Women's Sexuality Research Articles

(055) Vaginal Lubrication: Equally Important for Orgasm in Premenopausal, Postmenopausal, and Post-Partum Women?

Abstract Introduction The female sexual response cycle is complex with interconnected domains. Studies have shown that vaginal lubrication is affected by age and hormonal changes; however, the relationship between lubrication and orgasm has not been well described in premenopausal women, women who are postpartum, and postmenopausal women. Objective The objective of this study is to evaluate the relationship between vaginal lubrication and orgasm among premenopausal, postpartum, and postmenopausal women Methods A post-market analysis was performed of all women who had utilized the sexual wellness application Rosy between February 2022 and November 2022. Application users complete the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) short form (6-item) upon initial use of the application. We utilized multivariable linear regression models to determine significant effects between lubrication score and orgasm scores score controlling for whether the patient was on birth control, postpartum, or menopausal Results We reviewed a large database of 30,358 women from across the United States. Among these, 2,599 women were menopausal, 2, 011 were premenopausal women, and 795 were postpartum. The mean lubrication scores on FSFI -6 were: menopausal = 1.93, premenopausal = 2.68, postpartum = 2.73. Mean scores for orgasm were 2.2, 2.62, 2.31 respectively. Premenopausal women had higher overall scores on FSFI- 6, with orgasm scores improving with age. Higher scores in lubrication domain had less impact on orgasm domain in pre-menopausal women compared to post-menopausal women (p=0.04). No correlation between improvement in lubrication and orgasm noted among post-partum women when compared to post-menopausal women (p=0.87) Conclusions Lubrication has a higher impact on orgasm among post-menopausal women compared to pre-menopausal women and not correlated with orgasmic function among women in the post-partum period. These findings enhance our knowledge and refine current management of anorgasmia. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Rosy.

Associations between perimenopausal status, depression, sexuality, and FSH levels in Women: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Perimenopause, the phase preceding menopause, is characterized by hormonal, cultural, and socio-familial changes. It is associated with increased follicular phase and serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, potentially impacting lifestyle and contributing to sexual dysfunction during the menopausal transition. This study aimed to establish associations between lifestyle factors, depression, attitudes towards sexuality, FSH levels, and perimenopausal status among females. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among women aged 30-50 years in Karachi hospitals. Data were collected from a total of 80 females, categorized into two groups: the premenopausal period (age 30 to 40) as the control group and the perimenopausal period (age 40 to 50) as the study group. Blood samples were analyzed to measure serum FSH levels, while questionnaires were administered to assess depression, sexuality attributes, and FSH levels. Results: The study revealed that perimenopausal women exhibited higher levels of depression and secretory phase serum FSH compared to the control group, along with lower attitudes towards sexuality. Notably, attitudes towards sexuality were significantly diminished in the perimenopausal group compared to the control group (p < 0.005). Conclusion: In conclusion, the endocrine events associated with perimenopause contribute to depression, declining sexual function during the menopausal transition, and age-related increases in FSH levels among regularly cycling women.

