Sexual Desire In Women Research Articles

Robust evidence for moderation of ovulatory shifts by partner attractiveness in Arslan et al.'s (2020) data.

Arslan et al. (2020) conducted a large-scale, preregistered daily diary study on over 400 normally ovulating women. Of core interest were hypotheses that women's ratings of their partner's sexual attractiveness moderate associations of fertility status with women's own extrapair sexual desires, their own interest in in-pair sex, and their partners' mate retention tactics. The authors claim that "no evidence for moderator effects" (p. 426) was found. In fact, their own analyses reported in their supplementary material show robust evidence for moderation effects. Moreover, a new reanalysis using a more comprehensive composite measure of male partner sexual attractiveness yielded even stronger results. Effect size estimates are consistent with the existence of large, meaningful moderation effects, revealing that this study actually does show evidence of moderation effects. Additional analyses show similarly strong moderator effects on male proprietariness. We discuss the findings in the context of reliance on binary (significant vs. nonsignificant) labels and the pitfalls of underreporting effects. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Review of Diagnosing Desire: Biopolitics and Femininity into the Twenty-First Century by Alyson K. Spurgas (The Ohio State University Press)

In Diagnosing Desire, Alyson K. Spurgas examines female sexual dysfunction, specifically low desire in women, and refuses to take anything for granted. One part history of modern sexology and one part feminist critique of the biopolitics engendered by sex research, Spurgas uses anti-racist, queer, disability studies, and trauma-informed theories to argue that the apolitical and atheoretical approach used in much of the modern science of sexuality confines women's sexual desire to a purely receptive model. Spurgas problematizes essentialist, anti-intersectional, and hetero- and cisnormative frameworks through which women's sexual desire has become a problem to be solved through self-improvement and by learning to push through feelings of low desire. Instead, Spurgas offers insights into the lives of women with low desire by attending to their experiences with inequality and trauma, and proposes a new understanding of women's sexuality—and of femininity more generally—based on prudent and critical attention to power.

Using Three Indirect Measures to Assess the Role of Sexuality-Related Associations and Interpretations for Women\u2019s Sexual Desire: An Internet-Based Experimental Study

Theoretical models emphasize the role of both automatic appraisals (i.e., associations) and conscious appraisals (i.e., interpretations) for sexual desire. Studies on sexuality-related appraisals have not combined self-report measures and experimental paradigms in order to compare the relevance of associations or interpretations. The aim of this study was to assess the relative contribution of both associations and interpretations to the explanation of low sexual desire in women. Toward this goal, indirect measures assessing associations (via a Single Target Implicit Association Test [STIAT]) and interpretations (via a Scrambled Sentences Test [SST] and a scenario task) were administered in a sample of 263 women (Mage = 27.90, SD 8.27) with varying levels of sexual desire and different sexual orientations (exclusively heterosexual women: 54.6%). Negative sexuality-related interpretations as assessed with two variants of the SST as well as the scenario task added to the explanation of lower sexual desire in women. Negative associations as measured with the STIAT were predictive of lower sexual desire only in women who did not indicate an exclusively heterosexual orientation. In this study, sexuality-related interpretations were more relevant to women’s sexual desire than automatic associations. Future studies should assess the causal mechanism underlying sexuality-related interpretations (e.g., by evaluating whether these can be changed via cognitive bias modification techniques or psychological treatments).

