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Gupta P, Doherty L, Temprosa M, Pop-Busui R, Gadde KM, Singh P, Owora AH, Wessells H, Sarma AV. Prevalence and predictors of female sexual dysfunction among sexually active women in the diabetes prevention program outcomes study. Neurourol Urodyn 2024; 43:977-990. [PMID: 38501372 DOI: 10.1002/nau.25436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the burden and identify correlates of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) among women with prediabetes (PreD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) enrolled in the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) Outcomes Study (DPPOS). METHODS The DPPOS visit included the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) to determine sexual function. Of 1464 participants, 1320 (90%) completed the (FSFI) and 426 were sexually active. A backward selection multivariable logistic regression model estimated the odds of FSD for sociodemographic, clinical, and diabetes-related covariates. RESULTS One hundred and eighty-five (43%) had a score of ≤26.55 and met the criteria for FSD. After adjustment for DPP treatment and age, urinary incontinence (UI) (odds ratio [OR] = 1.91, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.15-3.17) and hysterectomy (OR = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.01-3.53) were associated with increased odds of FSD. Increased body mass index was protective for FSD (OR = 0.93 per kg/m2, 95% CI = 0.89-0.96). Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument-based peripheral neuropathy (mean±SD scores 1.1±1.3 vs. 0.9±1.1, p < 0.0001) and Electrocardiogram (ECG)-based autonomic dysfunction measures (mean ± SD heart rate levels 64.3 ± 6.8 vs. 65.6 ± 10.2, p = 0.008) were associated with FSD. There were no differences in diabetes rates between women who did (66.5%) and did not (66%) have (p = 0.7). CONCLUSIONS FSD is prevalent in women with PreD and T2D. Our findings suggest that FSD is associated with neuropathic complications commonly observed in PreD and T2D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Gupta
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Lindsay Doherty
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Biostatistics Center, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Marinella Temprosa
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Biostatistics Center, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Rodica Pop-Busui
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Kishore M Gadde
- Department of Surgery, University of California Irvine, Orange, California, USA
| | - Prachi Singh
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University System, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Arthur H Owora
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Public Health, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Hunter Wessells
- Department of Urology and Diabetes, Research Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Aruna V Sarma
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Freihart BK, Meston CM. Physiological Synchrony During Partnered Sexual Activity. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2024; 50:498-511. [PMID: 38545911 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2024.2321127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Physiological synchrony (PS) refers to the coordination of bodily responses in close relationships. It seems to be linked to relational well-being, satisfaction, closeness, and empathy. Recent research extends these findings to sexual relationships as well, with evidence suggesting that PS may predict attraction and sexual satisfaction. The current study focuses on PS during sexual activity within established couples. Results suggest that PS develops during sexual activity, in certain contexts, and tends to be greater in magnitude during sexual encounters than during non-sexual interactions. Results may shed light on the dyadic psychophysiological factors relevant to sexual experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget K Freihart
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Cindy M Meston
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
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3
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Dargél AA, Mosconi E, Volant S, Taieb D, Brenot P. Sexual dysfunction among males and females with bipolar disorder and healthy subjects: The burden of illness severity. Bipolar Disord 2022; 24:637-646. [PMID: 36000440 DOI: 10.1111/bdi.13249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Sexual dysfunction has wide-ranging impacts on the person's functioning and quality of life, being associated with higher severity of psychiatric illnesses and poor therapeutic response. Given the paucity of data on this topic in bipolar disorder (BD), we investigated sexual functioning among males and females with BD and healthy controls (HCs) as well as whether illness severity markers and subthreshold mood symptoms were associated with sexual dysfunctions in BD patients. METHODS The study included 80 BD outpatients and 70 HCs. Sexual functioning was evaluated using the