Home About us Contact
|
Home About us Contact | ||
|
|
||
Sexual Response (sexual + response)
Selected AbstractsPhosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors and Female Sexual Response: Faulty Protocols or Paradigms?THE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 2pt2 2010Meredith L. Chivers PhD ABSTRACT Introduction., Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5), such as sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil, have revolutionized the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Few successes, in contrast, have been reported for the use of these agents in treatment of sexual arousal problems in women. Aim., To review research examining efficacy of PDE5 in women, critique the methods and models employed, and integrate the findings within a broader, gender-specific understanding of female sexual response. Methods., A conceptual and methodological review of all published studies examining PDE5 efficacy in female samples. Main Outcome Measures., Study methods, populations, outcome measures, study results. Results., A total of 16 studies were reviewed. Studies using self-reported measures of sexual functioning showed mixed results whereas studies examining physiological effects of PDE5 on genital vasocongestion consistently report significant effects on genital sexual response. Conclusions., The lack of efficacy of PDE5 treatment in women is likely attributable to gender differences in the concordance between physiological and psychological components of sexual response. Discordance between genital and subjective measures of sexual response in women may be augmented by PDE5 effects on genital vasocongestion in some populations, rendering successful treatment unlikely via pharmacological treatment alone. Chivers M, and Rosen RC. PDE5 inhibitors and female sexual response: Faulty protocols or paradigms? J Sex Med 2010;7:858,872. [source] Menopause Leading to Increased Vaginal Wall Thickness in Women with Genital Prolapse: Impact on Sexual ResponseTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 11 2009Lúcia Alves Da Silva Lara MD ABSTRACT Introduction., Hypoestrogenism causes structural changes in the vaginal wall that can lead to sexual dysfunction. A reduction in vaginal wall thickness has been reported to occur after menopause, although without precise morphometry. Aim., To measure vaginal wall thickness in women with genital prolapse in normal and hypoestrogenic conditions and to correlate sexual dysfunction with vaginal wall thickness and estradiol levels. Methods., Surgical vaginal specimens from 18 normoestrogenic and 13 postmenopausal women submitted to surgery for genital prolapse grades I and II were examined. Patients were evaluated for FSH, estradiol, prolactin, glycemia, and serum TSH levels. For histological analysis, samples were stained with Masson's trichrome and hematoxylin-eosin. Sexual function was assessed by the Golombok-Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS). Main Outcome Measures., GRISS questionnaire, histological analysis, morphometric methods, Masson's trichrome. Results., The vaginal wall was thicker in the postmenopausal than premenopausal group (2.72 ± 0.72 mm and 2.16 ± 0.43, P = 0.01, and 2.63 ± 0.71 mm and 2.07 ± 0.49 mm, P = 0.01, for the anterior and posterior walls, respectively). These thicknesses seem to be due to the muscular layer, which was also thicker in the postmenopausal group (1.54 ± 0.44 and 1.09 ± 0.3 mm, P = 0.02, and 1.45 ± 0.47 and 1.07 ± 0.44 mm, P = 0.03, for the anterior and posterior wall, respectively). The vaginal epithelium was thinner in the middle segment than in the proximal one in the posterior wall (0.17 ± 0.07 mm, 0.15 ± 0.05 mm, 0.24 ± 0.09 mm, P = 0.02). There was no correlation between coital pain, vaginal wall thickness, and estradiol levels in either group. Conclusion., The vaginal wall is thicker after menopause in women with genital prolapse. In this study, vaginal thickness and estrogen levels were not related to sexual dysfunction. da Silva Lara LA, Ribeiro-Silva A, Rosa-e-Silva JC, Chaud F, Silva-de-Sá MF, Meireles e Silva AR, and Rosa-e-Silva ACJS. Menopause leading to increased vaginal wall thickness in women with genital prolapse: impact on sexual response. J Sex Med 2009;6:3097,3110. [source] Magnetic Resonance Imaging and the Female Sexual Response: Overview of Techniques, Results, and Future DirectionsTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 7 2008Kenneth R. Maravilla ABSTRACT Introduction., Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is becoming a frequently used tool in the study of sexual physiology and neurophysiology. Aim., This report reviews various MRI methods used to study the female sexual arousal response. Methods., Retrospective review of pertinent literature. Results., Dynamic genital MRI studies enable the visualization of the physiologic arousal response that provides the direct observation of the time course and magnitude of this response, along with the variability that appears to occur in women with sexual arousal disorder. Functional brain MR studies are described and summarized along with an overview of what we have learned. Finally, the speculation on how we may be able to use MRI technology to better understand the female sexual response and to help in validating new drug treatments or in devising new treatment strategies for sexual dysfunction is also presented. Conclusions., Neuroimaging