Concepts of nymphomania in the German academic psychiatry: Changes over the last two centuries

This chronology aims to provide an overview of the views on nymphomania in the history of German academic psychiatry over the past 200 years. The aim of this study was to answer the following questions: What are the continuities over that period with regard to the etiology, diagnosis, classification or therapeutic recommendations? What changes can be observed? Was the increase in sexual desire in women seen as a disease or rather as a symptom? What significance did psychiatry attribute to female sexuality at a certain point in time? What reasons can be identified for the perceptions made and conclusions drawn at a certain time? A cursory review of the most influential German-language psychiatric textbooks of the respective period was conducted in chronological continuity. Relevant passages were identified, analyzed in detail and compared with each other, taking the historical context into account. At the turn of the 19th and 20th century, a clear break in the understanding of nymphomania as a disease could be observed. In the 19th century, it was seen as a severe mental illness, which was assumed to have been caused at least in part by a peripheral disease of the female reproductive organs and the nervous system associated with them, which could lead to irreversible terminal mental states. In the 20th and 21st centuries, nymphomania was perceived as either a sexual neurosis or a functional sexual disorder, limited to the symptom complex of hypersexuality. The reasons for this were, on the one hand, the overall change in diagnosis resulting from a comprehensive reclassification of mental disorders, which assigned nymphomaniac symptoms of the 19th century to both manic and schizophrenic disorders, and, on the other hand, changes in the perception of female sexuality in the social discourse in general. The fact that nymphomania as a diagnosis was eliminated with the 11th edition of the International Classification of Diseases is a clear expression of this change. The concept of nymphomania has undergone considerable changes over time. At the beginning of the 20th century, the understanding of the disease changed significantly, so that it is even possible to distinguish between an early and a late phase. The diagnosis has meanwhile become obsolete.

Desire to avoid pregnancy and contraceptive use among female methadone patients in Los Angeles

ObjectiveOpioid use disorder (OUD) is increasing among U.S. women. Research indicates higher levels of unintended pregnancy among women with OUD as compared to the general population. Following formative in-depth research documenting the complexity of considerations around pregnancy in this population, we collected information on pregnancy preferences and contraceptive use among women attending methadone treatment. Study designWe surveyed women attending methadone clinics in Los Angeles in 2018. We used the Desire to Avoid Pregnancy (DAP) Scale, a 14-item instrument (0–4; 4 = highest desire to avoid pregnancy) to capture pregnancy preferences across 3 domains: cognitive desires, affective feelings, and anticipated consequences. We conducted factor analysis, descriptive analyses, and linear and logistic regressions to assess the DAP scale and to examine relationships between pregnancy preferences, sociodemographic characteristics, and contraceptive use. ResultsWomen (n = 46) expressed the full range of pregnancy preferences (DAP score range: 0.4–4.0; mean: 2.24, standard deviation: 1.02; Cronbach's α = 0.92). Overall, 40% used contraception at last sex. Women who reported a greater preference to avoid pregnancy were marginally more likely to use contraception at last sex as compared to women who were more open to pregnancy (odds ratio = 1.73; p = 0.09). ConclusionsSimilar to findings from other populations, responses to the Desire to Avoid Pregnancy scale among a sample of women with OUD revealed a broad range of pregnancy preferences. Pregnancy preferences were marginally associated with contraceptive use in this sample suggesting that the DAP may provide useful insights on pregnancy preferences that may facilitate contraceptive and preconception counseling in this population. ImplicationsGiven the complexity of considerations around pregnancy for women with opioid use disorder, the DAP scale may be a valuable tool to identify women's pregnancy and childbearing preferences and to facilitate alignment of women's sexual and reproductive health desires with appropriate services.

Gender differences in ultradian serum levels of NGF and BDNF correlate with psychophysical traits in healthy humans.

We aimed at investigating the gender and/or ultradian pattern of serum levels of the Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). Blood samples were collected at the 8.00, 13.00 and 20.00 hours of the day in healthy men and women, and the neurotrophins concentration was measured in the serum by ELISA. A further aim of the study was to evaluate whether or not the NGF/BDNF variations might be related to specific physiological or psychological traits as mood, feeling good and feeling rested, sexual desire and energy. Heart rate and blood pressure were also monitored at the same hours in each enrolled subject. The anxiety (STAI-T and STAI-S score) and sleeping quality were once evaluated in the morning too. We found that serum BDNF increases in men and decreases in women from morning to evening, while NGF shows a similar ultradian profile between men and women, but with higher concentrations in women. Both neurotrophins also show gender-related associations with psychophysiological variables. High NGF levels correlated with a high score for all the psychological variables in men, but with a low score in women. An inverse correlation was found between BDNF and energy and sexual desire in women, while no correlations were found in men. These data disclose that the condition of well-being (or activity/arousal status) is featured by an increasing NGF profile in men and a negative BDNF/NGF trend in women. The clinical relevance of the present data is discussed.

