Women's Sexual Behavior Research Articles

Risky Sexual Behaviors in Women and Their Relationship with Alcohol Consumption, Tobacco, and Academic Stress: A Multiple Correspondence Analysis Approach

Risky Sexual Behaviors in Women and Their Relationship with Alcohol Consumption, Tobacco, and Academic Stress: A Multiple Correspondence Analysis Approach

Delay discounting of protected sex and compulsive sexual behavior in women withborderline personality disorder.

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a complex mental health condition characterized by emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and unstable interpersonal relationships. Some individuals with BPD regularly engage in sexual risk behavior such as unprotected sex and are at higher risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections. This study investigates discounting of condom- or dental dam-protected sex in women with BPD compared with a control group. Data were collected from 40 women diagnosed with BPD and 40 healthy controls with an average age of 27.28 years (SD = 6.14) using the Sexual Delay Discounting Task (SDT), the Borderline Symptom List-23 (BSL-23), and the Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder Scale-19 (CSBD-19). Women with BPD were less likely to use an immediately available condom or dental dam and more likely to discount safer sex than controls. Partner desirability and the perceived STI risk influenced the participants' likelihood of having protected sex. Women with BPD showed more symptoms of compulsive sexual behavior (CSB) than controls. However, sexual delay discounting was not significantly correlated with borderline symptoms or CSB in the BPD group. These findings contribute to our understanding of sexual impulsivity in women with BPD and highlight the omission and delayed availability of safety measures as important contributors to sexual risk behavior and STI risk in women. Impulsive sexual behavior, as well as the accompanying sexual health concerns, should receive special attention in the treatment of women with BPD.

Social-Demographic Predictors of Sexual Self-concept in Women on the Verge of Marriage: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: A satisfying and proper sexual relationship that meets the needs of both spouses plays a crucial role in the stability and longevity of the family. Sexual self-concept is one of the factors affecting women's sexual behavior and performance and can be changed throughout life. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the status of sexual self-concept and its socio-demographic predictors of women on the verge of marriage. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 130 women referring to premarital counseling centers in Tabriz, Iran. The data collection tool was the questionnaire of personal and social characteristics and Snell's Multidimensional Sexual Self-Concept Questionnaire. Pearson's correlation test, one-way analysis of variance, and multivariate linear regression test were used in data analysis with SPSS software version 24. Results: The mean (standard deviation) of the positive sexual self-concept score was 117 (0.20) from the obtainable score of 0 - 176, and the mean (standard deviation) of the negative sexual self-concept score was 16 (0.7) from the obtainable score of 4 - 38. Additionally, the mean (standard deviation) of the sexual self-concept score was 44 (0.9) from the range of the obtainable score of 0 - 72. The results of multivariate analysis with multivariate linear regression test and control of confounding variables showed that the husband’s age, education, and mother's education were the predictors of positive sexual self-concept. Moreover, age, father's education, and duration of previous acquaintance were reported as predictors of negative sexual self-concept, and age was observed as a predictor of situational sexual self-concept. Conclusions: The study's findings indicated that age, education, parents' education, and the duration of acquaintance with the future spouse could predict sexual self-concept in women approaching marriage without sexual abuse. Given that sexual self-concept evolves well before any sexual activity, policymakers can enhance women's sexual self-concept through interventions, such as psychological counseling with a focus on sexual health. This, in turn, can improve their overall well-being, ultimately supporting stable family foundations and successful childbearing in the future.

Attitudes and Behavior Feedback Loops for Young Women's Premarital Sex.

Sociologists have long been puzzled by whether attitudes inform behaviors or vice versa. Accurately assessing both possibilities requires panel data collected at relatively short intervals. In this study, I leverage intensive panel data from the Relationship Dynamics and Social Life Study to assess the case of young women's premarital sexual attitudes and behavior. Through a series of descriptive analyses and cross-lagged panel models, I show that opposition to premarital sex in young adulthood is only sometimes associated with subsequent sexual behavior and that premarital sex is negatively associated with later opposition to premarital sex. Young women are especially likely to reduce their opposition following first sex relative to sex reported at any time. Thus, initial behavioral experiences may result in outsized shocks to attitudes, following an active updating model. That subsequent sex is associated with less attitudinal change suggests that young women initially update their attitudes before settling into them. This study nuances long-standing debates on the malleability of attitudes within a person over time and with respect to behavior and has implications for how people approach behavior according to their attitudes across a wide spectrum of social phenomena.