validated, gender-specific Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (CSFQ-14). RESULTS BD patients had a significantly poorer sexual functioning than HCs (p < 0.00001). The odds of sexual dysfunction doubled given a one-unit increase in the number of suicide attempts (adjusted OR = 2.01, 95% CI:1.23-3.55; p < 0.01) and increased by 60% for every additional hospitalization (p < 0.05). Greater illness duration was associated with arousal/orgasmic (p < 0.05) and overall sexual dysfunctions (p < 0.01). BD patients with more mixed or (hypo)manic episodes had a lower likelihood of libido loss and arousal/orgasmic disturbances (p < 0.01), respectively. Higher levels of subthreshold depressive symptoms increased by 20% the odds of sexual interest/frequency dysfunctions (p < 0.05), and up to 60% regarding orgasmic disturbances (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Sexual functioning may be a useful proxy of illness severity as well as a relevant dimension to more deeply characterize BD patients. Further studies are warranted to replicate our findings, to evaluate temporal associations between sexual dysfunctions and illness severity across the BD mood and treatment spectrums and to explore neurobiological underpinnings of these associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aroldo A Dargél
- Institut Pasteur, Unité Perception et Mémoire, Paris, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche, Paris, France
| | - Elise Mosconi
- Centre d'étude de la Sexologie et de la Sexualité Humaine, Université Paris 5-René Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Stevenn Volant
- Hub de Bioinformatique, Biostatistique et Biologie Intégrative, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - David Taieb
- Centre d'étude de la Sexologie et de la Sexualité Humaine, Université Paris 5-René Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Philippe Brenot
- Centre d'étude de la Sexologie et de la Sexualité Humaine, Université Paris 5-René Descartes, Paris, France
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Behnke M, Kreibig SD, Kaczmarek LD, Assink M, Gross JJ. Autonomic Nervous System Activity During Positive Emotions: A Meta-Analytic Review. EMOTION REVIEW 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/17540739211073084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity is a fundamental component of emotional responding. It is not clear, however, whether positive emotional states are associated with differential ANS reactivity. To address this issue, we conducted a meta-analytic review of 120 articles (686 effect sizes, total N = 6,546), measuring ANS activity during 11 elicited positive emotions, namely amusement, attachment love, awe, contentment, craving, excitement, gratitude, joy, nurturant love, pride, and sexual desire. We identified a widely dispersed collection of studies. Univariate results indicated that positive emotions produce no or weak and highly variable increases in ANS reactivity. However, the limitations of work to date – which we discuss – mean that our conclusions should be treated as empirically grounded hypotheses that future research should validate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Behnke
- Faculty of Psychology and Cognitive Science, Adam Mickiewicz University
| | | | | | - Mark Assink
- Research Institute of Child Development and Education, University of Amsterdam
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Costa RM, Mangia P, Pestana J, Costa D. Heart Rate Variability and Erectile Function in Younger Men: A Pilot Study. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback 2021; 46:235-242. [PMID: 33387097 DOI: 10.1007/s10484-020-09499-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Erectile dysfunction (ED) in younger men is an increasing concern. In middle aged and older men, ED was related to lower resting heart rate variability (HRV), but research in younger men is lacking. The present study examined, in a nonclinical sample of 105 men between 18 and 39 years, the association of ED with several parameters of resting HRV. Scores of the 5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) below 22 were considered as indicating ED. Eighteen men (17.1%) reported ED (mild in 16, mild to moderate in 2). Welch's tests revealed that ED was associated with lower low-frequency power (LF), lower high-frequency power (HF), lower standard deviation of interbeat intervals, and lower standard deviation of the heart rate, which is influenced by both sympathetic and parasympathetic activity. After removing outliers, ED was unrelated to HF. In younger men, erections might be facilitated by a combination of higher parasympathetic tone and relatively higher sympathetic tone in the heart, as indicated by LF and greater standard deviation of the heart rate, a largely overlooked parameter in HRV research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Miguel Costa
- William James Center for Research, ISPA - Instituto Universitário, Rua do Jardim do Tabaco 34, 1149-041, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Paula Mangia
- William James Center for Research, ISPA - Instituto Universitário, Rua do Jardim do Tabaco 34, 1149-041, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - José Pestana