Chronic irisin exposure decreases sexual incentive motivation in female rats

Irisin is a novel myokine/adipokine that is released into the circulation in response to types of exercise and increases energy expenditure. Disorders in the endocrine system related to reproduction, which occur due to the chronic or excessive exercise, cause a decrease in women's sexual desire. However, the role of irisin hormone on sexual desire in women has not been elucidated. We hypothesized that chronic irisin exposure would decrease sexual incentive motivation for male partners by affecting the endocrine system in female rats. We tested this by quantifying and comparing of both sexual incentive motivation and active investigation for sexual partner, and also changes in the serum hormone levels in chronically irisin-treated female rats. As a result, chronic irisin exposure decreased the time spent near the male rat, male preference ratio, and male investigation preference ratio. Furthermore, serum testosterone and progesterone levels significantly decreased and estradiol levels increased while kisspeptin-1 levels were not changed by chronic irisin exposure in female rats. These data indicate that chronic irisin exposure may cause low sexual incentive motivation for opposite-sex partners in female rats via changes in reproductive hormones. The results suggest that irisin hormone may play a role in decreased sexual desire due to long-term exercise in women.

Relationship between sexual desire and premenstrual syndrome in young women in Iraq

Sexual desire could be affected by many psychological and physiological aspects . This research aims to findout the relationship between sexual desire and premenstrual syndrome in young female . A Descriptive designcross-sectional study was carried throughout the present study in order to achieve the study objectives. Theperiod of the study is from 20th September 2019 to 28th April 2020, included 200 young married womenin the reproductive stage, with ages between (17-31) years . Sexual Desire Inventory 3 (SDI-3) has beenused to assess sexual desire after modification to meet the cultural and social considerations . The currentstudy revealed that it explains that the highest percentage of the women subgroup are : women with agesbetween (21-24) years old (50%), those who the age of their husbands (23-26) years old (46.5%), those wholive urban residents (84%), those who they and their husbands work as employee (58.5%), those with barelysufficient monthly income (38.5%), those who are graduated from college or above .The results showedthat there is a significant association (p <0.05) between sexual desire of women and each of : backache,dysmenorrhea and mood instability ; while there is no significant relationship with each of : (backache,breast tenderness, headache, irritability, sadness, aloneness, bloating, vaginal pain, vaginal dryness) . Itis concluded that sexual desire may affected by some symptoms of the premenstrual syndrome . Furtherstudies may be needed to confirms these results .

Comparison of primipara women's pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, and postpartum sexual lives

Aim: Sexual dysfunction can affect women's quality of life and marriage. This study compared the sexual lives of primipara women before, during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. Methods: This descriptive follow-up research comprised 100 primipara women who agreed to participate in the study. Data were collected using the survey form and the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale. Number, percentage, means, standard deviation, median, minimum, maximum values and Friedman analysis were used to analyze the data. Results: Women's sexual desire and orgasm level before pregnancy were significantly better than their postpartum orgasm level. Our study results showed that the level of sexual arousal and lubrication before pregnancy was significantly better than that after birth. We also determined that women's postpartum orgasm satisfaction was significantly less than their pre-pregnancy and pregnancy orgasm satisfaction. Based on Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale average, the sexual dysfunction of women before pregnancy was significantly less than during the pregnancy and postpartum periods and the pregnancy period was better than the postpartum period (P

Better than Orgasm: Sex, Authenticity and Intimacy in the New Women's Movement in Norway

