. OutcomesGenital sensory thresholds (at clitoral, vaginal, and anal sites) investigated by Somatosensory Evoked Potentials (SEP) and the intensity of orgasm (measured by a psychometric tool, the Orgasmometer) were combined to obtain an objective and subjective evaluation. ResultsSSEPs confirmed the integrity of the large diameter, dorsal column-lemniscus pathway subserving the genital area after GAS. Perceptual Threshold (PT) values were much lower at the neoclitoris compared to neovagina and anal sites. There was no correlation between Orgasmometer and SEP at anal and neovaginal level, while a trend was found at clitoral level. Clinical ImplicationThese findings could lead clinicians to a better understanding of postsurgical sexual life in transgender women in order to develop surgical techniques that could focus more on functional aspects of neovagina and neoclitoris. Strengths & LimitationsLimitations: study very preliminary/exploratory; small number of patients; no long-term follow-up. Strengths: first assessment of sensory pelvic floor innervation in transgender women after GAS; use of objective methods; first attempt at correlating objectives findings to subjective experience of the sexual orgasm. ConclusionsOur evaluation showed that SSEPs is a good indicator of neural sensitivity, especially in neoclitoris, and that these measurements were consistent with the analysis of self-perceived orgasmic intensity.Canale D, Molinaro A, Marcocci C, et al. Genital Sensitivity and Perceived Orgasmic Intensity in Transgender Women With Gender Dysphoria After Gender-Affirming Surgery: A Pilot Study Comparing Pelvic Floor Evoked Somatosensory Potentials and Patient Subjective Experience. J Sex Med 2022;19:1479–1487.

Comparison of implant methods for penis enlargement

Male dissatisfaction with the penis size is the most common manifestation of penile dysmorphophobia. Despite the diversity of penis enlargement methods a single safe technique that fully satisfies patients has not yet been developed.The aim of this work is to compare the results of a combined operation on installation of a silicone implant or a collagen matrix impregnated with autologous stem cells with simultaneous ligamentotomy to increase the length and circumference of the penis.In 2017–2022 there were performed penis enlargement surgeries in 2 centers. In Public Non-Profit Organization Of The Kharkiv District Council «Kharkiv Regional Clinical Center Of Urology And Nephrology Named After V.I.Shapoval (Kharkiv, Ukraine) 38 patients from Ukraine and Poland were operated by Professor Knigavko O.V. with implantation of a porous Max Pol matrix (manufactured by Dersmithson, M.D. Choi), and in the “Mexico phalloplastic center” (Mexico city, Mexico) by Dr. Aguilar I.E. implantation of non-absorbable silicone implants in 36 patients was perfomed. The results of penis enlargement were evaluated in the early (2 months) and long-term (6 months) terms.While implanting a silicone implant the majority of the patients – 31 (86.1%) are satisfied with the result, 27 (75%) patients mention an improvement in sexual life, 31 (86.1%) also mention an increase in their own self-sufficiency. At the same time, some patients mentioned the following complications: 2 (5.6%) patients mentioned displacement of the silicone matrix, 1 (2.8%) patient mentioned prolapse of the matrix, 1 (2.8%) patient mentioned a decrease in erection (which did not improve after removal of the matrix), in 1 (2.8%) case the silicone implant had to be removed due to the fact that the patient did not liked the appearance.While using a collagen-like matrix made of polymerized polylactic acid impregnated with own stem cells in 38 patients, we haven’t seen any complications that caused the removal of the matrix. However, 5 (13.2%) patients required additional polylactic acid gel injections between 6 and 36 (97.4%) months to optimize the shape or volume of the penis. 34 (89.5%) patients mentioned an improvement in the sexual function and sexual sensations of their partner, harmonization of relationships in a couple, and 36 (97.4%) men – an increase in a sense of self-sufficiency.Thus, modern implants can improve the size and appearance of the penis, improve the quality of sexual life and the feeling of self-sufficiency in operated men. The use of silicone implants is simpler, almost does not require specific rehabilitation after surgery, however, in a small part of patients prolapse of the prosthesis and dissatisfaction with the final result are present. Most of operated patients were satisficed results of silicone implant. The use of a polymer matrix impregnated with own stem cells requires a special laboratory, more time for preoperative and postoperative rehabilitation, however, it is more physiological and can be considered as a standard for safe penis enlargement.

