Does Sexual Desire Fluctuate More Among Women than Men?

Understanding the Ebbs and Flows of Sexual Desire: A Daily Diary Study on the Temporal Associations Between Dyadic Sexual Desire and Partner Interactions

Sexual desire has often been conceptualized and studied as an individual trait. However, empirical evidence suggests that there is also value in studying it as a state and dyadic construct. Through a daily diary study with a randomized controlled experimental design, we aimed to explore (i) how the roles that partners fulfill in dyadic interactions are associated with daily fluctuations in dyadic sexual desire, (ii) whether these roles can be leveraged to affect sexual desire for one's partner, and (iii) whether effects of partner interactions on dyadic sexual desire vary by gender. In total, 163 mixed-gender couples (N = 326), with a mean age of 30.3 years (SD = 7.95), participated. During 22 consecutive days, participants reported daily on their dyadic sexual desire, as well as on several aspects of their interactions. Couples in the experimental condition additionally received assignments that manipulated their partner interactions. Analyzing our data using Multilevel Modelling techniques for longitudinal dyadic data, we found that daily dyadic sexual desire was associated with what each partner takes, gives, and receives in relation with their affiliation, sexuality and exploration needs. Additionally, women's sexual desire was associated with what their partner reported taking, giving, and receiving during affiliative interactions, and with perceived but not enacted responsiveness to their sexuality and exploration needs. Our results suggest that daily ebbs and flows of sexual desire may be partly explained by temporal changes in interactions between partners, making them possible valuable targets for clinical interventions.

Attraction Toward One's Partner is Associated with Sexual Desire, Satisfaction, and Distress Among Couples Coping with Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder

The sexual incentive motivation model suggests that attractive stimuli activate the sexual response system. Attraction toward one's partner has been linked to greater sexual satisfaction, but no quantitative studies have examined its links to sexual desire or distress among those with sexual dysfunction. We examined associations between daily attraction toward one's partner and sexual satisfaction, desire, and distress for individuals with Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder (SIAD) and their partners. Participants (N = 227 couples) completed daily online surveys measuring attraction for one's partner, sexual desire, satisfaction, and distress. Multilevel models showed that on days when women and gender diverse individuals with SIAD reported higher attraction for their partner, they and their partners reported higher sexual satisfaction and desire, and their partners reported lower sexual distress. On days when partners reported higher attraction, both they and participants with SIAD reported higher sexual desire and partners reported lower sexual distress; however, women and gender diverse individuals with SIAD reported higher sexual distress. Daily fluctuations in attraction may be important for daily fluctuations in sexual wellbeing among couples coping with SIAD. Findings may inform novel treatment targets for SIAD.

"Maybe if this was addressed sooner, maybe things might be different in our relationship. I don't know. But who knows?" Sexuality after TBI and its place in healthcare: A qualitative exploration of survivors' experiences

Changes in sexual functioning and wellbeing after a traumatic brain injury (TBI) are common but remain poorly addressed. Little is known about the lived experiences and perspectives of individuals with TBI. Through semi-structured interviews with individuals with TBI (n = 20), this qualitative study explored their experiences with post-TBI sexuality, along with their needs and preferences for receiving sexuality support and service delivery. Three broad themes were identified through reflexive thematic analysis of interview transcripts. First, individuals differed significantly at the start of their journeys in personal attributes, TBI-associated impacts, and comfort levels in discussing sexuality. Second, journeys, feelings, and perspectives diverged based on the nature of post-TBI sexuality. Third, whilst responses to changes and preferences for support varied widely, individuals felt that clinicians were well-placed to help them navigate this area of their lives. The impacts felt by individuals with TBI, and the infrequency of clinical discussions highlight the need for clinician education and clinically validated assessment and treatment tools to improve how post-TBI sexuality is addressed and managed.

The Nuances of Intimacy: Asexual Perspectives and Experiences with Dating and Relationships

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.

Sexual Function in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Living in Stable Heterosexual Relationships: A Cross-Sectional Study

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.

Influence of Pregnancy on Sexual Desire in Pregnant Women and Their Partners: Systematic Review

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.