- ISPA - Instituto Universitário, Rua do Jardim do Tabaco 34, 1149-041, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - David Costa
- William James Center for Research, ISPA - Instituto Universitário, Rua do Jardim do Tabaco 34, 1149-041, Lisbon, Portugal
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van Hoorn AC. Could affect regulation via vagal nerve self- stimulation be a maintaining factor in non-suicidal self-harm? Med Hypotheses 2019; 136:109498. [PMID: 31759305 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2019.109498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a serious and common phenomenon which has been linked with emotion or affect regulation. The capacity for top-down emotion regulation has also been linked to vagal tone. Vagal tone is known to be low in groups with a propensity to engage in NSSI. HYPOTHESIS Some forms of NSSI, both direct and indirect, may result in vagal stimulation. The resulting increase in vagal tone may be linked to activation of prefrontal areas and improved top-down emotion regulation. This may be a maintaining factor in NSSI. EVALUATION Cutting with the sight of blood, the use of ligatures, eating disorders and risky sexual behaviour, behaviours that could be considered direct or indirect forms of NSSI, are all plausible methods of vagal self-stimulation. CONCLUSION NSSI may increase vagal tone. This may result in improved top down emotion regulation and result in a calmer emotional state. These vagal effects may be important maintaining factors in self-harm. This has important implications for the study and possible management of a common and serious issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alje C van Hoorn
- University of Exeter Medical School Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4PY, United Kingdom; Falmouth University Woodlane, Falmouth TR11 4RH, United Kingdom.
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Abstract
Sexual arousal in women comprises two components: genital arousal and subjective arousal. Genital arousal is characterized by genital vasocongestion and other physiological changes that occur in response to sexual stimuli, whereas subjective arousal refers to mental engagement during sexual activity. For some women, genital arousal enhances subjective arousal; for others, the two types of arousal are desynchronous. However, the relationship between genital and subjective arousal might not be relevant to the diagnosis and treatment of sexual arousal dysfunction. Studies have shown that not all women who report sexual arousal problems have decreased genital arousal, and only some women with decreased genital arousal have low subjective arousal. To develop efficacious treatments for female sexual arousal dysfunction, researchers need to differentiate the women for whom genital sensations have a critical role in their subjective arousal from those who are not mentally aroused by genital cues. The mechanisms by which women become aroused and the inputs into arousal have considerable implications for treatment outcomes.
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8
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Kalmbach DA, Kingsberg SA, Roth T, Cheng P, Fellman-Couture C, Drake CL. Sexual function and distress in postmenopausal women with chronic insomnia: exploring the role of stress dysregulation. Nat Sci Sleep 2019; 11:141-153. [PMID: 31686931 PMCID: PMC6709826 DOI: 10.2147/nss.s213941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Menopause triggers changes in sexual function and many women develop sexual problems. Insomnia is common in postmenopausal women, and disturbed sleep has been linked to poor sexual health. Thus, postmenopausal women with insomnia may be especially vulnerable to developing sexual difficulties. This study estimated rates of sexual distress in postmenopausal women with chronic insomnia and explored associations between various facets of sexual health, insomnia symptoms, and insomnia-related stress dysregulation. DESIGN Cross-sectional. SETTING Large multi-site health system in the US. PARTICIPANTS 150 postmenopausal women diagnosed with DSM-5 chronic insomnia disorder (56.44±5.64 years) completed measures of sexual distress, sexual function, hot flashes, insomnia symptoms, depression, and stress dysregulation in the forms of cognitive-emotional arousal (worry, rumination), sleep reactivity, and somatic hyperarousal. RESULTS Nearly half of the sample endorsed clinically significant sexual distress (46.9%). Insomnia symptoms were largely associated with poor sexual arousal, orgasmic dysfunction, sexual distress, and sexual dissatisfaction. Insomnia-related stress dysregulation was similarly associated with these facets of sexual health but was also linked to problems with low desire and greater vaginal pain during sex. Hot flashes and depression were negatively associated with sexual health. CONCLUSION Postmenopausal women with chronic insomnia endorse high rates of sexual distress. Although compromised sexual function appears directly related to poor sleep itself, our data suggest that stress dysregulation may play vital role in sexual problems endorsed by postmenopausal insomniacs, particularly regarding low desire and vaginal pain. Prospective research is needed to characterize the evolution of these co-occurring symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Kalmbach
