Turn-on Research Articles

Profiles of testosterone and pre-androgens and sexual function in premenopausal women

Abstract Background There is inconsistent evidence as to the role of testosterone and pre-androgens in premenopausal female sexual function, and reported associations between blood concentrations of these hormones and female sexual function vary in strength. Aim To examine the patterns of testosterone and pre-androgen concentrations and variations in sexual function in premenopausal eumenorrheic women. Methods This was a secondary analysis of a sample of 588 premenopausal eumenorrheic women from the Grollo-Ruzzene Foundation Young Women’s Health Study. Socio-demographics, health information, and questionnaire data were collected using online surveys. Eligible women were invited to provide a blood sample. We ran latent profile analysis (LPA) and subsequent analyses in R using RStudio. Outcomes Indicator variables in the LPA included sexual arousal and desire domains of the Profile of Female Sexual Function and testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and androstenedione, measured by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Results Analyses resulted in a pattern of 3 latent classes. Classes reporting relatively lower and higher sexual arousal (LPA-derived means and 95% CIs: -0.79 [-1.24; -0.34] and 0.62 [0.51; 0.72]) did not differ significantly in sex steroid concentrations (testosterone: -0.21 [-0.38; -0.03] and -0.33 [-0.47; -0.20]; DHEA: -0.47 [-0.57; -0.37] and -0.26 [-0.39; -0.13]; androstenedione: -0.36 [-0.50; -0.22] and -0.39 [-0.49; -0.29]), while the class reporting relatively medium arousal (-0.11 [-0.31; 0.08]) showed the highest testosterone, DHEA, and androstenedione concentrations (testosterone: 0.8 [0.60; 1.01]; DHEA: 0.99 [0.76; 1.23]; androstenedione: 1.08 [0.88; 1.29]). There were no significant differences in sexual desire between classes (-0.08 [-0.23; 0.06]; 0.00 [-0.13; 0.14]; 0.10 [-0.09; 0.30]) differing significantly in sex steroid concentrations (-0.69 [-0.80; -0.58], -0.04 [-0.15; 0.07], 0.94 [0.71; 1.16] for testosterone) nor associations between the sex steroid concentrations and degrees of sexual desire. Clinical Implications These findings cast further doubt on the utility of measuring sex steroids for diagnosing female sexual dysfunction in premenopausal eumenorrheic women, even when considered in combination. Strengths and Limitations We analyzed a large community sample and controlled for potentially biasing factors. We analyzed sex steroid concentrations determined with gold-standard methodology. Excluding women with early menopause and menstrual dysfunction might have resulted in finding 3, rather than more, latent classes. Conclusion Testosterone and pre-androgen profiles do not clearly identify premenopausal eumenorrheic women with low sexual arousal and desire.

Evidence for Bxy-npr-21 on controlling juveniles' growth and modulating male sexual arousal: from molecules to behaviors.

Bursaphelenchus xylophilus is considered a quarantine plant nematode species, that causes major damage to pine ecosystems globally. However, there are few reports on the identification and function of the sex pheromone receptors involved in mating. The function of Bxy-npr-21 as a potential sex pheromone receptor gene was verified from molecules to behaviors in this study. Here, we firstly report that Bxy-npr-21 is a receptor gene involved in sexual attraction. The bioinformatic analysis indicated that the Bxy-npr-21 gene in B. xylophilus encodes a GPCR. The expression characterization for Bxy-npr-21 showed that it is widely expressed in whole body of larvae and sex organs of adults. The RNAi results suggested that the Bxy-npr-21 gene was involved mainly in movement, feeding, and mating. Sexual arousal experiments further validated that the Bxy-npr-21 gene was involved in the activation of males by female chemical signaling. Our results strongly suggest that the Bxy-npr-21 gene is a key gene that regulates nematode growth, development and reproduction. The results of this study lay the foundation for revealing the molecular mechanisms of growth and reproduction of B. xylophilus. It can also provide an important basis for further control of B. xylophilus. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Exploring voyeurism: a review of research