ABSTRACTAuthenticity and intimacy have become key expectations in contemporary romantic relationships. At the same time, it is taken for granted that sex forms a part of such relationships. This article explores how the relationship between sex, authenticity and intimacy was written about and negotiated in the Norwegian community of lesbian radical feminists in the 1970s and 1980s. The construction of male sexuality as fundamentally and inherently different from female sexuality in the periodicals of the lesbian movement made thinking and writing about women's sexual desire and genital sex difficult. This article further argues that the concept of genital sex potentially conflicted with the notions of authenticity and intimacy pursued by the lesbian radical feminist community. While authenticity and intimacy were constructed as preferable companions to sex in the New Left and in large parts of the women's movement, the Norwegian lesbian radical feminists often constructed authenticity and intimacy in opposition to genital sex.

Psychological Treatment of Low Sexual Desire in Women: Protocol for a Randomized, Waitlist-Controlled Trial of Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral and Mindfulness-Based Treatments.

BackgroundPsychological therapies are effective treatments for hypoactive sexual desire dysfunction (HSDD; formerly hypoactive sexual desire disorder), a common sexual dysfunction among women. Access to evidence-based treatments, however, remains difficult. Internet-based interventions are effective for a variety of psychological disorders and may be a promising means to close the treatment gap for HSDD.ObjectiveThis article describes the treatment protocol and study design of a randomized controlled trial, aiming to study the efficacy of cognitive behavioral and mindfulness-based interventions delivered via the internet for women with HSDD to a waitlist control group. Outcomes are sexual desire (primary) and sexual distress (secondary). Additional variables (eg, depression, mindfulness, rumination) will be assessed as potential moderators or mediators of treatment success.MethodsA cognitive behavioral and a mindfulness-based self-help intervention for HSDD will be provided online. Overall, 266 women with HSDD will be recruited and assigned either to one of the intervention groups, or to a waitlist control group (2:2:1). Outcome data will be assessed at baseline, at 12 weeks, and at 6 and 12 months after randomization. Intention-to-treat and completer analyses will be conducted.ResultsWe expect improvements in sexual desire and sexuality-related distress in both intervention groups compared to the waitlist control. Recruitment has begun in January 2019 and is expected to be completed in August 2021. Results will be published in 2022.ConclusionsThis study aims to contribute to the improvement and dissemination of psychological treatments for women with HSDD and to clarify whether cognitive behavioral and/or mindfulness-based treatments for HSDD are feasible and effective when delivered via the internet.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT03780751; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03780751International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/20326

A Typology of Women with Low Sexual Desire.

Low sexual desire is the most common sexual issue reported by women and research suggests that the presentation and experience of low sexual desire may vary considerably between women. This study explored whether women with low desire differ qualitatively from one another based on several key contextual factors theoretically associated with low desire. We collected data from women in long-term relationships (N = 508) using an online platform. Using latent profile analysis, we explored whether women could be distinguished from one another based on several contextual variables (sexual and relationship satisfaction, life stress, sexual communication). Results supported a 3-profile solution, with two distinct profiles emerging for women with low sexual desire. The first profile consisted of women with low desire who were dissatisfied with the sexual and nonsexual aspects of their relationships (Globally Distressed Group: 8%). The second profile consisted of women with low desire who were sexually, but not relationally, dissatisfied (Sexually Dissatisfied Group: 24%). In addition, a third profile emerged that consisted of generally satisfied women with average desire (Average Desire Group: 67%). t-tests revealed that the two low desire groups shared similar mean levels of sexual desire, but that their overall presentations were conceptually distinct. This research supports a categorical conceptualization of low sexual desire in women and suggests that evaluating category membership for women with low desire can provide valuable information about women's sexual experiences beyond assessing mean levels of sexual desire alone.