Determination of risky sexual behaviors and associated factors of Turkish young women

ABSTRACT Risky sexual behaviors of young women cause significant reproductive health problems. Therefore, it is vital to evaluate the sexual attitude and behavior characteristics of young women, their changes over the years, and the effects of information sources such as family, media, and friends, which play an effective role in bringing about changes in sexual behavior of young women. This study was planned to evaluate young women’s premarital sexual behaviors and related factors in Turkiye between 01.11.2021 and 01.05.2022. It is designed as a descriptive correlation study conducted with 1.430 young women studying at universities in 30 metropolitan cities in Turkiye. The study data were collected using the “Participant Information Form” and the “Premarital Risky Sexual Behavior Assessment Scale for Young Women.” This study showed that parents’ educational status and geographical region was related to the young women’s mean score and the subdimension score of the Premarital Sexual Behavior Assessment Scale for Young Women (PSAS-YW) (p < .001). Furthermore, young women’s top source of information about sexuality was internet media (80 percent, n = 1144), and the least source was their fathers (2.9 percent, n = 41). There is a relationship between where young women spend most of their lives, the geographical region where their families live, and the risk of sexual behavior. The study observed that the geographical region where young women’s parents live was effective in risky sexual behavior. While less risky sexual behavior was observed, primarily in the country’s east, this rate increased in the western parts. Furthermore, while it was determined that young people mainly acquire sexual information through the media-internet or friends, it was observed that the participants in this group had the highest rate of risky sexual behavior. The age variable explained only 2 percent of the change in risky sexual behavior, and there was a linear increase between the mother’s education level and the risky sexual behavior score of young women.

Sexual Dysfunctions and High-Risk Sexual Behaviors in Women with Severe Psychiatric Disorders

Background: Sexual Dysfunctions (SDs) and High-Risk Sexual Behaviors (HRSBs) are highly prevalent and substantial issues among patients with severe psychiatric disorders. However, studies exploring them are still infrequent. This study was conducted to evaluate SDs and HRSBs in women with severe psychiatric disorders.&#x0D; Methods: Female inpatients and outpatients of the Iran Psychiatry Hospital were selected if they were 18-60 years old, able to read, and diagnosed with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or type one Bipolar Disorder (B1D). After the initial interviews, the outcomes were assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS), and Sexual Risk Survey (SRS) questionnaires.&#x0D; Results: The mean (standard deviation) age of the 159 patients was 36.9 (10.1). B1D, schizophrenia, and schizoaffective disorder were diagnosed in 98, 53, and eight patients, respectively. FSFI evaluations demonstrated that several SDs, including pain and decreased sexual desire, are highly prevalent in them. Based on the results of YRBSS and SRS evaluations, the most predominant HRSBs were sexual behaviors without leading to complete intercourse, having sex without a barrier or effective contraception, using alcohol and drugs before sex, and impulsive sexual intercourse with inadequately known partners.&#x0D; Conclusion: All evaluated SDs had a high prevalence attributable to the pathophysiology of severe psychiatric disorders and related medications. HRSBs were also widespread due to impaired judgment, poor knowledge, or sexual characteristics of the disorders. These results support the need for further educating these patients concerning safe sexual behaviors and interactions of contraceptive medications with specific psychiatric medicines, including carbamazepine and sodium valproate.

Barriers to sexual health-seeking behaviors for Chinese women.

Cognitive barriers to Chinese women's sexual health-seeking behaviours remained unclear. Therefore, we conducted this study to investigate the characteristics of the sexual health beliefs of Chinese women to clarify why they were reluctant to seek help for sexual issues. An online survey was undertaken from April to July 2020. A total of 3443 valid responses were gleaned (the effective rate was 82.6%), the participants of which were mainly Chinese urban women of childbearing age. Up to 66.0% (n=2271, the standardized rate was 66.8%~73.4%) felt ashamed of sexual health-related disorders. Most women (49.4%, n=1700) were strongly motivated to seek help for sexual issues but also had a great psychological impediment. Women with low motivation and a great psychological impediment were rare (6.4%, n= 219). The shame of sexual health-related disorders was the main barrier to sexual health-seeking behaviours for Chinese women, which should be given enough attention in related health services and sexual education.