Introduction and Objective: Voyeurism is characterized by recurrent and intense sexual arousal derived from observing unsuspecting individuals who are naked, disrobing, or engaging in sexual activity. Suggested risk factors for developing voyeurism include childhood sexual abuse, substance misuse, hypersexuality, emotional dysregulation, poor mental health, maladaptive coping strategies, and external pressures The aim of this publication is to discuss various aspects of voyeurism based on the latest literature.Review Methods: The PubMed database was searched to find scientific articles in which the terms “voyeurism” or “voyeuristic” appear in the title, abstract, or keywords.Brief Description of the State of Knowledge: Estimating the global prevalence of voyeurism is challenging due to inconsistent data, with reported rates ranging from over 10% to approximately 30–40%. Studies consistently indicate that voyeuristic behavior is more common among men. It often exhibits a compulsive and repetitive nature and can serve as a precursor to other sexual crimes, such as sexual sadism or pedophilia. Treatment primarily involves cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), with pharmacological support using SSRIs like fluoxetine and paroxetine, showing effectiveness. Summary: The authors highlight the importance of further exploration into this topic and emphasize the need for a more accurate understanding of voyeurism's prevalence in the general population, as current data may be inconclusive.

Exhibitionism - a review of research

Introduction and Objective: Exhibitionism is a paraphilic behavior characterized by a persistent or recurrent tendency to expose one’s genitalia to strangers, typically without the intention of further interaction. The aim of this publication is to discuss various aspects of exhibitionism based on the latest literature. Review Methods: A search was conducted in the PubMed database to identify scientific articles containing the term “exhibitionism” in their title, abstract, or keywords. The search focused on articles published between 2014 and 2024, with an emphasis on studies exploring the etiology, prevalence, and treatment of exhibitionism.Brief Description of the State of Knowledge: While often linked to sexual excitement and followed by masturbation, exibitionism is more commonly observed in men. Research highlights several potential risk factors for exhibitionistic disorder, including childhood sexual or emotional abuse, hypersexuality, and sexual preoccupation. Neurobiological, cognitive, and social mechanisms are believed to underlie the development of these tendencies. Treatment of exhibitionistic disorder primarily involves cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Pharmacological approaches are also employed to manage symptoms by modulating serotonergic transmission. Summary: Although relatively uncommon, exhibitionistic disorder has significant implications for individuals and society, underscoring the need for improved awareness, accurate prevalence estimates, and expanded access to effective treatment interventions. Further investigation into the true prevalence of exhibitionistic disorder is warranted, as current estimates may be imprecise.

Sexual function after treatment with non-invasive radiofrequency device for improvement of the genitourinary syndrome of menopause: A multi-arm randomized clinical trial.

Several anatomical and functional changes occur during menopause and lead to female sexual dysfunction (FSD). The use of energy-based devices to improve women's sexual health brings an innovative scenario. To evaluate the effect of non-invasive radiofrequency (RF) treatment compared to vaginal estrogen therapy (E) and vaginal moisturizer (M) in postmenopausal women with FSD. Thirty-two sexually active postmenopausal women aged 45-75years were enrolled in a single center randomized controlled trial with three intervention arms: non-invasive RF, vaginal estrogen (E), or vaginal moisturizer (M) treatment. Assessments at baseline, and 4months were conducted using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). The primary outcome of this RCT was an assessment of the effect of RF on FSD compared to that of E and M. According to the total FSFI score, 100% of participants in the RF and E arms and 90% in the M arm had sexual problems at the baseline. The mean age of the participants was 58+/-5.3, 57.9+/-6.3, and 59.6+/-6.0years in the RF, E, and M arms, respectively (p=0.741). After 4months of follow-up, FSD had ameliorated by 146.1% in the RF arm (improvement of 17.32 points in the total FSFI score), with no significant improvement in the other arms (p=0.009). We observed improvements in sexual desire (1.32 points in the partial FSFI score), arousal (2.37 points in the partial FSFI score), and orgasm (2.8 points in the partial FSFI score) only in the RF arm (p=0.004, p<0.001, and p<0.001, respectively). The use of an energy-based device independently of hormonal therapy to improve female SF is very promising. Our findings may contribute to treatment decisions when there is failure of vaginal estrogen therapy, a need for a combination of treatments, or a patient preference for the use of energy-based devices, in postmenopausal women with FSD. Non-invasive RF treatment for FSD showed superior efficacy compared to vaginal estrogen therapy and vaginal moisturizer after 4months of follow-up. Further studies with longer follow-up periods are needed to corroborate these findings and evaluate the long-term effects of non-invasive RF therapy on sexual function.