How Gender Differences in Emotional Cutoff and Reactivity Influence Couple’s Sexual and Relational Outcomes

We evaluated gender differences in differentiation of self, specifically addressing aspects of emotional cutoff (EC) and emotional reactivity (ER), and their association with relational and sexual satisfaction and sexual desire. Midlife U.S. men and women (N = 334 married heterosexual couples; 50% female; 85% Caucasian, mean age 47.4 years) completed online surveys. Men reported higher levels of EC compared to women after accounting for control variables—a medium effect (Cohen's d = .48) which negatively predicted their own relationship and sexual satisfaction as well as partner relationship satisfaction. Women’s EC was also negatively associated with their own relationship satisfaction. Women reported higher levels of ER compared to men after accounting for control variables—a small effect (Cohen's d = .18). No associations with ER and outcome variables were found and no other partner effects were found. For couples in which the woman was higher on ER, the association between women's T1 emotional reactivity and men's T2 sexual desire was positive and significant (B = .31, p < .05). These findings underscore the influence of emotional cutoff on relationship satisfaction and sexual desire and the importance of staying engaged even through relational conflict.

Women's Sexual Desire, Trauma Exposure, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.

Research suggests that posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with sexual dysfunction; however, there is a paucity of research examining the relations among trauma exposure, PTSD, and low sexual desire, specifically. Thus, the goal of the present study was to investigate whether women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD; n = 132) were more likely to meet criteria for a diagnosis of current or lifetime PTSD relative to women with no sexual desire concerns (n = 137). We also sought to compare the type, frequency, and intensity of PTSD symptoms between the two groups. Finally, we examined whether women in the two groups were exposed to more, or different types of, potentially traumatic events. Compared to women with no sexual health concerns, women with HSDD were more likely to meet criteria for current PTSD, odds ratio (OR) = 5.50, 95% CI [1.18, 25.61]; and lifetime PTSD, OR = 2.78, 95% CI [1.56, 4.94]. Women in the HSDD group also had higher odds of meeting criteria for avoidance (5.10 times) and hyperarousal symptoms (4.48 times) and scored higher on measures of past-month PTSD symptom frequency, d = 0.62, and intensity, d = 0.57. No group differences were observed regarding reexperiencing symptoms, the associated features of PTSD, or type or frequency of exposure to potentially traumatic events. The findings indicate PTSD symptomatology may be a predisposing or perpetuating contributor to low sexual desire, and low sexual desire and PTSD may be related through an alteration in stress adaptability.

Predictors of Sexual Desire and Sexual Function in Sedentary Middle-Aged Adults: The Role of Lean Mass Index and S-Klotho Plasma Levels. The FIT-AGEING Study

