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Higginbottom B. The Nuances of Intimacy: Asexual Perspectives and Experiences with Dating and Relationships. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2024; 53:1899-1914. [PMID: 38539031 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-024-02846-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Asexuality studies are an emerging field in North America and Europe which lack large-scale, qualitative studies. Much existing research focuses on defining and categorizing asexuality, with researchers calling for more focus on the romantic and sexual relationships of asexual people. Drawing from an online survey with 349 participants, this paper describes the perceptions and experiences that asexual people have with dating and relationships. Participants answered 16 open-ended and 9 close-ended questions. After rounds of coding, three themes were selected for examination. These were dating, romantic and/or sexual relationships, and platonic relationships. These results showcase the challenges asexuals face with dating while also demonstrating how asexual people actively dismantle understandings of romantic, sexual, and platonic relationships through their own experiences and perspectives. Overall, this study provides greater legitimacy to the fluidity of asexuality and asexual relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke Higginbottom
- Department of Sociology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, V8W 2Y2, Canada.
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Warchala A, Madej P, Kochanowicz M, Krzystanek M. Sexual Function in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Living in Stable Heterosexual Relationships: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2227. [PMID: 38673500 PMCID: PMC11050871 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13082227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/Objective: The prevalence and character of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have not been precisely determined. The aim of this study was to assess FSD using the Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (CSFQ-14) in women with PCOS and their partners compared to a control group, as well as correlations between five subscales, the total score of the CSFQ, and seven questions of the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Methods: The study sample (N = 160) comprised two groups: (1) women with PCOS and their partners (n = 91) and (2) women without PCOS and their partners (control group; n = 69). Results: The total scores of the CSFQ did not reveal FSD in either group of women. Regarding all subscales and the total score, the analysis showed a statistically significant difference between women and their partners (in all cases: p < 0.001). The discrepancy in arousal between women and men in the PCOS group was large (the mean difference was -2.32; t = -11.29, p < 0.001, Cohen's d = -1.26). The importance (VAS1), the level (VAS7) of sexual satisfaction, and the intensity of sexual thoughts (VAS2) correlated with almost all domains of the CSFQ. Conclusions: In conclusion, normal sexual function in PCOS does not mean proper sexual functioning in a sexual relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Warchala
- Department and Clinic of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Ziołowa 45/47, 40-635 Katowice, Poland;
| | - Paweł Madej
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, Faculty of Health Science in Katowice, Medyków 14, Medical University of Silesia, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
| | - Marta Kochanowicz
- Clinical Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Gynecological Oncology in Kędzierzyn-Koźle, Roosvelta Str. 2, 47-200 Kędzierzyn-Koźle, Poland;
| | - Marek Krzystanek
- Department and Clinic of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Ziołowa 45/47, 40-635 Katowice, Poland;
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Fernández-Carrasco FJ, Batugg-Chaves C, Ruger-Navarrete A, Riesco-González FJ, Palomo-Gómez R, Gómez-Salgado J, Rodriguez Diaz L, Vázquez-Lara MD, Fagundo-Rivera J, Vázquez-Lara JM. Influence of Pregnancy on Sexual Desire in Pregnant Women and Their Partners: Systematic Review. Public Health Rev 2024; 44:1606308. [PMID: 38312526 PMCID: PMC10835432 DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2023.1606308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Pregnancy is a stage in which different physical and psychological changes take place that can affect the sexuality of the couple. The aim of the study is to identify how the physical and psychological changes derived from pregnancy affect the sexual desire of women and men. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was carried out in five databases, from which a total of 16,126 documents were obtained. After applying the PRISMA selection criteria, a total of 19 documents were selected. Results: Levels of sexual desire fluctuate during pregnancy, being the second trimester of gestation the period in which desire is at its highest and in which physical limitations and emotional changes decrease. Women have lower levels of sexual desire in the first trimester, while men have the lowest levels of desire in the third trimester. Conclusion: Pregnancy is a stage marked by physiological and psychological changes that modify several areas, including sexuality. Healthcare professionals should promote a healthy sexuality, avoiding the appearance of fears or sexual dysfunctions caused by the changes that occur during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cirenia Batugg-Chaves
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing of Algeciras, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Azahara Ruger-Navarrete
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Sciences of Ceuta, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier Riesco-González
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing of Algeciras, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain
- Department of Obstetrics, La Linea de la Concepción Hospital, Andusian Health Service, Seville, Spain
| | | | - Juan Gómez-Salgado
- Department of Sociology, Social Work and Public Health, Faculty of Labour Sciences, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
- Escuela de Posgrado, Universidad de Especialidades Espíritu Santo, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Luciano Rodriguez Diaz
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Sciences of Ceuta, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
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