has already been proven as an invaluable research tool to study the sexual response in women both in the pelvis as well as within the brain. Using these techniques, major inroads are being made to improve the understanding of the sexual arousal process in women. Maravilla KR, and Yang CC. Magnetic resonance imaging and the female sexual response: Overview of techniques, results, and future directions. J Sex Med 2008;5:1559,1571. [source] ORIGINAL RESEARCH,BASIC SCIENCE: Fluoxetine-Induced Decrements in Sexual Responses of Female Rats and Hamsters Are Reversed by 3,,5,-THPTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 8 2010Cheryl A. Frye PhD ABSTRACT Introduction., Sexual dysfunction, as a result of selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) treatment among women, is relatively common and is a factor in medication compliance. The mechanisms that underlie these side-effects of SSRIs are not well-understood. SSRIs can alter activity of catabolic enzymes that are involved in progesterone's conversion to 5,-pregnan-3,-ol-20-one (3,,5,-THP). 3,,5,-THP plays a key role in female reproductive physiology and behavior. Aims., This study aimed to determine whether 3,,5,-THP, in the midbrain ventral tegmental area (VTA) may be a potential mechanism for fluoxetine's reduction in sexual responding of female rodents. We hypothesized that if fluoxetine induces decrements in sexual responding in part through actions of 3,,5,-THP, then fluoxetine will inhibit sexual receptivity concomitant with reducing 3,,5,-THP levels, effects which can be reversed by 3,,5,-THP administration. Methods., Experiment 1 investigated effects of acute systemic fluoxetine [20 mg/kg intraperitoneal (IP)] and/or 3,,5,-THP [500 µg, subcutaneous (SC)] administration on sexual responding of ovariectomized, hormone-primed rats. Experiment 2 examined effects of 3,,5,-THP administration to the midbrain VTA (100 ng) on fluoxetine-induced decrements in lordosis of ovariectomized, hormone-primed rats and hamsters. Main Outcome Measures., Sexual responding was determined in rats and hamsters. For rats, the percentage of times that the lordosis response occurred following mounting by a sexually-vigorous male (lordosis quotients) was utilized. For hamsters, lateral displacement, the pelvic movement that females will make to facilitate intromissions by a male hamster, was utilized. Results., Fluoxetine significantly reduced lordosis, and this was reversed SC 3,,5,-THP. Intra-VTA 3,,5,-THP attenuated fluoxetine's detrimental effects on lordosis quotients and lateral displacement of rats and hamsters, respectively. Conclusions., Thus, fluoxetine's effects to disrupt female sexual responses may involve its effects on progestogens in the midbrain VTA. Frye CA, and Rhodes ME. Fluoxetine-induced decrements in sexual responses of female rats and hamsters are reversed by 3,,5,-THP. J Sex Med 2010;7:2670,2680. [source] The physiological basis of human sexual arousal: neuroendocrine sexual asymmetryINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANDROLOGY, Issue 2 2005ION G. MOTOFEI Summary Normal sexual arousal and response suppose an integrated process involving both physiological and psychological processes. However, the current understanding of sexual arousal does not provide a coherent model that accounts for the integration of multiple physiological systems that subsequently generate a coordinated sexual response at both the spinal peripheral and cerebral central levels. Herein we suggest a model that involves both sympathetic and parasympathetic activation during sexual arousal via the two classes of gonadal hormones, androgens and oestrogens. We discuss the manner in which gonadal hormones may activate such a system, transforming pre-pubertal (non-erotic) genital stimulation to post-pubertal erogenization of stimulation and subsequent sexual arousal. Finally, we indicate that the different balance of androgens and oestrogens in men and women may generate asymmetric effects on each of the components of the autonomic nervous system, thereby explaining some of the differences in patterns of sexual arousal and the responses cycle across the sexes. [source] Impaired sexual behavior in male mice deficient for the ,1,3 N -Acetylglucosaminyltransferase-I geneMOLECULAR REPRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT, Issue 5 2008Franziska Biellmann Abstract The ,1,3 N -acetylglucosaminyltransferase-1 (B3gnt1) gene encodes a poly- N -acetyllactosamine synthase which can initiate and extend poly- N -acetyllactosamine chains [Gal(,1,4)GlcNAc (,1,3)n]. Previous investigations with heterozygous and homozygous null mice for this gene have revealed the importance of poly- N -acetyllactosamine chains for the formation of olfactory axon connections with the olfactory bulb and the migration of gonadotropin releasing hormone neurons to the hypothalamus. The possible long-term effects of these developmental defects, however, has not yet been studied. Here we have examined a reproductive phenotype observed in B3gnt1 -null mice. Whereas the B3gnt1 null females were fertile, the B3gnt1 null males were not able to sire litters at the expected rate when mated to either wildtype or B3gnt1 -null females. We assessed male sexual behavior as well as male reproduction parameters such as testes size, spermatogenesis, sperm number, morphology, and the development of early embryos in order to identify the source of a reduced rate of reproduction. Our findings show that the B3gnt1 null male reproductive organs were functional and could not account for the lower rate at which they produced offspring with wildtype conspecifics. Hence, we propose that the phenotype observed resulted from an impaired sexual response to female mating partners. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 699,706, 2008. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Female Sexual Dysfunction: Knowledge Development and Practice ImplicationsPERSPECTIVES IN PSYCHIATRIC CARE, Issue 3 2009Janet Ambrogne Sobczak PhD, PMHCNS PURPOSE., Sexual dysfunctions are thought to be common in the population. However, the majority of research on sexual dysfunctions has focused on male problems. Consequently, women's sexual function is poorly understood. This article aimed to (a) provide a historical overview of the knowledge development of female sexual function, (b) describe the current state of knowledge pertaining to sexual problems in women, and (c) discuss implications for the assessment of sexual problems in women. CONCLUSIONS., A women's sexual response may differ from current conceptualizations. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS., A sexual history should be included in routine health assessments. Information specific to contextual and relational factors is particularly important for women. [source] Habituation of sexual response in male Heliothis mothsPHYSIOLOGICAL ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 2 2000Kevin C. Daly Summary It has been generally hypothesized that habituation mediates the effects of pheromone-based disruption strategies used in the management of moth pests. The current study demonstrates that pheromone-mediated sexual response in the tobacco budworm moth, Heliothis virescens (F.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), can in fact be modulated by conditions consistent with the production of habituation. An ethogram was used to measure response strength in a wind tunnel experiment where male moths were allowed to respond freely to one of two different blends of female pheromone in 16 trials over 4 days. Post-test measures were collected to investigate stimulus specificity and long-term effects. In conditions appropriate to the formation of habituation, habituation will develop and disrupt male sexual response to female sex pheromone. Males repeatedly exposed to plumes of synthetic pheromone blends display a habituated response lasting up to 96 h. Habituation rate and spontaneous recovery of response strength are greater with less intense stimuli. Additionally, males habituated to one blend express no habituation of sexual response when exposed to a different blend. This indicates a high degree of stimulus specificity, which could facilitate outbreeding, and that moths attend to the configuration of the pheromone blend, not simply to its elements. [source] Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors and Female Sexual Response: Faulty Protocols or Paradigms?THE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 2pt2 2010Meredith L. Chivers PhD ABSTRACT Introduction., Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5), such as sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil, have revolutionized the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Few successes, in contrast, have been reported for the use of these agents in treatment of sexual arousal problems in women. Aim., To review research examining efficacy of PDE5 in women, critique the methods and models employed, and integrate the findings within a broader, gender-specific understanding of female sexual response. Methods., A conceptual and methodological review of all published studies examining PDE5 efficacy in female samples. Main Outcome Measures., Study methods, populations, outcome measures, study results. Results., A total of 16 studies were reviewed. Studies using self-reported measures of sexual functioning showed mixed results whereas studies examining physiological effects of PDE5 on genital vasocongestion consistently report significant effects on genital sexual response. Conclusions., The lack of efficacy of PDE5 treatment in women is likely attributable to gender differences in the concordance between physiological and psychological components of sexual response. Discordance between genital and subjective measures of sexual response in women may be augmented by PDE5 effects on genital vasocongestion in some populations, rendering successful treatment unlikely via pharmacological treatment alone. Chivers M, and Rosen RC. PDE5 inhibitors and female sexual response: Faulty protocols or paradigms? J Sex Med 2010;7:858,872. [source] Menopause Leading to Increased Vaginal Wall Thickness in Women with Genital Prolapse: Impact on Sexual ResponseTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 11 2009Lúcia Alves Da Silva Lara MD ABSTRACT Introduction., Hypoestrogenism causes structural changes in the vaginal wall that can lead to sexual dysfunction. A reduction in vaginal wall thickness has been reported to occur after menopause, although without precise morphometry. Aim., To measure vaginal wall thickness in women with genital prolapse in normal and hypoestrogenic conditions and to correlate sexual dysfunction with vaginal wall thickness and estradiol levels. Methods., Surgical vaginal specimens from 18 normoestrogenic and 13 