The Epidemiology of Sexual Violence in Nigeria

This paper investigated the epidemiology of sexual violence in Nigeria. Sexual violence has been considered as an “imposed sexual act with physical force” caused by lack of consideration of other’s right. In Nigeria, violence against women is becoming an increasingly recognized pandemic issue necessitating eradication and elimination. It occurs in various forms with resultant physical, sexual or psychological consequences. However, there is still denial and paucity of literature about the magnitude and pattern of this problem in Nigeria. Sexual violence against children and women brings with it long-term, both psychiatrically and socially. Apart from sexual gratification itself, sexual violence against women in Nigeria is a result of unequal power equations both real and perceived between men and women and is strongly influenced by cultural factors and values. The findings and results of this paper will be helpful to girls and women terms governing sexual violence and how to remain safe from been violated. Therefore, this paper systematically reviewed some related literature on sexual violence, contexts of sexual violence and examined it forms, the risk factors associated with sexual violence and the way out of sexual violence.

HIV-related drivers of sexual compulsivity and sexuality in sexual minority men who use methamphetamine.

Although co-occurring methamphetamine (meth) use and HIV amplify the risk for neuropsychiatric comorbidities, the underlying neuroimmune mechanisms are not well characterized. We examined whether a detectable viral load and dysregulated metabolism of amino acid precursors for neurotransmitters predicted subsequent levels of sexual compulsivity and sexual sensation seeking. This 15-month longitudinal study enrolled 110 sexual minority men (SMM) living with HIV who had biologically confirmed meth use (i.e., reactive urine or hair toxicology results). Peripheral venous blood samples collected at baseline, 6months, 12months, and 15months were used to measure a detectable viral load (> 40 copies/mL), the kynurenine/tryptophan (K/T) ratio, and the phenylalanine/tyrosine (P/T) ratio. The K/T and P/T ratios index dysregulated serotonin and catecholamine (e.g., dopamine) synthesis, respectively. In a cross-lagged panel model, a detectable viral load at 6months predicted greater sexual compulsivity at 12months after adjusting for prior levels of sexual compulsivity and recent stimulant use (β = 0.26, p = 0.046). A greater P/T ratio at baseline predicted decreased sexual sensation seeking at 6months (β = - 0.25, p = 0.004) after adjusting for baseline sexual sensation seeking and recent stimulant use. Taken together, HIV replication and dysregulated catecholamine synthesis could potentiate sexual compulsivity while decreasing sexual pleasure in SMM who use meth.

A Phenomenological Look at the Orgasm Gap

Abstract The orgasm gap is the marked difference in the frequency of orgasm between cisgender men and women in heterosexual intercourse that has been documented in research for decades. However, orgasm as a state of intense sexual excitement and gratification is physiologically uncomplicated and readily available for most people regardless of gender. This article undertakes a philosophical study of the processes by which the individual experience of orgasm is invested with meaning and embedded in social and cultural practices that collectively both produce and sustain the orgasm gap. By looking at the experience of orgasm as horizonal, I draw a distinction between the social and the cultural horizons of sexual experiences. I argue that social standards of sexual modesty make sexuality a field where the process through which we make sense of our individual experiences is especially dependent on how these experiences are depicted in cultural representation. The current socially normalised male perspective in cultural representation continues to conflict with the ways orgasm is experienced in female bodies. This is probably one reason why the orgasm gap persists even in countries where sex education and gender equality are highly advanced.

“Play with Me, Darling!” Testing the Associations between Adult Playfulness and Indicators of Sexuality

ABSTRACT Previous studies have shown that individual differences in adult playfulness are important in interpersonal relationships. However, there is a lack of research on the role of playfulness in human sexuality. Using three studies with four independently collected samples (N total = 1,124) we tested the differential relations between global playfulness and four facets of playfulness (Other-directed, Lighthearted, Intellectual, Whimsical; OLIW) with broad (“Sexy Seven”) and narrow (sociosexuality, sexual sensation seeking, and sexual compulsivity) sexuality-related personality traits and sadomasochistic sexual practices (BDSM). Our main findings were: (1) Each of the Sexy Seven traits was related to global playfulness or at least one playfulness facet while only Whimsical playfulness (liking odd and/or unusual things, persons, or activities) was related to each Sexy Seven trait; (2) Sexual sensation seeking related to playfulness with small effect sizes (f 2 ≤ 0.11), Whimsical playfulness positively related to narrow traits of sexuality; and (3) those engaging in BDSM were more playful than non-practitioners. The findings support the notion that playfulness (particularly Whimsical playfulness) relates to sexuality-related personality traits and sadomasochistic practices may be one way of expressing adult playfulness.