BackgroundUnhealthy lifestyle and aging negatively impact sexuality; consequently, the prevalence of sexual problems increases sharply in middle-aged adults, but the determinants of low sexual desire and sexual dysfunction are not fully elucidated. AimsTo investigate the association of cardiometabolic profile, free testosterone plasma levels, body composition, physical fitness, and S-Klotho plasma levels with sexual desire and sexual function in middle-aged sedentary adults. MethodsSeventy-four (39 women) sedentary middle-aged adults (45–65 years old) were recruited for the present cross-sectional study. OutcomesThe blood samples were collected in the morning (12 h of fasting) to determine cardiometabolic biomarkers and free testosterone and S-Klotho plasma levels. The cardiometabolic risk score was calculated based on the International Diabetes Federation's clinical criteria, quantitative insulin sensitivity check index, and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance index. A dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scanner was used to determine the lean mass index (LMI) and the fat mass index. Maximal oxygen uptake was determined by a maximum treadmill test using indirect calorimetry. Muscular strength was measured with knee extensor isokinetic dynamometry (60° s−1). Sexual desire was assessed with the Sexual Desire Inventory 2. Sexual function was assessed with the Massachusetts General Hospital-Sexual Functioning Questionnaire. ResultsAfter age adjustment, free testosterone plasma levels were associated with solitary sexual desire in women (R2 = 0.193, β = 0.342, P = .044). The LMI was associated with solitary sexual desire in men (R2 = 0.258, β = 0.445, P = .024) and sexual function in women (R2 = 0.470, β = −0.607, P < .001). S-Klotho plasma levels were associated with solitary sexual desire and sexual function in men (R2 = 0.412, β = 0.817, P = .001; R2 = 0.193, β = −0.659, P = .021, respectively) and with dyadic sexual desire and sexual function in women (R2 = 0.270, β = 0.508, P = .020; R2 = 0.467, β = −0.676, P < .001, respectively). Clinical ImplicationsS-Klotho plasma levels may represent a potential new biomarker for sexual desire and sexual function. Lean body mass development may benefit sexual desire and sexual function. Strengths and LimitationsStrengths include the analysis of novel and diverse biomarkers of health for sexual desire and sexual function. Limitations include the cross-sectional design and a relatively small sample size; thus, results should be interpreted cautiously and in the study population context. ConclusionS-Klotho plasma levels were strongly associated with dyadic sexual desire, solitary sexual desire, and sexual function in sedentary middle-aged adults. The LMI was also positively associated with solitary sexual desire and sexual function in men and women, respectively.Dote-Montero M, De-la-O A, Castillo MJ, et al. Predictors of Sexual Desire and Sexual Function in Sedentary Middle-Aged Adults: The Role of Lean Mass Index and S-Klotho Plasma Levels. The FIT-AGEING Study. J Sex Med 2020;17:665–677.

Changes in Sexual Desire in Women and Their Partners during Pregnancy.

When studying sexual desire during pregnancy, most research focuses on the pregnant woman’s sexual desire and almost never takes into account her sexual partner. The novelty of this study is that sexual desire during pregnancy is studied from the point of view of the pregnant woman and from that of her male partner. The goal of this study is to see how sexual desire behaves during pregnancy in both partners. For this, a descriptive, longitudinal, and multistage study was designed. Methodologically, in the first stage, the different study variables were described through a single-variate analysis. In the second stage, one variable was related to others by means of a bivariate analysis. Finally, in the third stage, a multivariate analysis was done, composed of binary logistic regression models and latent growth curves. The results confirm that pregnancy influences the sexual desire of both partners, and that sexual desire behaves differently in women than in men during pregnancy. Men have higher levels of sexual desire throughout pregnancy as compared to women. The first trimester of pregnancy is the period when women have less sexual desire.

Antidepressant Use During Development May Impair Women's Sexual Desire in Adulthood

IntroductionAlthough antidepressants are well known to cause sexual side effects in adults, the long-term effects of antidepressant use during development on adult sexual function is unknown. AimTo explore differences in sexual desire and sexual behavior between adults who did vs did not use antidepressants during childhood or adolescence. MethodsAn online survey of 610 young adults (66% women) assessed childhood and current mental health and use of antidepressants and other psychiatric medications before the age of 16 years and currently, partnered and solitary sexual desire, and frequency of masturbation and partnered sexual activity. Antidepressants were coded into either selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or non-SSRI antidepressants. Main Outcome MeasureScores on the Sexual Desire Inventory, and self-reported frequency of masturbation and partnered sexual activity. ResultsFor women, childhood SSRI use was associated with significantly lower solitary sexual desire, desire for an attractive other, and frequency of masturbation. This was true even when controlling for childhood mental health concerns, current mental health, and current antidepressant use. However, there was no effect of childhood SSRI use on women's partnered sexual desire or partnered sexual activity. There was no significant effect of childhood antidepressant use on men's sexual desire or masturbation. However, in men, childhood use of non-SSRI antidepressants was associated with significantly higher frequency of partnered sexual activity. Childhood use of non-SSRI antidepressants, or nonantidepressant psychiatric medication, was not associated with adult sexual desire or behavior in either women or men. Clinical ImplicationsIt is possible that SSRI use during childhood interrupts the normal development of sexual reward systems, which may be a risk factor for sexual desire dysfunction in adult women. Strengths & LimitationsStrengths include a large sample, use of attention checks and validated measures, and careful assessment of childhood mental health history; however, generalizability is limited by a predominantly white, young adult sample. These data are cross-sectional, and therefore, causal explanations for the association between childhood SSRI use and adult sexual well-being should be considered preliminary, warranting replication. ConclusionThese findings point to a critical need for well-controlled, prospective research on possible long-term effects of antidepressant use, particularly SSRI use, on the development of adult sexual well-being.Lorenz TK. Antidepressant Use During Development May Impair Women's Sexual Desire in Adulthood. J Sex Med 2020;17:470–476.