postmenopausal women submitted to surgery for genital prolapse grades I and II were examined. Patients were evaluated for FSH, estradiol, prolactin, glycemia, and serum TSH levels. For histological analysis, samples were stained with Masson's trichrome and hematoxylin-eosin. Sexual function was assessed by the Golombok-Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS). Main Outcome Measures., GRISS questionnaire, histological analysis, morphometric methods, Masson's trichrome. Results., The vaginal wall was thicker in the postmenopausal than premenopausal group (2.72 ± 0.72 mm and 2.16 ± 0.43, P = 0.01, and 2.63 ± 0.71 mm and 2.07 ± 0.49 mm, P = 0.01, for the anterior and posterior walls, respectively). These thicknesses seem to be due to the muscular layer, which was also thicker in the postmenopausal group (1.54 ± 0.44 and 1.09 ± 0.3 mm, P = 0.02, and 1.45 ± 0.47 and 1.07 ± 0.44 mm, P = 0.03, for the anterior and posterior wall, respectively). The vaginal epithelium was thinner in the middle segment than in the proximal one in the posterior wall (0.17 ± 0.07 mm, 0.15 ± 0.05 mm, 0.24 ± 0.09 mm, P = 0.02). There was no correlation between coital pain, vaginal wall thickness, and estradiol levels in either group. Conclusion., The vaginal wall is thicker after menopause in women with genital prolapse. In this study, vaginal thickness and estrogen levels were not related to sexual dysfunction. da Silva Lara LA, Ribeiro-Silva A, Rosa-e-Silva JC, Chaud F, Silva-de-Sá MF, Meireles e Silva AR, and Rosa-e-Silva ACJS. Menopause leading to increased vaginal wall thickness in women with genital prolapse: impact on sexual response. J Sex Med 2009;6:3097,3110. [source] The Clitoral Photoplethysmograph: A New Way of Assessing Genital Arousal in WomenTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 6 2009Jeroen Gerritsen MSc ABSTRACT Introduction., In the present study, we introduce clitoral photoplethysmography as an instrument to assess clitoral blood volume (CBV). In research on female sexual functioning, vaginal pulse amplitude (VPA), as measured using vaginal photoplethysmography, has been used extensively as a measure of vaginal vasocongestion. Measurement of clitoral blood flow has thus far been problematic, mainly because of methodological constraints. Aim., To demonstrate that CBV is a valuable, easy to use complementary measure for the female sexual response, offering additional information to the VPA. Methods., Thirty women with and without female sexual dysfunction (FSD) watched neutral and erotic film clips. At the end of the erotic clip, the session was interrupted to induce inhibition of the sexual response. Another neutral clip followed the interruption. VPA and CBV were measured simultaneously, as well as skin conductance levels (SCLs), to assess the amount of sympathetic activity. Main Outcome Measures., VPA, CBV, SCL. Results., For both FSD and non-FSD women, VPA and CBV increased when sexually explicit material was presented. Changes in skin conductance significantly predicted changes in CBV (b = ,0.61, t[27] = ,3.88, P < 0.001), but not in VPA. A large increase in sympathetic activity was accompanied by a large decrease in CBV. Furthermore, a large increase in CBV at the end of the erotic film clip presentation, as compared with the neutral clip, was accompanied by a relatively small increase in VPA (b = ,0.39, t[29] = ,2.25, P < 0.033). Conclusion., CBV is a valid and sensitive tool to measure the female genital response. In the present study, it was particularly useful in investigating sexual inhibition, when used in combination with SCL. Furthermore, high CBV appeared to inhibit VPA, suggesting that VPA reflects an automatic preparatory response rather than genital arousal per se. Gerritsen J, van der Made F, Bloemers J, van Ham D, Kleiverda G, Everaerd W, Olivier B, Levin R, and Tuiten A. The clitoral photoplethysmograph: A new way of assessing genital arousal in women. J Sex Med 2009;6:1678,1687. [source] The Influence of Testosterone Combined with a PDE5-inhibitor on Cognitive, Affective, and Physiological Sexual Functioning in Women Suffering from Sexual DysfunctionTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 3 2009Flip Van Der Made MD ABSTRACT Introduction., Women with female sexual dysfunction have a reduced sensitivity to sexual stimuli. Activation of central mechanisms may open a window for phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5) to be effective; as a consequence, the combination of testosterone and a PDE5 inhibitor will restore sexual function. Aim., To demonstrate that the combination of testosterone and vardenafil will increase the sensitivity for sexual stimuli and will improve the desire and arousal components of the sexual response. Methods., In a double-blind randomly assigned placebo-controlled crossover design, 28 women with desire and/or arousal disorder underwent four different drug treatments on four separate experimental days. A masked version of the emotional Stroop task with sexual and nonsexual words was used to measure sensitivity for sexual content. Neutral and erotic film fragments were used to determine genital,physiological and subjective reactions. Main Outcome Measures., A masked version of the emotional Stroop task, vaginal pulse amplitude. For subjective measurement, responses were collected continuously with a lever and two self-report measures were used. Results., In two subgroups, which were