(103) Predictors of Sexual Arousal in Women: A Secondary Data Analysis

Abstract Introduction Low sexual desire and lack of arousal are highly prevalent sexual problems in women. Despite high prevalence, sexual arousal difficulties have not been a priority focus of assessment and treatment of women at midlife. Relationship satisfaction and importance of sex are key to healthy sexual function at midlife. Psychosocial variables, including relationship satisfaction, communication with one’s partner, and importance of sex are associated with overall sexual satisfaction. Rosemary Basson’s intimacy-based model of female sexual response incorporates the need for intimacy and emotional satisfaction and acknowledges the impact of sexual arousal on responsive sexual desire and physical satisfaction. Better understanding of the impacts of emotional satisfaction in female sexual response and function is needed to direct improvements in assessment and treatment of sexual problems in midlife women. Objective To explore the associations of emotional satisfaction, sexual desire, importance of sex and ability to climax with frequency of arousal during sexual activity in menopausal women. Methods A secondary data analysis of the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN), USA, 2006-2008 (Visit 10) dataset was completed utilizing multiple linear regression to assess variables associated with frequency of sexual arousal in menopausal women. A total of 2,245 women between the ages of 51-63 years were included. The mean age was 56 years. Results Multiple linear regression results demonstrated that 19% of the variability in frequency of arousal in our study population was explained by emotional satisfaction (F (1,1163) = 271.039, p<.001). Further analyses revealed that 56% of the variability in frequency of arousal was explained by emotional satisfaction, sexual desire, importance of sex, and ability to climax (F (6,1014) = 215.461, p<.001). Conclusions Interventions designed to enhance emotional satisfaction with a partner may positively impact female sexual arousal. Emotional satisfaction with a partner is strongly associated with frequency of sexual arousal in menopausal women. Additionally, sexual desire, importance of sex and ability to climax are also strongly associated with frequency of sexual arousal. These findings are clinically relevant and reinforce the need for biopsychosocial assessment of sexuality and sexual function, as well as thorough assessment of dyadic and interpersonal factors. Further research is needed to better understand the impacts and interplay of psychosocial variables on female sexual response and function. Disclosure No.

Kontinuitas tradisi breast ironing dalam komunitas imigran Kamerun di Inggris

The practice of breast ironing is one of many traditions in the world whose practice is based on the mindset that women's sexuality is something that must be controlled. This paper is intended to answer the question that is central to the author's research, namely: "Why do African immigrant communities in the UK continue the tradition of breast ironing when it is so risky?" To understand the context underlying the beliefs and practices of African immigrant women in the UK, the author adopts the ideas of Black African Feminism (BAF) by A La Awa Thiam. BAF argues that the history of colonialism has influenced the reinforcement of patriarchal ideologies and gender dynamics in Africa. BAF seeks to raise issues related to family life such as domestic violence, FGM, early marriage, polygamy, women's reproductive rights, women's inheritance rights, and HIV/AIDS. The continuity of the breast ironing tradition in the Cameroonian immigrant community in the UK is influenced by the socio-cultural context embedded in the community and the unsuccessful cultural adaptation that occurs between the minority community (Cameroonian immigrants) and the dominant community (local community). The efforts that can be made to stop this tradition are to build awareness within the community itself, in this case, the role of civil society organizations and NGOs is crucial.

The MODIFICATION OF IVA TEST PROPS TO PERFORM CERVIX CANCER EARLY DETECTION SKILLS

Background: The competence area that must be had by midwives is clinical skills in midwifery practice on women's reproductive health and sexuality services where midwife graduates must be able to know early detection, complications, and problems of women's reproductive health and sexuality. Phantom which is commonly used in IVA examination practice in the laboratory uses phantom that cannot describe the results of the examination interpretations. The phantom used only teaches the use of speculum and cannot show Squamo-columnar junction (SCJ), so it is necessary to develop a tool that can be used to perform IVA tests that can show portio before and after acetic acid. Research Objective: modify and utilize phantoms that are no longer feasible in a new teaching tool for the IVA Test practicum and test the feasibility of the developed tools. Method: This research is a development research that produces products with the One Shot Case Study method. Results: From the 35 respondents who participated in the field trial, the total questionnaire score obtained was 6,949 with a total ideal maximum score of 7,350. The percentage of eligibility obtained is 95%. Conclusion : Modification of IVA test examination props is Very Feasible to be used as IVA test props to perform cervix cancer early detection skills in a comprehensive application-based obstetric laboratory. It is recommended for all PLP in Indonesia to be able to develop creative and innovative ideas and ideas in the laboratory in utilizing teaching aids that are no longer suitable for use into new tools that increase the use value and benefits to support learning in the laboratory

A reliable and valid tool to assess the sexual acceptability of contraceptive methods.