The role of sex hormones in multiple sclerosis

Biological differences associated with sexual dimorphism have an impact on many aspects of health, including disease susceptibility, course and prognosis. Significant differences in the incidence and severity of neurological diseases, especially those of autoimmune origin, were found between women and men. Although the reasons for the observed discrepancies are complex, research indicates the key role of sex hormones, which are known to be responsible for the differences in body structure, genitals and sexual behaviour in women and men. Recent data have drawn attention to their impact on the function of the immune and nervous systems, the brain and the spinal cord in particular. Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease of the central nervous system that affects more than twice as many women as men. The etiopathogenesis of the disease is complex, with genetic and environmental factors playing an important role. There are three main components in the pathology of multiple sclerosis: inflammation, demyelination and neurodegeneration. Studies conducted so far have shown a significant influence of sex hormones, both male and female, on each of these elements. It has been shown in both clinical and experimental studies that sex hormones have not only a strong immunomodulatory, but also neuroprotective and neuroregenerative effect. Recent research on the role of sex hormones in multiple sclerosis has led to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the development of this disorder. They also gave hope for the introduction of sex hormones as diagnostic tools, i.e. biomarkers of progression and response to treatment, but above all, as breakthrough therapies.

Sexual Health Knowledge and Sexual Self-Efficacy as Predictors of Sexual Risk Behaviors in Women

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the proportion of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) diagnoses among women in the United States has more than doubled between 1984 and 2019 and rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in all individuals increased 30% between 2015 and 2019. Further, the CDC has designated women ages 13 to 44 years as a group vulnerable to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and STD infection, in part due to frequency of engaging in sexual risk behaviors. Sexual self-efficacy is associated with decreased sexual risk behaviors and counters norms that emphasize passivity and compliance as traditional sexual behavior in women. In the current study, we assessed knowledge of HIV and STD transmission and risk factors, sexual self-efficacy, and frequency of sexual risk behaviors in 281 woman-identified respondents aged 18–44 years in an online survey. Knowledge of HIV and STDs was low (averages of 63.3% and 49.9%, respectively). Younger women, and women who identified as single, White, and/or LGBTQ+ reported more sexual risk behaviors. HIV knowledge and sexual self-efficacy were independently associated with fewer risk behaviors and significantly interacted to predict sexual risk behaviors. STD knowledge and sexual self-efficacy were independently associated with fewer sexual risk behaviors. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive, widespread, and identity-inclusive sexual health education.

Latent class analysis of college women's motivations for engaging in same‐sex performativity

AbstractSame‐sex performativity (SSP), or public performances of sexuality (e.g., kissing) between women who identify as heterosexual, is a relatively common relational experience among college‐aged women. Identifying patterns of women's motivations for engaging in SSP can elucidate the heterogeneity among women's social and sexual behaviors during a critical developmental period (i.e., college). We used latent class analysis to identify classes of heterosexual undergraduate women who engaged in SSP (N = 282). We identified three classes of motivational patterns: Other‐Motivated (i.e., notably motivated by male attention, wanting to shock others, wanting to bond, and social pressure), Ambiguously Motivated (i.e., most motivated by alcohol and fun, but minimally motivated overall), and Sexually Motivated (i.e., notably motivated by sexual desire and sexual experimentation). We then examined how class membership was associated with variables related to participants' evaluation of their SSP experience, self and identity, sexuality, and heterosexism. Classes significantly differed in SSP evaluations, as well as in certain facets of self and identity and sexuality (i.e., sorority membership and same‐sex desire). These data provide evidence of substantial complexity in the characterizations of women who engage in SSP. We discuss the implications of the relationship between motivational patterns and women's evaluations of the SSP experience.

Sexual behavior, sexual function, and sexual satisfaction of women and men during the postpartum period.

The postpartum period is a challenging period for a couple's sexuality and is accompanied by changes in sexual behavior. However, the study of sexual behavior in this period has mostly focused on (resuming) vaginal intercourse. Other sexual behaviors and their associations with sexual function and satisfaction have as yet not received much attention. This is especially the case for men, as most research on sexuality in the postpartum period has focused on women. The present study aimed to describe women's and men's sexual behavior after having a child, as well as the associations between sexual behavior, sexual function, and sexual satisfaction. A sample of 119 women and 59 men participated in an online survey, 3 to 12 months postpartum. They filled out questionnaires on the frequency of specific sexual behaviors during the past 4 weeks, on their sexual function, and on their sexual satisfaction. Overall, prevalence rates of sexual problems and sexual dysfunctions were higher in women than in men but no differences were found in sexual satisfaction, or frequency of partnered sexual behaviors reported by women and men. Men did report significantly more frequent solo manual stimulation than women did. Moreover, we found that sexual behavior, sexual function, and sexual satisfaction are stronger associated in women than in men. In women, sexual dysfunction was associated with a stronger decline in sexual satisfaction, and with a decline in the frequency of almost all sexual behaviors. In men, sexual dysfunction was associated with a decline in kissing, but a higher frequency of giving oral sex, solo manual stimulation, and anal intercourse. While women's and men's reports of sexual behavior and sexual satisfaction during the postpartum period did not differ much, women's sexual function was found to be more impaired and stronger associated with sexual behavior after the arrival of a child. None