differentiated on the basis of their initial preconscious attentional bias for sexual cues, a different sexual response profile was found. In an initially low-attention group, preconscious attentional bias for sexual cues increased under the testosterone condition. In these women, the combination of testosterone and vardenafil caused an improvement in genital response and subjective indices of sexual functioning. In the group that had initially a high attention for sexual cues, preconscious attentional bias for sexual cues decreased under the condition of testosterone. In these women, the combination of testosterone and vardenafil had no effect on any of the indices of their sexual functioning. Conclusion., In women suffering from low sexual desire,associated with low attention for sexual cues,the combination of testosterone and vardenafil may be a promising new treatment. van der Made F, Bloemers J, Yassem WE, Kleiverda G, Everaerd W, van Ham D, Olivier B, Koppeschaar H, and Tuiten A. The influence of testosterone combined with a PDE5-inhibitor on cognitive, affective, and physiological sexual functioning in women suffering from sexual dysfunction. J Sex Med 2009;6:777,790. [source] Magnetic Resonance Imaging and the Female Sexual Response: Overview of Techniques, Results, and Future DirectionsTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 7 2008Kenneth R. Maravilla ABSTRACT Introduction., Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is becoming a frequently used tool in the study of sexual physiology and neurophysiology. Aim., This report reviews various MRI methods used to study the female sexual arousal response. Methods., Retrospective review of pertinent literature. Results., Dynamic genital MRI studies enable the visualization of the physiologic arousal response that provides the direct observation of the time course and magnitude of this response, along with the variability that appears to occur in women with sexual arousal disorder. Functional brain MR studies are described and summarized along with an overview of what we have learned. Finally, the speculation on how we may be able to use MRI technology to better understand the female sexual response and to help in validating new drug treatments or in devising new treatment strategies for sexual dysfunction is also presented. Conclusions., Neuroimaging has already been proven as an invaluable research tool to study the sexual response in women both in the pelvis as well as within the brain. Using these techniques, major inroads are being made to improve the understanding of the sexual arousal process in women. Maravilla KR, and Yang CC. Magnetic resonance imaging and the female sexual response: Overview of techniques, results, and future directions. J Sex Med 2008;5:1559,1571. [source] The Inhibitory Effects of Nicotine on Physiological Sexual Arousal in Nonsmoking Women: Results from a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Cross-Over TrialTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 5 2008Christopher B. Harte BA ABSTRACT Introduction., Extensive research suggests that long-term cigarette smoking is an independent risk factor for the introduction of sexual dysfunction in men. However, results of limited data investigating this relationship in women are mixed. No studies have examined the acute effects of tobacco or nicotine on physiological sexual response in women. Controlled experimental studies examining acute effects of isolated nicotine intake on female physiological sexual responses are necessary in order to help elucidate tobacco's potential role in the development and/or maintenance of sexual impairment in women. Aim., To examine whether isolated nicotine intake acutely affects sexual arousal responses in nonsmoking women. Methods., Twenty-five sexually functional women (mean age = 20 years) each with less than 100 direct exposures to nicotine completed two counterbalanced conditions in which they were randomized to received either nicotine gum (6 mg) or placebo gum, both administered double-blind and matched for appearance, taste, and consistency, approximately 40 minutes prior to viewing an erotic film. Main Outcome Measures., Physiological (changes in vaginal pulse amplitude via vaginal photoplethysmography) and subjective (continuous self-report) sexual responses to erotic stimuli were examined, as well as changes in mood. Results., Nicotine significantly reduced genital responses to the erotic films (P = 0.05), corresponding to a 30% attenuation in physiological sexual arousal. This occurred in 11 of 18 women with valid physiological assessments. Nicotine had no significant effect on continuous self-report ratings of sexual arousal (P = 0.45), or on mood (all Ps > 0.05). Conclusions., Acute nicotine intake significantly attenuates physiological sexual arousal in healthy nonsmoking women. Our findings provide support to the hypothesis that nicotine may be the primary pharmacological agent responsible for genital hemodynamic disruption, thereby facilitating a cascade of biochemical and vascular events which may impair normal sexual arousal responses. Harte CB, and Meston CM. The inhibitory effects of nicotine on physiological sexual arousal in nonsmoking women: Results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial. J Sex Med 2008;5:1184,1197. [source] ORIGINAL RESEARCH,PSYCHOLOGY: Age of First Sexual Intercourse and Acculturation: Effects on Adult Sexual RespondingTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 3 2008Jane S.T. Woo MA ABSTRACT Introduction., Although age of first intercourse and the emotional aspects of that experience are often a target in assessment because they are thought to contribute to later sexual functioning, research to date on how sexual debut relates to adult sexual functioning has been limited and contradictory. Aim., The goal of this study was to explore the association between age of first intercourse and adult sexual function in a sample of Euro-Canadian and Asian Canadian university students. In addition, culture-based comparisons of sexual complaints were made to clarify the role of culture in sexual response. Methods., Euro-Canadian (N = 299) and Asian Canadian (N = 329) university students completed the Golombok-Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction and the Vancouver Index of Acculturation. Main Outcome Measures., Self-reported sexual problems and bidimensional acculturation. Results., Ethnic group comparisons revealed that Asians reported more sexual complaints including sexual avoidance, dissatisfaction and non-sensuality. Among the women, Asians reported higher scores on the Vaginismus and Anorgasmia subscales whereas the ethnic groups did not differ on the male-specific measures of sexual complaints. In the overall sample, older age of first intercourse was associated with more sexual problems as an adult, including more sexual infrequency, sexual avoidance, and non-sensuality. Among the Asian Canadians, less identification with Western culture was predictive of more sexual complaints overall, more sexual noncommunication, more sexual avoidance, and more non-sensuality. For Asian women, acculturation interacted with age of first intercourse to predict Vaginismus scores. Conclusions., Overall, these data replicate prior research that found that a university sample of individuals of Asian descent have higher rates of sexual problems and that this effect can be explained by acculturation. Earlier sexual debut was associated with fewer sexual complaints in adulthood. Woo JST, and Brotto LA. Age of first sexual intercourse and acculturation: Effects on adult sexual responding. J Sex Med 2008;5:571,582. [source] ORIGINAL RESEARCH,PHYSIOLOGY: Sensation and Sexual Arousal in Circumcised and Uncircumcised MenTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 3 2007Kimberley Payne PhD ABSTRACT Introduction., Research, theory, and popular belief all suggest that penile sensation is greater in the uncircumcised as compared with the circumcised man. However, research involving direct measurement of penile sensation has been undertaken only in sexually functional and dysfunctional groups, and as a correlate of sexual behavior. There are no reports of penile sensation in sexually aroused subjects, and it is not known how arousal affects sensation. In principle, this should be more closely related to actual sexual function. Aim., This study therefore compared genital and nongenital sensation as a function of sexual arousal in circumcised and uncircumcised men. Methods., Twenty uncircumcised men and an equal number of age-matched circumcised participants underwent genital and nongenital sensory testing at baseline and in response to erotic and control stimulus films. Touch and pain thresholds were assessed on the penile shaft, the glans penis, and the volar surface of the forearm. Sexual arousal was assessed via thermal imaging of the penis. Results., In response to the erotic stimulus, both groups evidenced a significant increase in penile temperature, which correlated highly with subjective reports of sexual arousal. Uncircumcised men had significantly lower penile temperature than circumcised men, and evidenced a larger increase in penile temperature with sexual arousal. No differences in genital sensitivity were found between the uncircumcised and circumcised groups. Uncircumcised men were less sensitive to touch on the forearm than circumcised men. A decrease in overall touch sensitivity was observed in both groups with exposure to the erotic film as compared with either baseline or control stimulus film conditions. No significant effect was found for pain sensitivity. Conclusion., These results do not support the hypothesized penile sensory differences associated with circumcision. However, group differences in penile temperature and sexual response were found. Payne K, Thaler L, Kukkonen T, Carrier S, and Binik Y. Sensation and sexual arousal in circumcised and uncircumcised men. J Sex Med 2007;4:667,674. [source] Effect of sublingual medication of sildenafil citrate/ apomorphine on sexual behaviour of male ratsANDROLOGIA, Issue 2 2009X. Huang Summary The study investigated the combined effect of sublingually administered sildenafil (SN) and apomorphine (APO SL) on the sexual behaviour of male rats. Male Sprague,Dawley rats (50) were divided into five groups (10 rats per each group): blank control, sildenafil group and SN plus APO SL high dosage, medium dosage and low dosage group. After sublingual administration of the agents (control and SN plus APO SL) and a sole dosage of sildenafil (stomach irrigation), the rats were mated with female counterparts in pairs, and the latent period of chasing, the frequency of chasing in 60 min, the latent period of mounting and the frequency of mounting in 60 min were recorded. The lower dosage of SN plus APO SL exerted a