Gender attributions of orgasm non-occurrence in heterosexual relationships and their association with sexual and relationship outcomes

The present study describes a mixed-methods approach to studying gendered attributions made in response to orgasm non-occurrence during sexual encounters with a partner. The study employed a concurrent nested mixed-methods design with primary data, which nested a quantitative analysis within a more extensive qualitative analysis (n = 390). Two qualitative questions regarding both the participant and their partner’s attributed reasons for being unable to orgasm were coded and analyzed thematically. These responses were then quantitized into dichotomous variables used as predictors of sexual satisfaction, relationship satisfaction, and orgasm frequency in a multiple regression analysis. Results of the study indicated that medical/health and technique/setting attributions were the most frequent reasons participants and their partners did not orgasm. Furthermore, relational attributions were negatively associated with sexual and relationship satisfaction in women. Finally, not knowing to what cause orgasm non-occurrence should be attributed was also negatively associated with sexual and relationship satisfaction in women and orgasm frequency in both men and women. Implications for clinicians and further research are discussed.

The Moderating Effect of Sexual Sensation Seeking on the Association between Alcohol and Popper Use and Multiple Sexual Partners among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Guangzhou, China

Introduction: This cross sectional study was conducted to explore the moderating effect of sexual sensation seeking (SSS) on the association between alcohol/popper use before sex and multiple sexual partners (MSP) among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Guangzhou, China. Methods: From June 2017 to April 2018, MSM were recruited from a community-based HIV service center in Guangzhou, China; data on sociodemographics, sexual behaviors and SSS were collected. A product term of SSS and alcohol/popper use before sex was included in a multivariate logistic regression model to test the potential moderating effect of SSS on the association between alcohol/popper use before sex and MSP. Results: Among the 500 MSM included, individuals who reported alcohol use and popper use before sex, and MSP in the last six months accounted for 33.80%, 33.40%, and 60.40%, respectively. MSM with high SSS traits accounted for 54.80%. The association between popper use before sex and MSP was moderated by SSS (P for interaction = 0.007). A significant association between popper use before sex and MSP among MSM with low SSS traits (odds ratio [OR] = 4.22, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.06 ∼ 8.67). But not among MSM with high SSS traits (OR = 1.37, 95%CI: 0.77 ∼ 2.43) were observed. However, no moderating effect of SSS on the association between alcohol use before sex and MSP were observed. Conclusion: The moderated analysis indicated that SSS should be taken into consideration when tailoring interventions to prevent popper use before sex to reduce the risk associated with MSP.

The Longitudinal Relationship Between Broken Windows and Sexual Behaviors Among African American Girls in Juvenile Detention: The Moderating Effects of Sexual Sensation Seeking and Parental Monitoring

The Longitudinal Relationship Between Broken Windows and Sexual Behaviors Among African American Girls in Juvenile Detention: The Moderating Effects of Sexual Sensation Seeking and Parental Monitoring

Immunohistological study of the density and distribution of human penile neural tissue: gradient hypothesis.

Immunohistological patterns of density and distribution of neural tissue in the human penis, including the prepuce, are not fully characterized, and effects of circumcision (partial or total removal of the penile prepuce) on penile sexual sensation are controversial. This study analyzed extra- and intracavernosal innervation patterns on the main penile axes using formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded human adult and fetal penile tissues, single- and double-staining immunohistochemistry and a variety of neural and non-neural markers, with a special emphasis on the prepuce and potential sexual effects of circumcision. Immunohistochemical profiles of neural structures were determined and the most detailed immunohistological characterizations to date of preputial nerve supply are provided. The penile prepuce has a highly organized, dense, afferent innervation pattern that is manifest early in fetal development. Autonomically, it receives noradrenergic sympathetic and nitrergic parasympathetic innervation. Cholinergic nerves are also present. We observed cutaneous and subcutaneous neural density distribution biases across our specimens towards the ventral prepuce, including a region corresponding in the adult anatomical position (penis erect) to the distal third of the ventral penile aspect. We also describe a concept of innervation gradients across the longitudinal and transverse penile axes. Results are discussed in relation to the specialized literature. An argument is made that neuroanatomic substrates underlying unusual permanent penile sensory disturbances post-circumcision arerelated to heightened neural levels in the distal third of the ventral penile aspect, which could potentially be compromised by deep incisions during circumcision.