Aphrodisiac Activity of The n-Hexane Fraction of Clove Leaves (Syzygium aromaticum L.) on The Fertility of Male White Rats (Rattus norvegicus)

Aphrodisiacs are stimulant that modulate the neuroendocrine system to enhance libido or sexual desire and affect reproductive activity. Hormonal or neurological imbalances, as well as disruptions in reproductive tissue, can affect male fertility. One plant known to stimulate sexual arousal is the clove (Syzygium aromaticum L.), with its active compound, primarily eugenol, presumed to enhance testicular function and thereby potentially address male sexual dysfunction. This study aims to examine the aphrodisiac activity of the n-hexane fraction of clove leaves (Syzygium aromaticum L.) on the fertility of male white rats by assessing parameters such as the mating index, fertility index, libido index, pregnancy index, and live fetus index. This research used an experimental method with a post-test modified randomized control group design, involving 20 male and 40 female white rats divided into four treatment groups in a 1:2 ratio. Each group comprised 5 male and 10 female rats. The groups included a normal control (Na-CMC), a positive control (X-Gra 51.37 mg/kg BW), a clove leaf extract group (250 mg/kg BW), and an n-hexane fraction of clove leaves group (250 mg/kg BW). The findings indicate that the n-hexane fraction of clove leaves (Syzygium aromaticum L.) at a dose of 250 mg/kg BW contains secondary metabolite steroids and exhibits significant aphrodisiac activity that affect fertility which is characterized by a significant differences in the percentages of pregnancy and fertility indices.

Aptamer-Based Activatable Tyramide Signal Amplification for Low-Background Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Protein.

As severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection posed a significant threat to public health and the global economy, in vitro diagnosis of the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein proved to be an effective way for SARS-CoV-2 infection control in the past years. Tyramide signal amplification (TSA) has been extensively utilized in tissue imaging and pathological diagnosis owing to the powerful signal enhancement. However, the elevated "ALWAYS ON" fluorescence background limited the accuracy and sensitivity of the conventional TSA assay. To achieve an activated "TURN ON" signal, herein, a small molecule, termed dichlorodihydrofluorescein tyramide (T-DCFH), was synthesized for activatable TSA. Under the catalysis of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), this T-DCFH facilitates the "TURN ON" fluorescence signal. Additionally, as a recognition tool, DNA aptamer has been used for developing in vitro diagnostic approaches. Hence, based on HRP-labeled aptamers binding with SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein, we achieved aptamers-based activatable TSA detection with a higher signal-to-noise ratio than that of fluorescent dye (FITC)-labeled aptamers, while showing lower background than traditional fluorescein tyramide with "ALWAYS ON". The results demonstrated that the activated T-DCFH significantly enhances the fluorescence signal while diminishing the background noise. By employing multiple aptamers targeting, we offered a timely and accurate in vitro diagnostic approach for future emergent infectious diseases.

First use of cord blood platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of vulvar lichen sclerosus: a preliminary study towards a randomized controlled trial.

Although topical corticosteroids (TCS) represent first-line treatment for vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) and as such should be prescribed to all women at time of diagnosis, approximately 30% of patients do not experience complete symptom resolution following such treatment. TCS may not effectively improve vulvar trophism and elasticity, both of which are crucial for sexual function. Owing to its regenerative and healing properties, cord blood platelet-rich plasma (CB-PRP) may represent an efficacious supplementary therapy, to be administered following first line treatment with TCS. The primary aim of this study was to assess safety and tolerability of CB-PRP in women with VLS. This is a pilot study which precedes a randomized controlled trial of CB-PRP vs placebo in women with VLS. Ten consecutive patients with VLS, who had previously undergone standard TCS-treatment, received three vulvar CB-PRP injections monthly. Follow-up was conducted three months after the last injection using vulvoscopy and validated questionnaires to evaluate safety and tolerability, as well as patient satisfaction, symptom improvement, sexual function, psychological well-being, quality of life, frequency of TCS application as a maintenance treatment, vulvar trophism and architectural modifications. No adverse clinical effects were observed. Five patients (50%) were either satisfied or very satisfied with the procedure, four (40%) were uncertain about their satisfaction with the treatment. One patient (10%) dropped out for personal reasons and was classified as unsatisfied according to an intention-to-treat analysis. At follow-up median numeric rating scale scores were significantly reduced for vulvar burning compared to baseline (p<0.05) there was a trend toward improvement in itching, dyspareunia, and dysuria. A significant improvement in sexual arousal and satisfaction was observed in all treated women (p<0.05). CB-PRP may be a promising treatment for VLS. It appears to be safe and improve symptoms and sexual function.