stronger influence on the sexual activities in male rats than did the higher sole dosage of sildenafil. Identification of common neurochemical and neuroanatomical substrates of sexual responding between animals and humans suggests that the evolution of sexual behaviour has been highly conserved and indicates that animal models of human sexual response can be used successfully as pre-clinical tools. So sublingual medication of SN combined with APO SL may be at least a support inference about male sexual libido. [source] ORIGINAL RESEARCH,BASIC SCIENCE: Fluoxetine-Induced Decrements in Sexual Responses of Female Rats and Hamsters Are Reversed by 3,,5,-THPTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 8 2010Cheryl A. Frye PhD ABSTRACT Introduction., Sexual dysfunction, as a result of selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) treatment among women, is relatively common and is a factor in medication compliance. The mechanisms that underlie these side-effects of SSRIs are not well-understood. SSRIs can alter activity of catabolic enzymes that are involved in progesterone's conversion to 5,-pregnan-3,-ol-20-one (3,,5,-THP). 3,,5,-THP plays a key role in female reproductive physiology and behavior. Aims., This study aimed to determine whether 3,,5,-THP, in the midbrain ventral tegmental area (VTA) may be a potential mechanism for fluoxetine's reduction in sexual responding of female rodents. We hypothesized that if fluoxetine induces decrements in sexual responding in part through actions of 3,,5,-THP, then fluoxetine will inhibit sexual receptivity concomitant with reducing 3,,5,-THP levels, effects which can be reversed by 3,,5,-THP administration. Methods., Experiment 1 investigated effects of acute systemic fluoxetine [20 mg/kg intraperitoneal (IP)] and/or 3,,5,-THP [500 µg, subcutaneous (SC)] administration on sexual responding of ovariectomized, hormone-primed rats. Experiment 2 examined effects of 3,,5,-THP administration to the midbrain VTA (100 ng) on fluoxetine-induced decrements in lordosis of ovariectomized, hormone-primed rats and hamsters. Main Outcome Measures., Sexual responding was determined in rats and hamsters. For rats, the percentage of times that the lordosis response occurred following mounting by a sexually-vigorous male (lordosis quotients) was utilized. For hamsters, lateral displacement, the pelvic movement that females will make to facilitate intromissions by a male hamster, was utilized. Results., Fluoxetine significantly reduced lordosis, and this was reversed SC 3,,5,-THP. Intra-VTA 3,,5,-THP attenuated fluoxetine's detrimental effects on lordosis quotients and lateral displacement of rats and hamsters, respectively. Conclusions., Thus, fluoxetine's effects to disrupt female sexual responses may involve its effects on progestogens in the midbrain VTA. Frye CA, and Rhodes ME. Fluoxetine-induced decrements in sexual responses of female rats and hamsters are reversed by 3,,5,-THP. J Sex Med 2010;7:2670,2680. [source] The Sensitivity of Continuous Laboratory Measures of Physiological and Subjective Sexual Arousal for Diagnosing Women with Sexual Arousal DisorderTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 2pt2 2010Cindy M. Meston PhD ABSTRACT Introduction., Past findings on the diagnostic sensitivity of vaginal photoplethysmography are limited by testing among women with heterogeneous sexual dysfunctions and by the use of statistical techniques that are unable to assess how changes in subjective arousal are associated with changes in physiological arousal. Aims., The aims of this study were to: (i) test the sensitivity of vaginal photoplethysmography and continuous measures of subjective sexual arousal in differentiating between women with and without sexual arousal or orgasm dysfunction; and (ii) examine the diagnostic utility of measuring the synchrony between genital and subjective sexual responses. Methods., Sexual arousal was assessed in sexually healthy women (n = 12), women with orgasm disorder (OD; n = 12), and 38 women who met the criteria for the three subcategories of sexual arousal dysfunction described by Basson et al. (i.e., genital sexual arousal disorder [GAD; n = 9], subjective sexual arousal disorder [SAD; n = 13], and combined genital and subjective arousal disorder [CAD; n = 16]). Main Outcome Measures., Physiological sexual arousal was assessed using vaginal photoplethysmography, and subjective sexual arousal was measured continuously and using a Likert-scale in response to sexual videos. Results., Women with GAD showed the lowest and women with CAD showed the highest levels of vaginal pulse amplitude response to erotic stimuli. Women with sexual arousal disorder showed significantly lower levels of subjective sexual arousal to erotic stimuli than did sexually healthy women. Relations between subjective and physiological measures of sexual arousal were significantly weaker among women with sexual arousal disorder than sexually healthy women or women with OD. Conclusion., Preliminary support was provided for the diagnostic utility of measuring the synchrony between subjective and genital arousal in women with sexual arousal disorder. Findings do not support the sensitivity of using vaginal photoplethysmography, or continuous or Likert-scale measures of subjective arousal for differentiating between subtypes of women with sexual arousal disorder. Meston CM, Rellini AH, and McCall K. The sensitivity of