- Division of Sleep Medicine, Thomas Roth Sleep Disorders & Research Center, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Sheryl A Kingsberg
- Departments of Reproductive Biology and Psychiatry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Thomas Roth
- Division of Sleep Medicine, Thomas Roth Sleep Disorders & Research Center, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Philip Cheng
- Division of Sleep Medicine, Thomas Roth Sleep Disorders & Research Center, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Cynthia Fellman-Couture
- Division of Sleep Medicine, Thomas Roth Sleep Disorders & Research Center, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Christopher L Drake
- Division of Sleep Medicine, Thomas Roth Sleep Disorders & Research Center, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, USA
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Stanton AM, Boyd RL, Fogarty JJ, Meston CM. Heart rate variability biofeedback increases sexual arousal among women with female sexual arousal disorder: Results from a randomized-controlled trial. Behav Res Ther 2019; 115:90-102. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2018.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 10/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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10
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Laborde S, Mosley E, Mertgen A. A unifying conceptual framework of factors associated to cardiac vagal control. Heliyon 2018; 4:e01002. [PMID: 30623126 PMCID: PMC6313821 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2018.e01002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2018] [Revised: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac vagal control (CVC) reflects the activity of the vagus nerve regulating cardiac functioning. CVC can be inferred via heart rate variability measurement, and it has been positively associated to a broad range of cognitive, emotional, social, and health outcomes. It could then be considered as an indicator for effective self-regulation, and given this role, one should understand the factors increasing and decreasing CVC. The aim of this paper is to review the broad range of factors influencing CVC, and to provide a unifying conceptual framework to integrate comprehensively those factors. The structure of the unifying conceptual framework is based on the theory of ecological rationality, while its functional aspects are based on the neurovisceral integration model. The structure of this framework distinguishes two broad areas of associations: person and environment, as this reflects adequately the role played by CVC regarding adaptation. The added value of this framework lies at different levels: theoretically, it allows integrating findings from a variety of scientific disciplines and refining the predictions of the neurovisceral integration model; methodologically, it helps identifying factors that increase and decrease CVC; and lastly at the applied level, it can play an important role for society regarding health policies and for the individual to empower one's flourishing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain Laborde
- German Sport University Cologne, Institute of Psychology, Department of Performance Psychology, Germany.,Normandie Université Caen, UFR STAPS, EA 4260, Germany
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11
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Handy AB, Stanton AM, Meston CM. Understanding Women's Subjective Sexual Arousal Within the Laboratory: Definition, Measurement, and Manipulation. Sex Med Rev 2018; 6:201-216. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2017.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Revised: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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12
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One Session of Autogenic Training Increases Acute Subjective Sexual Arousal in Premenopausal Women Reporting Sexual Arousal Problems. J Sex Med 2018; 15:64-76. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2017.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Revised: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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13