The effect of sexual counseling based on the PLISSIT model on improving the sexual function of postmenopausal women: a randomized controlled trial

Objective Menopause can impact women’s physical and mental well-being, including sexual function. The present study aims to evaluate the effect of sexual counseling based on the PLISSIT model on improving the sexual function of postmenopausal women. Methods The randomized trial focused on postmenopausal married women who did not have any pre-existing health conditions. The intervention group were provided with personalized sexual counseling grounded in the PLISSIT model, whereas the control group were given educational pamphlets. Participants filled out the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire and were categorized into two groups through randomized blocking, utilizing blocks of four and six. The main outcome measure was the average sexual function score assessed at the start of the study, as well as at 4 and 8 weeks following the intervention. Results A total of 60 eligible participants were included in the study. The mean ± standard deviation participant age was 58.7 ± 3.5 years. At week 4 following the intervention, statistically significant differences were observed between the study groups in the mean scores of sexual desire (p = 0.023), arousal (p = 0.002), orgasm (p = 0.0001), lubrication (p = 0.001) and satisfaction (p = 0.004). At week 8 following the intervention, significant differences were noted in the mean scores for sexual arousal (p = 0.001), orgasm (p = 0.000), lubrication (p = 0.031) and satisfaction (p = 0.004) between the study groups. Conclusion The sexual counseling based on the PLISSIT model can significantly improve sexual function in postmenopausal women, making it a valuable intervention for healthcare providers to consider in their practice.

Sexual response in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: a case control study.

To study genital response and sexual arousal in women with and without PCOS and to assess associations with sex steroid levels. This observational prospective case control study was conducted from March 2017 until March 2020. Heterosexual women with (n=68) and without PCOS (n=67), aged 18-40 years, in a steady relationship and without any comorbidities. All participants underwent an extensive medical and endocrine screening as well as assessment of genital blood flow (vaginal pulse amplitude (VPA)), assessed with photoplethysmography), and sexual arousal and affect (Likert scale questionnaire) in response to erotic and vibrotactile stimulation. Vaginal pulse amplitude, lubrication, subjective sexual arousal and affect. There were no significant differences in genital blood flow response and self-reported lubrication between women with and without PCOS. After adjusting for confounders, women with PCOS did report significantly lower positive affect in the fantasy and vibrotactile condition compared to women without PCOS. Regression analyses adjusted for confounders showed only few and weak associations of sexual responses with androgen levels explaining only a maximum of 6% of variance in all models in women with and those without PCOS. The PCOS group showed only weak associations between subjective sexual arousal and DHEA (fantasy: β=1.719, P=0.049, Adj R2=0.020), and SHBG (fantasy: β=-1.728, P=0.020, Adj R2=0.044). Women with PCOS show similar genital sexual response and lubrication, but lower positive affect compared to women without PCOS, however, only few, and weak associations with androgen levels were found. Androgen levels are not indicative of genital response and subjective arousal. Sexual function should be discussed in clinical care and psychosexual counseling should be offered.

A Novel Turn‐On Fluorescence Probe for Selective Picomolar Detection of Uric Acid Using Green Carbon Dots (G‐NCDs) from Waste Brachyura Shells