Effect of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Sexual Desire in Women with Breast Cancer after Mastectomy

Introduction: The effects of breast cancer and mastectomy on sexuality, an important aspect of personality, emphasize the need for psychological treatments. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) on sexual desire in breast cancer patients after mastectomy. Methods: This was a semiexperimental study with an experimental and a control group with a pretest-posttest design. The statistical population included all women with breast cancer in the Isfahan province who had come to Alla charity center in 2017. A sample of 26 women with breast cancer was selected through available sampling and assigned randomly to two groups of 13 subjects each. The experimental group received ACT over 8 sessions and the control group remained on the waiting list until the end of the study. The measurement tool was the Hurlbert Index of Sexual Desire administered before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed with SPSS 16 using an analysis of covariance test. Results: There was a significant difference in the mean scores on sexual desire between the two groups (F = 7.99, p = 0.014). The mean score on sexual desire improved from 0.85 to 1.23 in the treatment group, but there was no change in the control group (1.17 in the pretest vs 1.16 in the posttest). In general, ACT was effective in improving sexual desire in patients (p &lt; 0.05, effect size: 0.48). Conclusion: In general, according to the findings of this research, ACT seems to be effective in improving psychological problems in women with breast cancer.

Declining Sexual Activity and Desire in Women: Findings from Representative German Surveys 2005 and 2016.

We estimate (1) sexual activity and sexual desire in women living with and without a partner across the age range in Germany and (2) changes over 11years. A representative survey of 1345 (response rate: 65%) women between 18 and 99years from 2016 was compared to a survey of 1314 women age 18-91 from 2005 (response rate: 53%). Sexual activity was assessed as having been physically intimate with someone in the past year; frequency of sexual desire was rated for the past 4weeks. In 2016, the great majority of women living with a partner were sexually active and indicated sexual desire until the age of 60, which decreased thereafter. Compared to 2005, fewer women cohabited with a partner. Across the age range, women living without a partner reported considerably less sexual activity and desire. The overall proportion of women reporting partnered sexual activity decreased from 67% to 62% in 2016, and absent sexual desire increased from 24% to 26%. Declines of sexual activity and desire affected mostly young and middle-aged women. The decline of sexual activity and desire seems to be due to a reduced proportion of women living with a partner. There was also a generation effect with younger and middle-aged women without a partner becoming less sexually active and experiencing less desire compared to the previous survey. While surveys were methodologically comparable, interpretations are limited by the absence of longitudinal data.

Evolutionary Perspectives on Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder in Women

This review attempts to explain female hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) from a functional evolutionary perspective. Can theory and data regarding the evolved functions of female sexual motivation help explain cases of low sexual desire in women? If so, might some such cases be the product of brain mechanisms operating in ways that promoted reproductive success during human evolution, rather than low desire resulting from pathology? A functional theory of women’s sexual motivation is first summarized, which posits that sexual desire is modulated by both conception probability and social variables related to the initiation and maintenance of pair bonds. Recent evidence consistent with this theory is reviewed, followed by review of evidence showing that variables predicting sexual desire in most women may also explain cases of HSDD. Women’s sexual desire varies in functionally patterned ways. Discovering the evolved design of brain mechanisms that generate those patterns is crucial for understanding HSDD.