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Stanton A, Meston C. A Single Session of Autogenic Training Increases Acute Subjective and Physiological Sexual Arousal in Sexually Functional Women. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2017; 43:601-617. [PMID: 27400285 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2016.1211206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Heart rate variability (HRV) has recently been associated with female sexual function (Stanton, Lorenz, Pulverman, & Meston, 2015). Below-average HRV was identified as a possible risk factor for sexual arousal dysfunction and overall sexual dysfunction in women. Based on this newly established relationship between HRV and female sexual function, the present study examined the effect of autogenic training to increase HRV on acute physiological and subjective sexual arousal in women. Specifically, vaginal pulse amplitude (VPA), an index of genital sexual arousal, and subjective sexual arousal were assessed in 33 sexually functional women, aged 18 to 27, before and after a short session of autogenic training. Autogenic training, a relaxation technique that restores the balance between the activity of the sympathetic and the parasympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous system, has been shown to significantly increase HRV (Miu, Heilman, & Miclea, 2009). After autogenic training, significant increases in both VPA (p <.05) and subjective sexual arousal (p <.005) were observed. Moreover, change in HRV from pre- to postmanipulation significantly moderated changes in subjective sexual arousal (p <.05) when it was measured continuously during the presentation of the erotic stimulus. This cost-effective, easy-to-administer behavioral intervention may have important implications for increasing sexual arousal in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia Stanton
- a Department of Psychology , The University of Texas at Austin , Austin , Texas , USA
| | - Cindy Meston
- a Department of Psychology , The University of Texas at Austin , Austin , Texas , USA
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Forbes MK, Baillie AJ, Eaton NR, Krueger RF. A Place for Sexual Dysfunctions in an Empirical Taxonomy of Psychopathology. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2017; 54:465-485. [PMID: 28121167 PMCID: PMC5433908 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2016.1269306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Sexual dysfunctions commonly co-occur with various depressive and anxiety disorders. An emerging framework for understanding the classification of mental disorders suggests that such comorbidity is a manifestation of underlying dimensions of psychopathology (or "spectra"). In this review, we synthesize the evidence that sexual dysfunctions should be included in the empirical taxonomy of psychopathology as part of the internalizing spectrum, which accounts for comorbidity among the depressive and anxiety disorders. The review has four parts. Part 1 summarizes the empirical basis and utility of the empirical taxonomy of psychopathology. Part 2 reviews the prima facie evidence for the hypothesis that sexual dysfunctions are part of the internalizing spectrum (i.e., high rates of comorbidity; shared cognitive, affective, and temperament characteristics; common neural substrates and biomarkers; shared course and treatment response; and the lack of causal relationships between them). Part 3 critically analyzes and integrates the results of the eight studies that have addressed this hypothesis. Finally, Part 4 examines the implications of reconceptualizing sexual dysfunctions as part of the internalizing spectrum, and explores avenues for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam K Forbes
- a Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology , University of Minnesota
| | - Andrew J Baillie
- b Centre for Emotional Health and Centre of Research Excellence in Mental Health and Substance Use , Macquarie University
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15
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Stanton AM, Pulverman CS, Meston CM. Vagal Activity During Physiological Sexual Arousal in Women With and Without Sexual Dysfunction. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2017; 43:78-89. [PMID: 26735491 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2015.1115793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Recently, heart rate variability (HRV) level has been found to be a risk factor for female sexual dysfunction. Low HRV was a significant predictor of female sexual arousal dysfunction and overall sexual dysfunction. Building upon this finding, the present study examined whether differences in vagal activity between sexually functional and sexually dysfunctional women may be driving the association between low HRV and female sexual dysfunction. Specifically, respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) was assessed before, during, and after physiological sexual arousal in 84 women, aged 18 to 47, to examine potential differences in vagal activity between sexually functional and sexually dysfunctional women. Significant differences in vagal activity between these two groups were observed (p =.02). These findings provide additional specificity to the recently established relationship between HRV and female sexual function while also proposing a mechanism to target during treatments for sexual dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia M Stanton
- a The University of Texas at Austin , Department of Psychology , Austin , Texas , USA
| | - Carey S Pulverman
- a The University of Texas at Austin , Department of Psychology , Austin , Texas , USA
| | - Cindy M Meston
- a The University of Texas at Austin , Department of Psychology , Austin , Texas , USA
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