Features of coping strategies and sexual behavior in women in an in vitro fertilization program

This study analyzes the identified features of coping strategies and sexual behavior in women with infertility in the program of assisted reproductive technologies. Infertility treatment requires a certain response to stressful situations and all procedures of in vitro fertilization (IVF), as well as changes in behavior, the emotional sphere, and in family relations from both spouses. For some couples, the period of infertility treatment in an in vitro fertilization program is a stressful period, which can affect not only the emotional state, but sexual behavior as well. This article examines the influence of infertility diagnosis on the choice of women»s preferred coping strategies and changes in sexual behavior and sexual attitudes.

Condom, modern contraceptive, and dual method use are associated with HIV status and relationship concurrency in a context of high mobility: A cross-sectional study of women of reproductive age in rural Kenya and Uganda, 2016

ObjectivesMobility (international/internal migration, and localized mobility) is a key driver of the HIV epidemic. While mobility is associated with higher-risk sexual behavior in women, a possible association with condom, modern contraceptive, and dual method use among women living with HIV (WLHIV), is unknown. In addition, HIV status and sexual behaviors such as relationship concurrency may also affect condom, modern contraceptive, and dual method use. Study designWe surveyed sexually active women (N = 1067) aged 15 to 49 in 12 communities in Kenya and Uganda participating in a test-and-treat trial in 2015 to 2016. Generalized (unordered) multinomial logistic regression models accounting for community clustering examined associations between mobility (overnight travel away from home in past 6 months and any migration within past 2 years) and condom, modern contraceptive (i.e., oral contraceptive pills, injectables, intrauterine devices, implants, vasectomy, tubal ligation; excluding male/female condoms), and dual method use within past 6 months, adjusting for key covariates such as HIV status and relationship concurrency. ResultsWLHIV relative to HIV-negative women (ratios of relative risk [RRR] = 3.76, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.40–5.89), and women in concurrent relative to monogamous relationships (RRR = 4.03, 95% CI 1.9–8.50) had higher odds of condom use alone. In contraceptive use models, WLHIV relative to HIV-negative women were less likely to use modern contraceptive methods alone (RRR = 0.51, 95% CI 0.36–0.73). Relationship concurrency (RRR = 4.51, 95% CI 2.10–9.67) and HIV status (RRR = 3.97, 95% CI 2.43–6.50) were associated with higher odds of dual method use while mobility was marginally associated with higher odds of dual method use (RRR = 1.65, 95% CI 0.99–2.77, p = 0.057). ConclusionsMobility had a potential impact on dual method use in Kenya and Uganda. In addition, our findings highlight that WLHIV were using condoms and dual methods more, but modern contraceptives less, than HIV-negative women. Those in concurrent relationships were also more likely to use condoms or dual methods. These findings suggest that in a context of high mobility, women may be appropriately assessing risks and taking measures to protect themselves and their partners from unintended pregnancies and acquisition and transmission of HIV. ImplicationsOur findings point to a need to strengthen accessibility of sexual and reproductive health services for both mobile and residentially stable women in settings of high mobility and high HIV prevalence.

Сlinical features of disorders of reproductive health and sexual behavior in women with HIV