AbstractIn the current study, a Novel synthesis of fluorescent Green carbon dots (G‐NCDs) is reported from waste Brachyura shells using a simple, green technique. G‐NCDs function as a TURN‐ON fluorescent probe for the selective detection Uric Acid (UA) in presence of Dopamine (DA). The synthesized carbon dots are sand colored under visible light and exhibit pale green fluorescence under UV radiation. The G‐NCDs are characterized using UV–vis, FTIR, XPS, SEM‐EDAX, HR‐TEM, X‐ray diffraction, and PL spectroscopic technique. The SEM‐EDAX data of G‐NCDs shows a layered, fibrous morphology and confirms the presence of only Carbon, Nitrogen, and Oxygen in the matrix. FTIR and XPS response confirms the presence of functional groups like ─C≡N, ─C≡C─, CH, ═C─H, O─H on the surface of G‐NCDs. XRD data confirms G‐NCDs to be crystalline with a particle size of 4.51 nm. The quantum yield found to be 99.8%. PL response confirms a TURN OFF fluorescence with increased addition of DA. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), a form of dynamic quenching is responsible for the DA quenching, confirmed through linear Stern‐ Volmer plot. With increase in addition of UA in presence of DA fluorescence TURNs ON with a minimum selective detection limit of UA as 0.23 × 10−12 M. Selective detection of UA in presence of DA is due to the following reasons i) decrease in bandgap of G‐NCDs in presence of UA ii) electrostatic attraction between negatively charged carboxyl group of G‐NCDs and positively charge secondary amine group of UA molecule ii) UA molecules near to the surface of G‐NCDs switches off the formation of polydopamine iv) formation of surface defects due to the formation of hydrogen bonds between the ketone/hydroxyl group in the UA molecule and the amino group on the surface of G‐NCD resulting in fluorescence. The first time the lowest detection limit of 0.23 × 10−12 M of UA is been reported in presence of DA using G‐NCDs. In future, G‐NCDs will be used for the detection of UA in biological fluids.

Masked liking of pornography: implicit associations in men with compulsive sexual behavior.

Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder is a new category in the 11th version of the International Classification of Diseases and is showing neuropsychological similarities to substance dependencies and behavioral addictions. This experimental study aims to further our knowledge on implicit associations in Compulsive Sexual Behavior (CSB) with a clinical sample. Participants completed an Implicit Association Test modified with pornographic pictures. In addition, problematic sexual behavior and sensitivity toward sexual excitation were assessed. We collected data on implicit associations from 47 heterosexual men with CSB (age, M = 36.51, SD = 11.47) and a control group of 38 men without the condition (age: M = 37.92, SD = 12.33). Results show significantly more positive relationships between implicit associations of pornographic pictures with positive emotions, as well as with problematic sexual behavior and sensitivity toward sexual excitation, in men with CSB vs. men without CSB. Furthermore, implicit associations, sexual excitation, and sexual inhibition due to threat of performance consequences differentiated significantly between groups using a binary stepwise logistic regression analysis. The findings are in line with those of previous subclinical investigations and support the assumption of pronounced positive implicit associations in CSB. Moreover, as suggested by the I-PACE model of addictive behaviors, implicit associations may be crucial to the maintenance of behavioral addictions. Implicit associations could be addressed in therapy to illustrate cognitive processes of those affected and as an outcome measure in research on treatment efficiency. The present study is the first to investigate implicit associations in CSB in a clinical sample. Findings are limited to heterosexual men. Findings can be seen in accordance with a proposed classification of CSB as a behavioral addiction.

Sexual Shame and Women’s Sexual Functioning

Sexual shame negatively affects women’s sexual functioning, impacting arousal, desire, orgasm, and pain. This review summarizes the existing literature, highlighting the multiple, interacting factors contributing to sexual shame including sociocultural messages, body and genital self-image, sexual self-schemas, sexual pain, comorbid chronic disease, illness, medical disorders, and sexual trauma. The relationship between sexual shame and sexual functioning is often reciprocal, demonstrating sexual shame as a potential causal and maintaining mechanism underlying women’s sexual difficulties. We present a model proposing the mechanisms by which sexual shame affects sexual functioning, underscoring the need for comprehensive approaches to mitigate the impact of sexual shame and foster sexual well-being for women. Growing research emphasizes emotional processes in models of sexual function, and emotional pathways underlying sexual difficulties and dysfunction. Given the impact of sexual shame on women’s sexual functioning, therapeutic approaches that target sexual shame are recommended to help alleviate difficulties with sexual arousal, desire, orgasm, and sexual pain.

The Effect of Genital Aesthetic Surgery on Body Image Cathexis and Sexual Function in Women.