Adequate identification of the sexual acceptability of contraceptive methods is key for designing health promotion interventions, assessing their impacts, and increasing their effectiveness. This study aimed to develop and validate a questionnaire to explore the preferences of women depending on their epidemiological characteristics and their partner relationships-the Sexual Acceptability of Contraceptive Methods Questionnaire [in Spanish, Aceptabilidad Sexual de los Métodos Anticonceptivos (ASMA)]. Psychometric validation was conducted using Exploratory Factorial Analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The reliability of the final version of the questionnaire was explored using Cronbach's alpha and McDonald omega to estimate internal consistency. A three-factor model was identified. Factor 1 (explaining 28.32% of the model) corresponds to questions concerning the use and placement of the contraceptive and includes 6 items; Factor 2 (explaining 24.23%) corresponds to other factors that affect the relationship such as bleeding and side effects of the contraceptive method and includes 10 items; and Factor 3 (explaining 18.94%) corresponds to the couple relationship and includes 8 items. The ASMA questionnaire provides a valid and reliable tool for assessing the sexual acceptability of various contraceptive methods. This instrument gathers data that provide information on various aspects of women's sexuality, health, education, and beliefs, all of which can determine the preference for one contraceptive method over another. Moreover, the tool can help to identify profiles of women who have different preferences when selecting a particular method.

"My Mom Would Always Say Pussy Rules the World": A Qualitative Exploration of Southern Black Women's Sexual Messages.

Exploring southern Black women's sexual messaging is important for appropriately contextualizing their sexual experiences. This study advances the literature on southern Black women's sexuality by analyzing the valence, content, and sources of sexual messages using #HotGirlScience. Twenty-five Black women's semi-s tructured interview responses were analyzed using thematic analysis. Thirteen women reported mixed messages, followed by positive messages (n = 10) and negative messages (n = 2). Seven major content themes were constructed: 1) sex is taboo, 2) sex is painful, harmful, and/or violent for Black women, 3) sex prioritizes male partner's pleasure, 4) consent and safety, 5) agency and sexual pleasure, 6) pleasure expansiveness, and 7) sexual communication.

Selected aspects of the sexual functioning of women - preliminary studies.

Sexology is a field of study to which too little attention has been paid over the years. It is still regarded as relatively new and is constantly expanding. Undoubtedly, sexual health affects a person's overall heath, influencing not only the development of a person's personality, but also their social communication skills and ability to love. Sexuality, in turn, is also related to reproductive health and mental well-being. The objective of the study was to evaluate female sexual functioning taking into account sociodemographic factors. 333 women aged 20-65 years were enrolled in the study. The anonymous online Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire was distributed via social media. It was enriched with sociodemographic questions and selected questions related to gynaecology (age of first menstruation, treatment). In the descriptive analysis, the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test was used to assess differences in a single trait between 2 groups of women. However, the correlation between the 2 variables was calculated using Spearman's R correlation coefficient. The highest scores were noted in the domain of sexual-related pain (6) - average of 4.94 pts, and sexual satisfaction (5) - average of 4.77 pts. The lowest scores were observed in the domain of arousal (2) - average of 4.34 pts, and desire (1) - average of 3.5 pts. A slightly higher rate of women with possible sexual dysfunction was reported in rural areas - 31 women (33.3%), and in urban areas - 75 women (31.3%). The highest rates of women with possible sexual dysfunction (score ≤ 26 pts) were reported among women with obesity - 21 (44.7%) and overweight - 31 (31.0%), while the lowest rate was recorded in women with normal body mass index (BMI) - 51 (29.0%). There is a statistical relationship between demographics such as age and female sexuality. Age was in low correlation with the results of domains such as desire, arousal, lubrication, and overall sexual functioning. There was a statistical relationship between BMI and the arousal domain, which remained in low correlation with each other. There was no statistical relationship between demographics such as place of residence and women's sexuality. Body mass index did not statistically affect domains such as desire, lubrication, orgasm, sexual satisfaction, sexual pain complaints, and general sexual functioning.