continuous laboratory measures of physiological and subjective sexual arousal for diagnosing women with sexual arousal disorder. J Sex Med 2010;7:938,950. [source] The Inhibitory Effects of Nicotine on Physiological Sexual Arousal in Nonsmoking Women: Results from a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Cross-Over TrialTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 5 2008Christopher B. Harte BA ABSTRACT Introduction., Extensive research suggests that long-term cigarette smoking is an independent risk factor for the introduction of sexual dysfunction in men. However, results of limited data investigating this relationship in women are mixed. No studies have examined the acute effects of tobacco or nicotine on physiological sexual response in women. Controlled experimental studies examining acute effects of isolated nicotine intake on female physiological sexual responses are necessary in order to help elucidate tobacco's potential role in the development and/or maintenance of sexual impairment in women. Aim., To examine whether isolated nicotine intake acutely affects sexual arousal responses in nonsmoking women. Methods., Twenty-five sexually functional women (mean age = 20 years) each with less than 100 direct exposures to nicotine completed two counterbalanced conditions in which they were randomized to received either nicotine gum (6 mg) or placebo gum, both administered double-blind and matched for appearance, taste, and consistency, approximately 40 minutes prior to viewing an erotic film. Main Outcome Measures., Physiological (changes in vaginal pulse amplitude via vaginal photoplethysmography) and subjective (continuous self-report) sexual responses to erotic stimuli were examined, as well as changes in mood. Results., Nicotine significantly reduced genital responses to the erotic films (P = 0.05), corresponding to a 30% attenuation in physiological sexual arousal. This occurred in 11 of 18 women with valid physiological assessments. Nicotine had no significant effect on continuous self-report ratings of sexual arousal (P = 0.45), or on mood (all Ps > 0.05). Conclusions., Acute nicotine intake significantly attenuates physiological sexual arousal in healthy nonsmoking women. Our findings provide support to the hypothesis that nicotine may be the primary pharmacological agent responsible for genital hemodynamic disruption, thereby facilitating a cascade of biochemical and vascular events which may impair normal sexual arousal responses. Harte CB, and Meston CM. The inhibitory effects of nicotine on physiological sexual arousal in nonsmoking women: Results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial. J Sex Med 2008;5:1184,1197. [source] ORIGINAL RESEARCH,SEXUAL PAIN DISORDERS: The Association between Sexual Function, Pain, and Psychological Adaptation of Men Diagnosed with Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome Type IIITHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 3 2008Sylvie Aubin PhD ABSTRACT Introduction., Prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) is known to have a negative impact on quality of life, especially on intimate relationships and sexual function. Information is, however, missing on the contribution of demographic and psychological variables to sexual variables. Aim., We compared the sexual function of men with CPPS to men without pain, and examined the relationship between the sexual, demographic, and psychological measures in men with CPPS. Main Outcome Measures., Self-report questionnaires assessing demographic, pain, sexual function, and psychological adaptation. Methods., The sample consisted of 72 men diagnosed with CPPS and 98 men without any pain condition. Self-report questionnaires measuring demographic, pain, and sexual function were completed once at the eligibility visit by all subjects. CPPS subjects completed additional questionnaires related to pain and psychological adaptation. Results., CPPS subjects differed from controls by reporting significantly less frequent sexual desire or thoughts, less frequent sexual activities, less arousal/erectile function, less orgasm function, and higher frequencies of genital pain during/after intercourse. When we adjusted for age and marital status, the difference between groups remained for thoughts/desire, frequency of sexual activity, and arousal/erectile function. Analysis of factors related to sexual function in CPPS subjects included pain status and psychological adaptation. Results showed that frequency of sexual activity decreased with increasing depression, whereas arousal/erectile function decreased with increasing pain symptoms and stress appraisal. Orgasm function decreased with increasing depression and pleasure/satisfaction decreased with increasing pain symptoms, stress appraisal, and decreasing belief of a relationship between emotions and pain. Conclusions., We found a differential sexual profile for men with CPPS when compared to men without pain. The results suggest that interventions addressing psychological factors affecting sexual responses should be further studied in prospective clinical trials as one possible way to improve sexual function and satisfaction in men with CPPS. Aubin S, Berger RE, Herman JR, and Ciol MA. The association between sexual function, pain, and psychological adaptation of men diagnosed with chronic pelvic pain syndrome type III. J Sex Med 2008;5:657,667. [source] | |||||||||||||