The emotions that women generally feel about the appearance of their bodies cause them to turn to aesthetics surgery. This study was conducted to determine the effect of genital aesthetic surgery on body image cathexis and sexual function in women. This descriptive-prospective study was conducted between November 1, 2022, and July 30, 2023, with 50 women who applied to the gynecology service in a training and research hospital. Sociodemographic and descriptive characteristics questionnaire, body image cathexis scale, and female sexual function index were filled out before surgery. The patients whose contact information was obtained were called by phone 2 months after surgery and the body image cathexis scale and the female sexual function index were administered again. Frequency analysis, t-test, and one-way analysis of variance were used to evaluate the data. Significance was accepted as p<0.05. The average age of the women was 39.26±10.28 (22-68) and the mean body mass was 25.39±4.55 (17.6-39.8). The majority of women (44%) underwent perineoplasty. It was observed that the level of body cathexis after genital aesthetics surgery was significantly higher than the preoperative body cathexis, and the general level of sexual function, desire, arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction level increased significantly after surgery. Female genital aesthetics surgery was found to improve body cathexis and increase sexual function in women. In order to reduce unnecessary female genital aesthetic surgery, education should be planned on this subject and public awareness about genital appearance should be increased. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder/Genitopelvic Dysesthesia.

Persistent genital arousal disorder/genitopelvic dysesthesia (PGAD/GPD) is a distressing condition characterized by persistent or recurrent, unwanted, or intrusive sensations of genital arousal that occur in the absence of subjective feelings of sexual desire that persist for at least 3 months. Despite its negative psychosocial impact, including high levels of suicidal ideation, it is not well known by most health care providers and can easily be misdiagnosed or remain undiagnosed. This paper describes a detailed biopsychosocial regional algorithm for the assessment and management of PGAD/GPD and draws attention to the need for multidisciplinary approaches to its effective management.

University students’ perspectives on physiological sexual arousal in victims of sexual assault: The role of gender and rape myths

Are university students aware that physiological sexual arousal (i.e., erection, lubrication, orgasm) may occur in victims during a sexual assault? In this study, we examined this question and the role of the gender of the participant, the gender of the victim, and the gender of the perpetrator on perceptions of physiological sexual arousal in sexual assault victims. They also examined the link between endorsement of rape myths and these perceptions. A sample of 477 female and 230 male students was recruited and invited to complete an online questionnaire. The questionnaire included an adapted version of the Illinois Rape Myth Acceptance–Short Form (IRMA-SF) scale, along with questions about perceptions of sexual arousal in various scenarios of sexual assault. In general, students agreed that physiological sexual arousal could occur in some victims. Particularly, students overall judged sexual arousal to be most likely when both the perpetrator and the victim are men. For erection in male victims specifically, male students believed it to be more plausible when the perpetrator is a woman. Female students thought that lubrication is more likely to occur than male students did, regardless of the gender of the perpetrator. Endorsement of rape myths was negatively associated with the belief that it is possible for a victim to experience sexual arousal during a sexual assault. Almost all participants asserted that there is not enough awareness of this phenomenon, which highlights the potential implications of this study for educational initiatives.

Looks, personality, and everything in between: Understanding sexually attractive characteristics among cisgender and gender diverse individuals

Sexual arousal, or feeling “turned on,” is experienced by many, yet an endless variety of factors influence how this response is manifested. Literature on the topic of sexually arousing partner characteristics is limited and focuses on primarily majority samples. The present mixed-methods study sought to answer the overarching question of what partner characteristics are considered sexually arousing by a diverse sample. Participants ( N = 344) were recruited through social media to complete open-ended questions inquiring about partner-related aspects of what turns them on sexually in the following domains: physical characteristics, personality traits, and nature of connection. Thematic analysis revealed nine themes and 28 subthemes overall, with few differences in frequency of endorsement between cisgender men and women or between gender diverse and cisgender participants. Quantitative analyses indicated differences in preferences for physical, though not for personality or connection characteristics among cisgender men and women and gender-diverse individuals. Results suggest broad conceptualizations of turn-ons, paving the way for future comprehensive perspectives inclusive of diverse samples.