Breaking The Shadowy World Of Courtesans: Women, Myth, Music In Kavita Kane’s Menaka’s Choice

Mythologies are primarily male-centered stories representing, upholding, and idealizing patriarchal norms and aspirations. Patriarchy regulates and controls women's sexuality through mythological stories. Females are frequently treated as property to be transferred or enjoyed by men. The objectification of women's bodies is a recurrent issue in mythologies throughout the world, including India. In Indian mythology, Apsaras, the eternal seductresses of Indra's court, are clear references to female objectification. Apsaras, despite their greater importance and might, are mentioned only as passing characters in Indian mythology. They were never allowed to speak on the main platform and tell their story. However, in her novel Menaka's Choice, Indian-English novelist Kavita Kane breaks this tradition by projecting the most beautiful and brilliant apsara of Indralok, Menaka as the protagonist.

Reputation-surveillance model of mate guarding: community size and religious veiling

Abstract The mate guarding theory of conservative clothing posits that veiling reduces women's physical allure and sexual attractiveness, thereby diminishing men's attraction towards them and deterring potential rivals for a woman's partner. This theory argues that the importance of veiling is influenced by ecological factors in a way that it is of higher importance to control women's sexuality in harsher environments to secure paternal investment. A prediction of this theory is that the importance of veiling should be influenced by community size, where individuals’ reputations, specifically men's, might have different weightings, and their perceived sense of controlling a partner's activity may differ. Using pre-existing data from seven countries encompassing over 9000 individuals, the current study explored the association of town size and importance of veiling for women. Results showed a U-shaped relationship where in small towns and large cities, individuals, specifically men, give more importance to the veiling of women. This finding not only has multiple implications in terms of the effect of community size on male policing behaviours of women and sexual restrictions, but it also might point to a wider relationship regarding the association of community size and moral values.

The Mechanism Of The Criminal Justice System In Indonesia Towards Women's Legal Protection

The reseach discusses the pervasive issue of sexual violence against women, particularly within the context of domestic and sexual violence. The challenges faced by victims are multifaceted, encompassing psychological conditions, dependence on perpetrators, lack of support from family and society, patriarchal stigma, biased law enforcement, and a deficient legal and social protection system. The hierarchical relationship between victims and perpetrators is deeply rooted in patriarchal social constructions, further exacerbated by discriminatory policies, such as those found in marriage laws. The research emphasizes the economic dependence of victims and societal stigmatization of women's sexuality, attributing blame to victims rather than perpetrators. Existing legal frameworks, exemplified by the Criminal Code, are deemed inadequate and necessitate reform to address various forms of violence against women. The study employs normative legal research methods, utilizing statutory and conceptual approaches, document studies, and observations. Results indicate that the criminal justice system, while having dual functions of crime containment and secondary prevention, often becomes a criminogenous factor. The discussion underscores the need for a more comprehensive and gender-sensitive legal system, drawing attention to international legal instruments and domestic regulations aimed at protecting women's rights and ensuring justice. In conclusion, the abstract advocates for a legal system that integrates gender perspectives and emphasizes the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to maximize protection against violence targeting women.

Violence against Women: Comparing Female Genital Mutilation and Female Circumcision in Malaysia

The United Nations (UN) General Assembly resolution on 20 December 2012 declared female genital mutilation (FGM) illegal and a violation of women's rights. This declaration was made following the World Health Organization's (WHO) call to eradicate FGM in 1997. The prohibition includes all forms of mutilating, harming, or causing pain to the female genitalia. The female circumcision practice in Malaysia is also categorized as FGM by the United Nations Human Rights (UNHR) at the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) in 2018. In light of these developments, this qualitative study examines and compares the true nature and concepts of FGM and the female circumcision practice from the perspective of Al-Sunnah Al-Nabawiyyah. Documentation was employed for data collection, analysis, and interpretation. The findings reveal a significant divergence between FGM and female circumcision. Female circumcision is more similar to the aesthetic surgery of the female genitalia, known as clitoral hood reduction, which can enhance women's sexuality. In conclusion, female circumcision in Malaysia is not a torturous act that violates women's rights, but rather a safe practice following Islamic law. This study also proposes a comprehensive research initiative aimed at formulating secure and Sharia-compliant protocols for female circumcision.