Objective. The research of clinical features, reproductive health and sexual disorders with women of childbearing age, involved in HIV epidemic.Materials and methods. Cross-sectional, cohort, clinical sociological research of gynecological pathology and comorbid conditions among 85 women with HIV infection. The results of sociological research by anonymous survey among 50 women and 35 men of reproductive age with HIV infection are presented. The research was held using a questionnaire, based on WHO thematic map-questionnaire (WHO project №88093).Results and discussion. The main group with HIV infection and reproductive disorders contains 27 women (median age 30,8±2,9). The comparison group consisted of 23 women with HIV infection without reproductive disorders (median age 31,4±7,1). The frequency of medical abortion appeared twice as often in the group of HIV-infected women with reproductive disorders. Statistically significant differences in occurrence of chronically related diseases: ENT organs, gastritis/duodenitis, pancreatitis, cystitis, pyelonerphritis, viral hepatitis (В, С), Papilloma Viral Infection in the compared groups has not been identified. The women with HIV infection and reproductive disorders experienced inflammatory disease of pelvic organs, provoked by chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, syphilis twice as often. Statistically significant differences in occurrence of hysteromyoma, chronic cervicitis, chronic endometritis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia haven’t been detected. Menstrual function analysis among the women with HIV infection and reproductive disorders identified a considerable predominance of secondary amenorrhea, opsomenorrhea, secondary oligomenorrhea and dysmenorrhea. The women with HIV infection and reproductive disorders experienced hyperprolactinemia syndrome 3 times as often. The men were married more often than the women, had regular sexual intercourse, were not interested in their partners’ pregnancy. The most common method of contraception for women as well as for men was contraception sheath and rejected sexual intercourse. However, 20% and 26% men and women with HIV infection, who had sexual intercourse, didn’t use any methods of contraception. The main reason for both men and women to refuse pregnancy planning was unsatisfactory financial situation and having current HIV infection.Conclusion. Early diagnosis of menstrual disorders, prevention of abortion and sexually transmitted diseases, and also early infertility treatment are necessary for women with HIV infection. Apart from medical care, medical workers should take into account social and psychological needs to help patients with HIV improve their quality of living, including sexual and reproductive health.

The Effect of the Transtheoretical Model-Based Healthy Youth Program on Sexual Health Knowledge and Behavior of College Women

College women are at more risk in terms of sexual behavior than male students. This study was carried out to determine the effect of the transtheoretical model-based Healthy Youth Program on college women's sexual health knowledge and behaviors. The sample of the study, which was conducted with a one-group pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design, consisted of 207 first-year college women. It was determined that the Healthy Youth Program was effective in improving the sexual health knowledge and behaviors of college women. It can be used as a guide in sexual health education in colleges.

Sexual harassment experiences and their consequences for the private lives of Chinese women

Sexual harassment is a global issue threatening individuals’ safety and rights, especially for women. Previous studies mainly focused on the negative impact of sexual harassment on women's health, work, and education. Using data from the Chinese Private Life Survey, this article examines the effect of sexual harassment in both physical and non-physical forms and probes the effect of the perpetrator's relationship to the victim on women's sexual behaviors, sexual and marital well-being, and desires for marriage and childbearing. The results indicate that both physical and non-physical sexual harassment lowered married or cohabitating women's sexual satisfaction and functioning. Sexual harassment by a family member/relative, an intimate partner or an acquaintance produced a larger negative effect on women's sexual well-being than that by others. Married women's marital satisfaction and stability were also undermined if they experienced sexual harassment. A family member/relative, an intimate partner and a stranger as the perpetrator had a larger effect on women's marital well-being than other perpetrators. For unmarried women, sexual harassment was not associated with the desire for marriage. However, those who were physically harassed by an acquaintance were unlikely to have a desire for childbearing. Comparing with non-physical sexual harassment, physical sexual harassment was found to have a larger negative impact on women's private lives.

Reproductive Attitudes and Sexual Behavior of Women and Men Living with HIV

An anonymous survey was conducted, covering the issues of reproductive attitudes and contraceptive behavior in 50 women (mean age of 30.9±4.5 years) and 35 men (mean age of 31.1±3.2 years) with HIV infection of stages 4B and 4C. The study was carried out using a structured questionnaire that included questions about age, marital status, methods of contraception, reproductive plans, and reproductive and medical history. An anonymous interview with 85 HIV-infected respondents revealed that most of the women (82.0%) had contracted HIV through heterosexual contact, while in the men, the parenteral route of HIV infection predominated (57.1%) (P=0.0126). Statistically significant differences were found between the rate of single women and men: 21(42%) women versus 2(5.7%) men (P&lt;0.001). An analysis of contraceptive behavior revealed statistically significant differences: 26% of the women and 8.6% of men (P&lt;0.05) did not use any methods of contraception with regular or irregular sexual life. The majority of respondents used a barrier method of contraception and coitus interruptus. The vast majority of women (80%) had a desire to have children in an indefinite future, as opposed to 37.1% of the men (P&lt;0.001). About 11.4% of men and 10% of women (P&gt;0.05) definitely did not plan pregnancy in the future, mainly because of their unsatisfactory financial situation and the presence of a current HIV infection. Forty-two percent of the women did not undergo periodic medical examinations by a gynecologist or other specialists, and 44% of them indicated the reason for the lack of visits to the doctor as an unsatisfactory attitude of medical personnel towards them. The results obtained are important for the development of optimal medical care that alleviates the burden of HIV infection. In addition to medical care, health care providers must consider social and psychological needs to help HIV patients improve their health, including their sexual and reproductive health.