The impact of Internet pornography on children and adolescents: A systematic review

ObjectivesYoung people's exposure to online pornographic material has increased in the past years. Its impact is a complex topic but an important issue due to growing concerns. Therefore, we reviewed the literature on Internet pornography consumption and its impact on children and adolescents. Furthermore, we examined young people's thoughts about pornography and their reasons for consumption. MethodWe performed a systematic literature search in the online databases ERIC, PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO, and PSYNDEX for peer-reviewed articles in English, published between 2000 and 2022 and additionally identified secondary references. ResultsWe could determine associations between pornography consumption and demographic variables (e.g., age, gender), personal characteristics (e.g., [sexual] sensation seeking, sexual interest and experience, general risk behavior), environmental variables (e.g., peers, family), attitudes (e.g., gender role attitudes, permissive sexual attitudes), behavior (e.g. sexual risk behaviour, sexting) and sexual aggression (e.g., sexual cybervictimization, grooming). Moreover, we found that girls have a more negative attitude towards pornography than boys who have an ambivalent opinion on the subject. Most adolescents are aware that the majority of pornographic material is exaggerated and unrealistic. Furthermore, pornography is not only watched out of curiosity and for sexual arousal but also used as a source of sexual information, especially by minority groups. DiscussionMany effects that impair children's development have been documented. The results found in this review are often contradictory. Therefore, further replication studies are needed. In addition, we propose several preventive measures, e.g., sexual health education at schools for both heterosexuals and LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) people.

인구학적 특성과 관계수준 및 생활양식이 성폭력 피해자 비난에 미치는 영향

In this study, a quantitative study of 363 adults and a qualitative case study of 17 adults were conducted to explore the impact of demographic characteristics, relationship level, and lifestyle on blaming victims of sexual violence. Quantitative research results showed that gender differences in victim blaming were not significant. And it was found that the older the participant, the stranger the perpetrator was, and the more open the victim's lifestyle, the more they blamed the victim. As a result of the qualitative case study, the reasons for victim-blaming were summarized as ‘the illusion that the offender can be recognized at a glance’, ‘alcohol is guilty-the offender is innocent’, ‘the crime of not saying no’, ‘a man’s sexual impulse is entirely the woman’s fault’, ‘prevention is self’, ‘the illusion that men's sexual impulses are always right', 'open lifestyle is a sign of wanting to be raped', and 'retribution'. They converged into sexism based on gender role stereotypes. In the discussion, suggestions were made on effective prevention strategies for secondary victimization and directions for follow-up research.

Sympathetic hypoactivity leads to hypocontractility of the corpus cavernosum in sickle cell mice: a mechanism contributing to priapism.

Priapism, a prevalent complication in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients, manifests as prolonged and painful erections unrelated to sexual arousal. The detailed mechanisms contributing to this condition, especially regarding sympathetic function in the corpus cavernosum that maintains penile flaccidity, remain to be elucidated. In this study, it was hypothesized that the pathways of the sympathetic nervous system would be down-regulated, thereby contributing to the development of ischemic priapism in sickle cell disease. This study aimed to investigate the contractions induced by stimulation of sympathetic terminals and the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase in the corpora cavernosa of Berkeley SCD mice. C57BL/6 mice (wild-type, WT) and Berkeley SCD mice were used. A total of 22 mice were used in this study, with 11 allocated to the WT group and 11 to the SCD group. Mice corpus cavernosum was dissected free and mounted in 7-mL organ baths containing Krebs solution. Noradrenergic contractions were obtained using electrical-field stimulation (4-32 Hz) in corpus cavernosum strips from WT and SCD mice. Measurements of tyrosine hydroxylase phosphorylated at Ser-31 and total tyrosine hydroxylase protein expressions in cavernosal tissues were also measured by western blot. The neurogenic contractions were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the SCD group compared to WT group at all tested frequencies. The protein expression of both total tyrosine hydroxylase and tyrosine hydroxylase phosphorylated at Ser-31 was significantly decreased by approximately 46.28% (P = 0.01) and 55.32% (P = 0.03) in cavernosal tissues from the SCD group compared to the control group, respectively. In conclusion, sympathetic hypoactivity characterized by the downregulation of tyrosine hydroxylase contributes to the hypocontractility of the corpus cavernosum in Berkeley SCD mice. This suggests an impairment in the mechanism responsible for maintaining penile flaccidity, potentially predisposing to erections without sexual stimulation, similar to those observed in ischemic priapism. Pharmacological treatments aiming to restore sympathetic tone in the penis might hold promise for addressing ischemic priapism in SCD.