Diabetes technology and sexual health: which role?

The aim of this review is to evaluate the effects of new technology used in the management of diabetes mellitus (DM), including the use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and the administration of insulin through continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII), on male and female sexual function. This narrative review was performed for all available prospective, retrospective and review articles, published up to June 2023 in PubMed. Data were extracted from the text and from the tables of the manuscript. Sexual dysfunctions are an underestimated comorbidity of DM in both male and female. Although erectile dysfunction (ED) is recognized by the guidelines as a complication of DM, female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is poorly investigated in clinical setting. In addition to the complications of DM, the different types of therapies can also influence male and female sexual response. Furthermore, insulin therapy can be administered through multiple-daily injections (MDI) or a CSII. The new technologies in the field of DM allow better glycemic control which results in a reduction in the occurrence or aggravation of complications of DM. Despite this evidence, few data are available on the impact of new technologies on sexual dysfunctions. The use of DM technology might affect sexual function due to the risk of a worse body image, as well as discomfort related to CSII disconnection during sexual activity. However, the use is related to an improved metabolic control, which, in the long-term associates to a reduction in all diabetes complications, including sexual function.

The Subjective Construction of the Female Body: How Sex Toys Break down Stigmas on Women's Bodies and Sexuality

This paper explores the role of sex toys in dismantling the stigmatization of womens bodies and sexuality within contemporary society. Historically, womens sexual desires and pleasure have often been subjected to societal taboos and restrictions, contributing to the perpetuation of gender inequalities and the marginalization of womens sexual autonomy. However, the emergence and widespread availability of sex toys have challenged these stigmas and provided women with a means to reclaim agency over their bodies and sexuality. Drawing upon interdisciplinary research and feminist theories, this paper examines the ways in which sex toys have played a transformative role in challenging oppressive norms and fostering positive attitudes towards womens sexuality. By providing women with tools to explore their own pleasure, sex toys offer a means of empowerment, allowing them to break free from societal expectations and reclaim ownership of their bodies and desires. Furthermore, sex toys have been instrumental in promoting sexual education, enhancing communication between partners, and facilitating discussions on consent, pleasure, and body positivity. The findings of this paper underscore the importance of recognizing sex toys as tools of empowerment and liberation, contributing to the broader movement towards sexual liberation, gender equality, and the acceptance of diverse sexual expressions. By breaking down stigmatization and facilitating open discussions about womens bodies and sexuality, sex toys serve as catalysts for positive social change and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society.

Sexual Anarchy Versus Sexual Tranquility- An Insight in the Select Works of Kamala Das

Anglo-Indian Literature is written by Englishmen who are interested in Indian themes and subjects. Indo-Anglian literature and Indian English literature are closely related. Indo-Anglian literature frequently addresses social and domestic themes. It's an English-language genre created by Indian writers. There is a distinction between Indo-Anglian and Anglo-Indian literature. A few contemporary genius authors, like Mulk Raj Anand, R. K. Narayan, Kamala Das, Raja Rao, and Nirad Chaudhuri, are accountable for giving Indo-Anglian literature its specific label, standing, and renown even if it is separate from Anglo-Indian literature. It has been acknowledged that Kamala Das was a pivotal person and voice of her contemporary era. She distinguished and emphasized the Indian identity, setting an example for others to follow rather than copying the techniques of the English modernists. Her poetry is impassioned, energizing, and breaks from the past. Acclaimed for being the most candid and controversial writer, she rose to prominence as the "Voice of Women's Sexuality." Before converting to Islam, she wrote in English under the pen name Kamala Das and published in Malayalam under the pseudonym Madhavikutty. Her bad sexual relationship with her husband, Madhava Das, has been openly discussed, and it is mostly to blame for her notoriety in Kerala.

Sexuality in Women with Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Metasynthesis of Qualitative Studies.