Melanocortin-4 receptor agonism modulates sexual brain processing in women with low sexual desire

ABSTRACT Introduction Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) is characterized by a persistent lack of sexual desire and sexual fantasies, causing marked interpersonal distress1. It is the most common global female sexual health problem, affecting up to 1 in 10 women2,3. Despite its significant social and economic burden4,5, the exact pathophysiology of this condition remains unknown. Furthermore, existing treatment options are limited by their efficacy and side effects6. Melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) agonists are a promising therapeutic avenue, although their exact mechanism of action within the CNS remains unknown. Investigating the neural pathways through which MC4Ra's exert their effect will deepen our knowledge of normal and abnormal sexual behaviour, and hence provide information which could contribute to the development of novel treatment strategies. Objective To determine the mechanism by which MC4R agonists mediate their effects on sexual behaviour in women with HSDD. Methods We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study in 31 premenopausal women with HSDD. A combination of psychometric, functional neuroimaging and hormonal analyses was used to investigate the effect of MC4R agonism versus placebo on sexual brain processing. A standard fMRI block design task with short (20 second) erotic videos was used to examine brain activation. Additionally, a ‘naturalistic’ fMRI paradigm was used with long (ten minute) erotic videos to examine functional brain connectivity. Results MC4R agonism increased self-reported sexual desire for up to 24-hours following administration, when compared with placebo (P=0.007). The mechanism of action behind this effect may be explained by the changes in brain activation and connectivity, in response to visual erotic stimuli. In the short video task, MC4R agonism led to increased activation of the supplementary motor area and cerebellum, alongside deactivation of the secondary somatosensory cortex, when compared with placebo (Z=2.3, P&amp;lt;0.05). In the long video task, a reduction of functional connectivity between the amygdala and insula in response to erotic stimuli was prevented by MC4R agonism (F (1,30) = 5.553, P=0.025). Regarding hormonal analyses, MC4R agonism led to a small mean increase in LH of 1.1iU/L (F [1,58] = 13.38, P=0.0005) and FSH of 0.35iU/L (F [1,60] = 10.97, P=0.0016) during the study, with no effect on estradiol or progesterone levels. Conclusions This is the first study investigating the effect of MC4R agonism on sexual brain processing in women with HSDD. These results shed light on the neural substrates through which MC4R agonism increases sexual desire. The observed changes in brain activation may serve to ease self-consciousness, enhance sexual imagery and disinhibit the sexual response in women with HSDD. This is in line with the “top-down” neurofunctional model of HSDD whereby inspecting and monitoring one's sexual response interferes with desire7. This information is important for the ongoing development of therapies for HSDD, as well as MC4R agonist development more widely, such as in obesity medicine where there their use is being rapidly developed. Disclosure Work supported by industry: yes, by AMAG Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Sexual behaviors of women who have sex with women: A qualitative explorative study

Sexual transmitted infections (STIs), including the human papillomavirus, are transmissible by female-to-female sexual contact, even though a common misperception is that women who have sex with women (WSW) are at lower risk for STIs. This study sought to further understand current sexual behaviors and protective mechanisms utilized by WSW. Incorporating a grounded theory approach, nineteen (N = 19) semistructured telephone interviews were conducted among WSW from four regions of the United States. Findings indicate that WSW were engaging in risky sexual behaviors due to limitations in knowledge, aversion to dental dams, gender bias, and perceived emotional connection. Implications suggest comprehensive sexuality education and community-based risk reduction education programs.

Prevalence and determinants of adolescent pregnancy among women of reproductive age in South Africa.

The present study used the 2016 South Africa Health and Demographic Survey data to examine the prevalence and socio-demographic determinants of adolescent pregnancy among South African women aged 15-49 years, using a logistic regression model. The results showed that adolescent pregnancy is still high in South Africa, with a third of South African women having experienced pregnancy in their adolescence. The results also found that age, race, education, employment, wealth, cohabitation, larger household size and contraceptive use generally predict the risk of adolescent pregnancy among South African women. Specifically, black African women, poorly educated women, women who are employed, those who are cohabiting, women from poorer and larger households and those using contraceptives are overrepresented among ever-pregnant adolescents. The study's findings suggest increased awareness to improve women's sex education and sexual behaviour in the country.