Metasynthesis of qualitative studies. The search included articles published between 2000 and June 2023 on the PubMed, WOS, CINAHL, SCOPUS, and SCIELO databases. 450 articles were found through the initial search, of which, only nine fulfilled the criteria and were included in the thematic synthesis. From this analysis, three main themes emerged: (1) "I want to, but I can't": FMS causes a shift in feminine sexuality. (2) Resetting sex life and intimacy. (3) Taking charge of a "new sexuality." Women with FMS suffer from limitations of their sexuality that affect their partner. Pain, stiffness and a loss of desire make sexual encounters difficult. Becoming aware of this and striving not to lose their sexuality is key to coping with this problem. Women and their sexual partners can change roles and encourage communication, games, foreplay or touching. The use of lubricants, physical exercise and complementary therapies, along with social, professional and partner support, are key to coping with FMS.

Sexuality in Postmenopausal Women with Genital Prolapse.

One of the most common complaints among menopausal women concerns changes in sexual function. This is attributed to various factors, including anatomical defects in the genital tract, with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) being one of the most prevalent problems affecting women during this stage of their lives. Additionally, symptoms resulting from gonadal hypofunction can also contribute to the development of sexual dysfunction during menopause. This research aimed to explore the way in which postmenopausal patients with POP experienced their sexuality in our setting. To achieve the proposed objective, we conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional study involving a total of 133 postmenopausal women with POP. The results of our series are consistent with the scarce literature available in our setting and suggest a high rate of sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal patients with POP. We can conclude that POP is associated with the presence of female sexual dysfunction.

Contextualizing Cisgender Women's Histories of Intimate Partner Violence Victimization With Men and Women.

Sexual minoritized women (SMW) are more likely than exclusively heterosexual women to experience intimate partner violence (IPV). We conducted in-depth interviews with a clinic-based sample of plurisexual SMW (n = 25) ages 18 to 34 about the gender of their perpetrators. Participants primarily experienced physical and sexual IPV in relationships with men and emotional abuse in relationships with women. IPV perpetrated by men often included weapons with women fearing for their lives. Offering patients information about IPV resources and supports that do not make assumptions about women's sexualities may create more opportunity for empathic and effective communication with SMW experiencing IPV.

Women’s sexuality, embodiment and evangelicalism

ABSTRACT For centuries, the Christian God has been depicted through a predominantly masculine framework that has left women devoid of relating to the Divine in her woman-ness. Women's sexuality within the Canadian Evangelical context remains a topic that is often not discussed. This study looks at the convergence of three areas of human experience: sexuality, embodiment, and religious/spiritual experience within this specific church context. It looks on how women have experienced this religious phenomenon and the impact on the self as sexual and embodied beings. Data analysis revealed five emergent themes: (1) shame around the female body and sexual experience, (2) dialogue around the female body, (3) disintegration and disembodiment, (4) sources of Identity and (5) evolving views of Spirituality and Sexuality. To stay withing the journal's guidelines on text volume, the current article focuses on the first three themes.

Re-Reading the Annunciation (Luke 1:26-38): Towards Comprehensive Sexuality Education

Abstract: Christianity should be a liberating and transformative resource in the defense of women's sexual and reproductive health and rights. Yet, Christianity's patriarchal grounding often invalidates the equal dignity and worth of women and girls. This paper seeks to re-read the annunciation story through the lens of African Women's theologies to unearth how scriptural texts and cultural values intersect to inhibit or affirm women's rights regarding sexual and reproductive health. The Church's focus on Mary's virginity as the rationale for perfect womanhood has resulted in control and shaming of women's sexuality. I ask, what needs to be done to ensure women's agency so that they feel empowered to reconfigure cultural and Christian values so that their sexual and reproductive health needs are attended to? What can be done to ensure that all genders have equal opportunities with regard to reproduction? The defense of women's sexual and reproductive health and rights is inherently an important ethical value within religion. It is thus hoped that the analysis will not only promote tolerance in accommodating various forms of sexualities and deconstructing patriarchal gender barriers to reproductive liberation and gender justice but also stir religious and cultural gatekeepers to partner with the other stakeholders in advocating for Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE).