1
|
Tímermans A, Otero F, Garrido M, Gosálvez J, Johnston S, Fernández JL. Addendum to: The relationship between sperm nuclear DNA fragmentation, mitochondrial DNA fragmentation and copy number in normal and abnormal human ejaculates. Andrology 2024; 12:1111-1118. [PMID: 37986274 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While the kinetics of human sperm nuclear DNA fragmentation (SDF-nDNA) following ejaculation have been described, the dynamics and relationships of mitochondrial DNA copy number per spermatozoon (mtDNAcn) and fragmentation (SDF-mtDNA) remain unexplored. OBJECTIVES To compare post-ejaculatory kinetics of mtDNAcn, SDF-mtDNA and SDF-nDNA, global, single-strand DNA breaks (SDF-SSBs) and double-strand DNA breaks (SDF-DSBs) in normozoospermic and non-normozoospermic samples. MATERIALS AND METHODS 28 normozoospermic and 43 non-normozoospermic ejaculates were evaluated at 0, 6, 24 and 48 h of incubation in vitro. SDF-nDNA was determined by sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) assays. mtDNAcn and SDF-mtDNA were analysed by dPCR. RESULTS SDF-nDNA-global values increased as a consequence of quadratic SDF-SSBs and linear SDF-DSBs kinetics. Non-normozoospermic samples showed a slower SDF-global rate between 6-24 h, due to lesser SSBs production. Regarding SDF-DSBs, non-normozoospermic samples exhibited a faster initial increase rate, followed by a slower final increment. The mtDNAcn median value decreased linearly, being 3.2× higher in non-normozoospermics at all time points; mtDNAcn in both cohorts reduced to half of the baseline by 48 h. mtDNAcn was identified as a risk factor for discriminating non-normozoospermia, a finding that was further strengthen when combined with SDF-Global or SDF-DSBs values. SDF-mtDNA frequencies were identical, increasing over time correspondingly in both cohorts. The mtDNA fragmentation rate was initially fast, decreasing progressively with time for both cohorts; half of the initially unfragmented copies were fragmented after 48 h. Rates of mtDNAcn loss and SDF-mtDNA increase were only marginally correlated with the rates of nuclear fragmentation. CONCLUSION mtDNA fragmentation and loss occur post ejaculation. Their dynamics are likely to be associated with different and/or uncoupled mechanisms to that which cause nuclear DNA fragmentation. Our results indicate that while mtDNA fragmentation is not influenced by the sperm quality, the number of copies of sperm mtDNAcn can potentially serve as a risk factor for predicting non-normozoospermia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Tímermans
- Genetics Unit, INIBIC-Complexo Hospitalario Universitario A Coruña (CHUAC), A Coruña, Spain
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Radiobiology, Centro Oncológico de Galicia, Doctor Camilo Veiras, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Fátima Otero
- Genetics Unit, INIBIC-Complexo Hospitalario Universitario A Coruña (CHUAC), A Coruña, Spain
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Radiobiology, Centro Oncológico de Galicia, Doctor Camilo Veiras, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Manuel Garrido
- Clinical Analysis Service, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario A Coruña (CHUAC), A Coruña, Spain
| | - Jaime Gosálvez
- Genetics Unit, Facultad de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria de Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain
| | - Stephen Johnston
- School of Environment, University of Queensland, Gatton, Australia
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Gatton, Australia
| | - José Luis Fernández
- Genetics Unit, INIBIC-Complexo Hospitalario Universitario A Coruña (CHUAC), A Coruña, Spain
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Radiobiology, Centro Oncológico de Galicia, Doctor Camilo Veiras, A Coruña, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Schleifenbaum L, Stern J, Driebe JC, Wieczorek LL, Gerlach TM, Arslan RC, Penke L. Ovulatory cycle shifts in human motivational prioritisation of sex and food. Horm Behav 2024; 162:105542. [PMID: 38636206 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2024.105542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Previous research on the endogenous effects of ovarian hormones on motivational states in women has focused on sexual motivation. The Motivational Priority Shifts Hypothesis has a broader scope. It predicts a shift from somatic to reproductive motivation when fertile. In a highly powered preregistered online diary study across 40 days, we tested whether 390 women report such an ovulatory shift in sexual and eating motivation and behaviour. We compared 209 naturally cycling women to 181 women taking hormonal contraceptives (HC) to rule out non-ovulatory changes across the cycle as confounders. We found robust ovulatory decreases in food intake and increases in general sexual desire, in-pair sexual desire and initiation of dyadic sexual behaviour. Extra-pair sexual desire increased mid-cycle, but the effect did not differ significantly in HC women, questioning an ovulatory effect. Descriptively, solitary sexual desire and behaviour, dyadic sexual behaviour, appetite, and satiety showed expected mid-cycle changes that were diminished in HC women, but these failed to reach our strict preregistered significance level. Our results provide insight into current theoretical debates about ovulatory cycle shifts while calling for future research to determine motivational mechanisms behind ovulatory changes in food intake and considering romantic partners' motivational states to explain the occurrence of dyadic sexual behaviour.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lara Schleifenbaum
- Georg August University Goettingen, Germany; Leibniz ScienceCampus Primate Cognition, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Tanja M Gerlach
- Georg August University Goettingen, Germany; Leibniz ScienceCampus Primate Cognition, Germany; Queen's University Belfast, UK
| | | | - Lars Penke
- Georg August University Goettingen, Germany; Leibniz ScienceCampus Primate Cognition, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cheng Y, Feng J, Wang J, Zhou Y, Bai S, Tang Q, Li J, Pan F, Xu Q, Lu C, Wu W, Xia Y. Alterations in sperm DNA methylation may as a mediator of paternal air pollution exposure and offspring birth outcomes: Insight from a birth cohort study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 244:117941. [PMID: 38103775 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117941] [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: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Paternal exposure to environmental risk factors influences the offspring health. This study aimed to evaluate the association between paternal air pollution exposure mediated by sperm DNA methylation and adverse birth outcomes in offspring. We recruited 1607 fertile men and their partners from 2014 to 2016 and collected semen samples to detect sperm DNA methylation. Multivariate linear regression and weighted quantile sum regression models were used to assess the associations between paternal air pollution exposure and offspring birth outcomes. A critical exposure window was identified. Reduced representation bisulfite sequencing was used to detect sperm DNA methylation. The results demonstrated that high paternal exposure to PM2.5 (β = -211.31, 95% CI: (-386.37, -36.24)), PM10 (β = -178.20, 95% CI: (-277.13, -79.27)), and NO2 (β = -84.22, 95% CI: (-165.86, -2.57)) was negatively associated with offspring's birthweight, especially in boys. Additionally, an early exposure window of 15-69 days before fertilization was recognized to be the key exposure window, which increased the risk of low birth weight and small for gestational age. Furthermore, paternal co-exposure to six air pollutants contributed to lower birthweight (β = -51.91, 95% CI: (-92.72, -11.10)) and shorter gestational age (β = -1.72, 95% CI: (-3.26, -0.17)) and PM2.5 was the most weighted pollutant. Paternal air pollution exposure resulted in 10,328 differentially methylated regions and the IGF2R gene was the key gene involved in the epigenetic process. These differentially methylated genes were predominantly associated with protein binding, transcriptional regulation, and DNA templating. These findings indicate that spermatogenesis is a susceptible window during which paternal exposure to air pollution affects sperm DNA methylation and the birth outcomes of offspring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jialin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yijie Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shengjun Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiuqin Tang
- Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Jinhui Li
- Department of Urology, Stanford Medical Center, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Feng Pan
- Department of Urology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiaoqiao Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chuncheng Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Yankai Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gavina BLA, de Los Reyes V AA, Olufsen MS, Lenhart S, Ottesen JT. Toward an optimal contraception dosing strategy. PLoS Comput Biol 2023; 19:e1010073. [PMID: 37053167 PMCID: PMC10101497 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Anovulation refers to a menstrual cycle characterized by the absence of ovulation. Exogenous hormones such as synthetic progesterone and estrogen have been used to attain this state to achieve contraception. However, large doses are associated with adverse effects such as increased risk for thrombosis and myocardial infarction. This study utilizes optimal control theory on a modified menstrual cycle model to determine the minimum total exogenous estrogen/progesterone dose, and timing of administration to induce anovulation. The mathematical model correctly predicts the mean daily levels of pituitary hormones LH and FSH, and ovarian hormones E2, P4, and Inh throughout a normal menstrual cycle and reflects the reduction in these hormone levels caused by exogenous estrogen and/or progesterone. Results show that it is possible to reduce the total dose by 92% in estrogen monotherapy, 43% in progesterone monotherapy, and that it is most effective to deliver the estrogen contraceptive in the mid follicular phase. Finally, we show that by combining estrogen and progesterone the dose can be lowered even more. These results may give clinicians insights into optimal formulations and schedule of therapy that can suppress ovulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Lyn A Gavina
- Institute of Mathematics, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
- Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific, Bataan, Philippines
| | - Aurelio A de Los Reyes V
- Institute of Mathematics, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
- Biomedical Mathematics Group, Pioneer Research Center for Mathematical and Computational Sciences, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Mette S Olufsen
- Department of Mathematics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Suzanne Lenhart
- Department of Mathematics, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Johnny T Ottesen
- Department of Sciences, Roskilde University, Roskilde, Denmark
- Center for Mathematical Modeling-Human Health and Diseases, Roskilde University, Roskilde, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Benjrada MES, Djaballah K. Hazard rate estimation from associated and contaminated data: strong uniform consistency. COMMUN STAT-SIMUL C 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/03610918.2022.2155314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Es-salih Benjrada
- Department of Probability and Statistics, University of Sciences and Technology Houari Boumediene, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Khedidja Djaballah
- Department of Probability and Statistics, University of Sciences and Technology Houari Boumediene, Algiers, Algeria
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wu K, Chen C, Yu Z. Handsome or Rugged? : A Speed-Dating Study of Ovulatory Shifts in Women's Preferences for Masculinity in Men. HUMAN NATURE (HAWTHORNE, N.Y.) 2022; 33:380-399. [PMID: 36495427 DOI: 10.1007/s12110-022-09434-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
We tested the good genes ovulatory shift hypothesis through speed-dating, an ecologically valid paradigm with real life consequences. Fifteen speed-dating sessions of 262 single Asian Americans were held. We analyzed 850 speed-dates involving 132 men and 100 normally ovulating women, finding ovulatory shifts in the desirability of men with more masculine facial measurements (smaller eye-mouth-eye angle, larger lower face to full face height ratio, and smaller facial width to lower face height ratio) in the predicted direction. However, there was no support for ovulatory shifts in preferences for men's self-reported height. In addition, the expected shifts were not found for women's second date offers to men. Therefore, with natural stimuli and in a competitive dating scenario, we partially replicated previously documented ovulatory shifts in women's preferences for men.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen Wu
- Department of Psychology, California State University, 5151 State University Drive, 90032, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Chuansheng Chen
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, USA
| | - Zhaoxia Yu
- Department of Statistics, University of California, Irvine, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Blake KR. When fertile, women seek status via prestige but not dominance. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2205451119. [PMID: 36343265 PMCID: PMC9674267 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2205451119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological predictors of human dominance are hotly contested, with far-reaching implications for psychological sex differences and the placement of men and women in the social hierarchy. Most investigations have focused on dominance in men and testosterone, with diminished attention paid to dominance in women and other biological mechanisms. Investigating biological influences on other routes to status attainment popular among women-such as via prestige in addition to dominance-have also been neglected. Here, I examined whether status seeking via prestige and via dominance covaried with fertility probability in a citizen science project spanning 14 countries and 4 world regions. Across 4,179 observations, participants tracked their menstrual cycle characteristics, motivation for prestige and dominance, dominance contest outcomes, and three domains of self-esteem. Self-esteem is predicted by status within a group and helps individuals navigate social hierarchies. Bayesian mixed models controlling for menstruation indicated that the motivation to obtain status via prestige but not dominance peaked when conception was most likely, as did dominance contest losses and two self-esteem domains. Fertility appears to reorient female psychology toward prestige-based strategies to success, enhancing women's desire for social capital through influence and admiration but not through fear, coercion, or intimidation. These insights fundamentally advance the understanding of the biological correlates of status seeking among women. They further suggest that fertility motivates not only mating competition but gaining rank and positive regard in social hierarchies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khandis R. Blake
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Blake KR, McCartney M, Arslan RC. Menstrual cycle and hormonal contraception effects on self-efficacy, assertiveness, regulatory focus, optimism, impulsiveness, and risk-taking. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jesp.2022.104382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
|
9
|
Dinh T, Emery Thompson M, Gangestad SW. Ovarian hormones in relation to naturally cycling women's conception risk: Empirical evidence and implications for behavioral endocrinology. Horm Behav 2022; 146:105276. [PMID: 36356458 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2022.105276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
A substantial body of literature has examined how women's psychology and behavior vary as a function of conception risk across the ovarian cycle. These effects are widely believed to be outcomes of hormonal regulation, in particular effects of estrogens (E) and progesterone (P). Increasingly, researchers have sought to test predictions about how psychological processes or behavior vary as a function of conception risk by examining associations with estrogen (e.g., estradiol) and progesterone levels. Yet issues regarding how best to assess these associations arise. Should hormone levels be log-transformed? Do hormone ratios best capture their joint effects? How important are hormone interactions? How should outliers be treated? Across two large datasets, we examined hormonal predictors of conception risk, estimated from day of a luteinizing hormone (LH) surge. Log-transformed E and P levels predicted conception risk better than raw E and P levels did. The raw E/P ratio was a relatively poor predictor, whereas the log-transformed ratio (ln[E/P]) was a relatively good predictor. E × P interactions were detected but weak. Outliers were frequent, especially in distributions of raw hormone levels. Hormone measures predicted two psychological outcomes in these datasets-sexual desire and preferences for strength and muscularity-in parallel to how strongly they predicted conception risk. These results give rise to several recommendations regarding treatment of hormone measures and their use in analyses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tran Dinh
- Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87111, United States of America.
| | - Melissa Emery Thompson
- Department of Anthropology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87111, United States of America.
| | - Steven W Gangestad
- Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87111, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Fertility predicts self-development-oriented competitiveness in naturally cycling women but not hormonal contraceptive users. ADAPTIVE HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND PHYSIOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40750-022-00198-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Objective
A growing body of research has begun investigating the relationship between hormones and female competitiveness. Many researchers have focused on the effect of the menstrual cycle and hormonal contraceptives. Despite many attempts at understanding hormone-behavior associations, contradictory findings have made it difficult to determine the existence of true effects. The aim of the current research was to use a robust methodological design to investigate the effect of fertility probability on four competitive orientations in naturally cycling women and hormonal contraceptive users.
Methods
Using a longitudinal diary study with over 3,900 observations from 21 countries, we explore the effect of fertility probability on four self-report competitive orientations after controlling for menstruation: self-developmental competition, hyper competitiveness, competition avoidance, and lack of interest toward competition.
Results
Using Bayesian estimation for ordinal mixed models, we found that fertility probability was associated with an increase in self-development competitiveness amongst naturally cycling women but not hormonal contraceptive users. We also found weak evidence that hormonal contraceptive users show reduced interest in competing compared to naturally cycling women. There were no other robust effects of fertility or hormonal contraceptive use.
Conclusions
These results suggest that fertility probability is associated with increased fluctuations in self-development competitive motivation and that hormonal contraceptives interfere with this effect. This research contributes to the growing body of literature suggesting that hormonal contraceptives may influence psychology and behavior by disrupting evolved hormonal mechanisms.
Collapse
|
11
|
Schleifenbaum L, Stern J, Driebe JC, Wieczorek LL, Gerlach TM, Arslan RC, Penke L. Men are not aware of and do not respond to their female partner's fertility status: Evidence from a dyadic diary study of 384 couples. Horm Behav 2022; 143:105202. [PMID: 35661968 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2022.105202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Understanding how human mating psychology is affected by changes in female cyclic fertility is informative for comprehending the evolution of human reproductive behavior. Based on differential selection pressures between the sexes, men are assumed to have evolved adaptations to notice women's within-cycle cues to fertility and show corresponding mate retention tactics to secure access to their female partners when fertile. However, previous studies suffered from methodological shortcomings and yielded inconsistent results. In a large, preregistered online dyadic diary study (384 heterosexual couples), we found no compelling evidence that men notice women's fertility status (as potentially reflected in women's attractiveness, sexual desire, or wish for contact with others) or display mid-cycle increases in mate retention tactics (jealousy, attention, wish for contact or sexual desire towards female partners). These results extend our current understanding of the evolution of women's concealed ovulation and oestrus, and suggest that both might have evolved independently.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lara Schleifenbaum
- University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Leibniz ScienceCampus Primate Cognition, Goettingen, Germany.
| | - Julia Stern
- University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | | | | | - Tanja M Gerlach
- University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Leibniz ScienceCampus Primate Cognition, Goettingen, Germany; Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Ruben C Arslan
- University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany; Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lars Penke
- University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Leibniz ScienceCampus Primate Cognition, Goettingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Hormonal contraceptives as disruptors of competitive behavior: Theoretical framing and review. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 66:101015. [PMID: 35835214 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2022.101015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that hormonal contraceptives (HCs) impact psychological outcomes through alterations in neurophysiology. In this review, we first introduce a theoretical framework for HCs as disruptors of steroid hormone modulation of socially competitive attitudes and behaviors. Then, we comprehensively examine prior research comparing HC users and non-users in outcomes related to competition for reproductive, social, and financial resources. Synthesis of 46 studies (n = 16,290) led to several key conclusions: HC users do not show the same menstrual cycle-related fluctuations in self-perceived attractiveness and some intrasexual competition seen in naturally-cycling women and, further, may show relatively reduced status- or achievement-oriented competitive motivation. However, there a lack of consistent or compelling evidence that HC users and non-users differ in competitive behavior or attitudes for mates or financial resources. These conclusions are tentative given the notable methodological limitations of the studies reviewed. Implications and recommendations for future research are discussed.
Collapse
|
13
|
Diamond LM, Dickenson JA, Blair KL. Menstrual Cycle Changes in Daily Sexual Motivation and Behavior Among Sexually Diverse Cisgender Women. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:577-588. [PMID: 35028805 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-02171-w] [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: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
We used a one-month daily diary assessment to measure menstrual cycle-related changes in same-gender and other-gender sexual motivation and behavior in 148 cisgender women (32% lesbian-identified, 35% bisexually identified, and 33% heterosexual-identified). Women with exclusive same-gender orientations reported increased motivation for same-gender sexual contact during the higher-fertility phase of the cycle, but women with exclusive other-gender orientations did not show a parallel increase in other-gender sexual motivation during the higher-fertility phase. Bisexually attracted women showed no phase-related changes in same-gender or other-gender sexual motivation, regardless of whether they generally preferred one gender versus the other. Rates of partnered sexual contact did not increase during the higher-fertility phase. During the 14 midcycle days during which we assayed salivary estrogen and testosterone, we found no significant associations between daily hormones and sexual motivation. However, daily estrogen levels were positively related to sexual behavior among women currently partnered with women, and negatively related to sexual behavior among women currently partnered with men. Our results suggest that traditional evolutionary models of menstrual cycle-related changes in sexual motivation do not adequately reflect the full range of cycle-related changes observed among sexually diverse women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Diamond
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, 380 South 1530 East, Room 502, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112-0251, USA.
| | - Janna A Dickenson
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, 380 South 1530 East, Room 502, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112-0251, USA
| | - Karen L Blair
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, 380 South 1530 East, Room 502, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112-0251, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Wu K, Chen C. A level playing field: No competitive advantage of conception risk in speed‐dating. Ethology 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.13231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Karen Wu
- Department of Psychology California State University – Los Angeles Los Angeles California USA
| | - Chuansheng Chen
- Department of Psychological Science University of California Irvine California USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Schleifenbaum L, Driebe JC, Gerlach TM, Penke L, Arslan RC. Women feel more attractive before ovulation: evidence from a large-scale online diary study. EVOLUTIONARY HUMAN SCIENCES 2021; 3:e47. [PMID: 37588547 PMCID: PMC10427307 DOI: 10.1017/ehs.2021.44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
How attractive we find ourselves decides who we target as potential partners and influences our reproductive fitness. Self-perceptions on women's fertile days could be particularly important. However, results on how self-perceived attractiveness changes across women's ovulatory cycles are inconsistent and research has seldomly assessed multiple attractiveness-related constructs simultaneously. Here, we give an overview of ovulatory cycle shifts in self-perceived attractiveness, sexual desirability, grooming, self-esteem and positive mood. We addressed previous methodological shortcomings by conducting a large, preregistered online diary study of 872 women (580 naturally cycling) across 70 consecutive days, applying several robustness analyses and comparing naturally cycling women with women using hormonal contraceptives. As expected, we found robust evidence for ovulatory increases in self-perceived attractiveness and sexual desirability in naturally cycling women. Unexpectedly, we found moderately robust evidence for smaller ovulatory increases in self-esteem and positive mood. Although grooming showed an ovulatory increase descriptively, the effect was small, failed to reach our strict significance level of .01 and was not robust to model variations. We discuss how these results could follow an ovulatory increase in sexual motivation while calling for more theoretical and causally informative research to uncover the nature of ovulatory cycle shifts in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lara Schleifenbaum
- Georg August University, Goettingen, Germany
- Leibniz ScienceCampus Primate Cognition, Goettingen, Germany
| | | | - Tanja M. Gerlach
- Georg August University, Goettingen, Germany
- Leibniz ScienceCampus Primate Cognition, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Lars Penke
- Georg August University, Goettingen, Germany
- Leibniz ScienceCampus Primate Cognition, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Ruben C. Arslan
- Leibniz ScienceCampus Primate Cognition, Goettingen, Germany
- University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
The More Fertile, the More Creative: Changes in Women's Creative Potential across the Ovulatory Cycle. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18105390. [PMID: 34070114 PMCID: PMC8158362 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18105390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Creative thinking is a defining human feature. It provides novel solutions and as such undoubtedly has contributed to our survival. However, according to signaling theory, creativity could also have evolved through sexual selection as a potential fitness indicator. In our study, we tested one implication of this theory. Specifically, we hypothesized that if creativity can serve as a signal of women’s fitness, then we should observe an increase in creative thinking in the fertile phase of the ovulatory cycle compared to other non-fertile phases. In our study (N = 751), we tested creative potential throughout the ovulatory cycle. We found a positive correlation between the probability of conception and both creative originality and flexibility. Importantly, we also tested the mediating role of arousal in the relationship between the probability of conception and creative thinking. The results of our study are discussed in terms of signaling theory, through which women advertise their fitness with their creativity.
Collapse
|
17
|
Post-conception heat exposure increases clinically unobserved pregnancy losses. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1987. [PMID: 33479337 PMCID: PMC7820015 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81496-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Evidence of the relationship between temperature during pregnancy and human embryo mortality is limited. Most importantly, the literature lacks causal estimations and studies on early pregnancy losses. Here, we estimate the impact of early pregnancy temperature exposure on the clinically unobserved pregnancy loss rate. We use administrative data of clinically observed pregnancies from more than three decades for Hungary. We apply an empirical approach that allows us to infer the impact of temperature on the clinically unobserved pregnancy loss rate from the estimated effects on the clinically observed conception rate. The results show that exposure to hot temperatures during the first few weeks after the conception week increases the clinically unobserved pregnancy loss rate, whereas exposure to colder temperatures seems to decrease it. Importantly, the temperature-induced changes represent changes in the total number of pregnancy losses rather than a compositional change between clinically observed and clinically unobserved pregnancy losses.
Collapse
|
18
|
Crowley PH. Self-Deception about Fecundity in Women : Modeling the Burley Hypothesis. HUMAN NATURE (HAWTHORNE, N.Y.) 2020; 31:421-442. [PMID: 33538980 DOI: 10.1007/s12110-020-09384-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Concealed fecundity and extended female sexual receptivity have evolved in some primates, including humans, conferring advantages both within primarily monogamous relationships (e.g., benefits from paternity assurance) and from extrapair liaisons (e.g., better access to good genes). As humans evolved the intellectual capacity for decision-making, women became capable of altering their own fertility. In some circumstances, they may choose to ameliorate risks and responsibilities associated with pregnancy by reducing sexual motivation near the perceived most fecund time of their menstrual cycle. But three findings-a general inability of women to accurately recognize their own intervals of fecundity, high variability in ovulation timing, and unconscious transmission and reception of cues associated with fecundity-constitute a physiological and behavioral syndrome that can be considered self-deception. In this study, I develop a descriptive model to determine implications of the hypothesis that these features of female and male physiology and behavior have been shaped by natural selection in response to female decision-making. My analysis shows that consensus motivation for coitus between partners influences both the importance of variable ovulation date and the probability of conception, under the influence of self-deception. It also identifies priorities for future empirical work.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philip H Crowley
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
The effect of the menstrual cycle on dichotic listening. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0212673. [PMID: 30794649 PMCID: PMC6386373 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0212673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the menstrual cycle on responses to a dichotic listening task. It was hypothesized that participants would exhibit a stronger right ear advantage during the menstrual cycle days when estrogen levels are at their peak. It was also hypothesized that the women not taking oral contraceptives would exhibit greater variations in ear advantage over the course of their menstrual cycle than those taking oral contraceptives. Finally, it was hypothesized that the error response rates would remain similar across different listening conditions and over the menstrual cycle. The participants were 30 women who took oral contraceptives and 15 who did not. They completed nine listening sessions comprised of three dichotic listening tasks: forced-left, forced-right, and open. The data were analyzed using a mixed effects models. The participants exhibited a reduction in right ear responses on the days that corresponded to when the level of estrogen would begin to increase. This response was different from what had been hypothesized. The analysis also indicated no response differences between the two groups of women. In addition, the women exhibited fewer errors over the course of the sessions, implying that they adapted to the task. The results indicate that the women’s hormone fluctuation across the menstrual cycle affected their responses to the forced-left, cognitive control, task only.
Collapse
|
20
|
|
21
|
Dinh T, Pinsof D, Gangestad SW, Haselton MG. Cycling on the fast track: Ovulatory shifts in sexual motivation as a proximate mechanism for regulating life history strategies. EVOL HUM BEHAV 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2017.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
|
22
|
Mulcaire-Jones G, Fehring RJ, Bradshaw M, Brower K, Lubega G, Lubega P. Couple Beads: An integrated method of natural family planning. LINACRE QUARTERLY 2016; 83:69-82. [PMID: 27833183 DOI: 10.1080/00243639.2015.1133018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Various fertility indicators are used by natural family planning methods to identify the fertile and infertile phases of a woman's menstrual cycle: mucus observations, cycle-day probabilities, basal body temperature readings, and hormonal measures of LH and estrogen. Simplified NFP methods generally make use of a single fertility indicator such as cycle-day probabilities (Standard Days Method) or mucus observations (Billings Ovulation Method). The Couple Bead Method integrates the two simplest fertility indicators, cycle-day probabilities and mucus observations, expanding its applicability to all women, regardless of cycle regularity and length. In determining cycle-day probabilities, the Couple Bead Method relies on a new data set from ultrasound-derived determinants of gestational age that more directly define the day of conception and the fertile window. By using a visual-based system of inexpensive colored beads, the Couple Bead Method can be used by couples of all educational and income levels. Lay Summary: Natural family planning methods provide education in regard to the signs of a woman's body which indicate if she is possibly fertile or not. Two important signs are the day of her menstrual cycle and her observations of bleeding and cervical mucus or dryness. The Couple Bead Method teaches a couple how to observe these signs and chart them with a system of colored beads. The Couple Bead Method can be used by women with regular or irregular cycles. The bead sets are inexpensive and consist of a length of plastic cord, colored "pony beads" and safety pins.
Collapse
|
23
|
Wylomanski S, Winer N. [Role of ultrasound in elective abortions]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 45:1477-1489. [PMID: 27814980 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgyn.2016.09.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2016] [Revised: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Ultrasound plays a fundamental role in the management of elective abortions. Although it can improve the quality of post-abortion care, it must not be an obstacle to abortion access. We thus studied the role of ultrasound in pregnancy dating and possible alternatives and analyzed the literature to determine the role of ultrasound in post-abortion follow-up. During an ultrasound scan, the date of conception is estimated by measurement of the crown-rump length (CRL), defined by Robinson, or of the biparietal diameter (BPD), as defined by the French Center for Fetal Ultrasound (CFEF) after 11 weeks of gestation (Robinson and CFEF curves) (grade B). Updated curves have been developed in the INTERGROWTH study. In the context of abortion, the literature recommends the application of a safety margin of 5 days, especially when the CRL and/or BPD measurement indicates a term close to 14 weeks (that is equal or below 80 and 27mm, respectively) (best practice agreement). Accordingly, with the ultrasound measurement reliable to±5 days when its performance meets the relevant criteria, an abortion can take place when the CRL measurement is less than 90mm or the BPD less than 30mm (INTERGROWTH curves) (best practice agreement). While a dating ultrasound should be encouraged, its absence is not an obstacle to scheduling an abortion for women who report that they know the date of their last menstrual period and/or of the at-risk sexual relations and for whom a clinical examination by a healthcare professional is possible (best practice agreement). In cases of intrauterine pregnancy of uncertain viability or of a pregnancy of unknown location, without any particular symptoms, the patient must be able to have a transvaginal ultrasound to increase the precision of the diagnosis (grade B). Various reviews of the literature on post-abortion follow-up indicate that the routine use of ultrasound during instrumental abortions should be avoided (best practice agreement). If it becomes clear immediately after the procedure that the endometrial thickness exceeds 8mm, immediate reaspiration is necessary. Ultrasound examination of the endometrium several days after an instrumental elective abortion does not appear to be relevant (grade B). An analysis of the literature similarly shows that routine ultrasound scans after medical abortions should be avoided. If a transvaginal ultrasound is performed after a medical abortion, it should take place at least two weeks afterwards (best practice agreement). The only aim of an ultrasound examination during follow-up should be to determine whether a gestational sac is present (best practice agreement). Finally, if an ultrasound is performed at any point during pre- or post-abortion care, a report should be drafted, specifying any potential gynecologic abnormalities found, but its absence must not delay the scheduling of the abortion (best practice agreement).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Wylomanski
- Service de gynécologie-obstétrique, CHU de Nantes, 38, boulevard Jean-Monnet, 44093 Nantes cedex 1, France.
| | - N Winer
- Service de gynécologie-obstétrique, CHU de Nantes, 38, boulevard Jean-Monnet, 44093 Nantes cedex 1, France
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Bastianelli C, Rosato E, Farris M, Benagiano G. Emergency contraception: a survey of 1773 women. EUR J CONTRACEP REPR 2016; 21:455-461. [DOI: 10.1080/13625187.2016.1237630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Bastianelli
- Department of Gynaecology–Obstetrics and Urology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Rosato
- Department of Gynaecology–Obstetrics and Urology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Manuela Farris
- Department of Gynaecology–Obstetrics and Urology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- AIED Italian Association for Demographic Education, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Benagiano
- Department of Gynaecology–Obstetrics and Urology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
The Accuracy of Web Sites and Cellular Phone Applications in Predicting the Fertile Window. Obstet Gynecol 2016; 128:58-63. [DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000001341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
26
|
Sapra KJ, Buck Louis GM, Sundaram R, Joseph KS, Bates LM, Galea S, Ananth CV. Signs and symptoms associated with early pregnancy loss: findings from a population-based preconception cohort. Hum Reprod 2016; 31:887-96. [PMID: 26936888 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dew010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the relationship between signs and symptoms of early pregnancy and pregnancy loss <20 weeks' gestation? SUMMARY ANSWER Vaginal bleeding is associated with increased incidence of early pregnancy loss, with more severe bleeding and bleeding accompanied by lower abdominal cramping associated with greater incidence of loss; conversely, vomiting is associated with decreased incidence of early pregnancy loss, even in the setting of vaginal bleeding, while nausea alone is not. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Two previous cohort studies with preconception enrollment suggested that bleeding is associated with loss while nausea is inversely associated with loss though these studies were limited by small study size and reporting after loss ascertainment. No prior preconception cohort study has examined multiple signs and symptoms in relation to pregnancy loss. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Population-based preconception cohort of 501 couples discontinuing contraception to try for pregnancy in 16 counties in Michigan and Texas, USA. Participants were followed daily until positive home pregnancy test or 12 months of trying without an hCG pregnancy; women who became pregnant were followed daily from 2 to 7 weeks post-conception. PARTICIPANTS, SETTING, METHODS Three hundred and forty-seven women had a positive home pregnancy test denoting hCG pregnancy. Three hundred and forty-one women remained after excluding ineligible pregnancies. Women recorded daily from 2 to 7 weeks post-conception their signs and symptoms, including vaginal bleeding (none, spotting, light, moderate and heavy), lower abdominal cramping, nausea and vomiting. Pregnancy losses were ascertained by a subsequent negative home pregnancy test, clinical confirmation or onset of menses, depending on gestational age at loss; time-to-loss was measured in days post-conception. Cumulative incidence functions and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were constructed for each sign or symptom, and hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for presence compared with absence of signs or symptoms were estimated using Cox proportional hazard models. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Women experienced lower abdominal cramping (85%), nausea (48%), vomiting (46%) and light/moderate/heavy vaginal bleeding (24%) during early pregnancy. Ninety-five (28%) women experienced a loss. Cumulative incidence of pregnancy loss varied by symptomatology: 19% for vomiting, 27% for lower abdominal cramping, 35% for nausea only, 52% for vaginal bleeding, 81% for vaginal bleeding with lower abdominal cramping. Incidence of pregnancy loss was increased among women with vaginal bleeding (HR: 3.62, 95% CI: 2.29-5.74) and among women with vaginal bleeding and lower abdominal cramping (HR: 5.03, 95% CI: 2.07-12.20). Incidence of pregnancy loss was decreased for women with vomiting (HR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.30-0.86). In the setting of vaginal bleeding with lower abdominal cramping, vomiting reduced the incidence of pregnancy loss (HR: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.11-0.56). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION There were few losses beyond 14 weeks gestation; thus, the precision of our findings related to losses occurring after the first trimester is limited. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS By using sensitive home pregnancy tests, we are able to document and characterize the cumulative incidence of the earliest pregnancy losses, which constitute the majority of losses. The use of daily, prospective capture of signs and symptoms relative to ascertainment of pregnancy loss minimizes potential biases associated with reporting after rather than before a loss, which could potentially distort the relationship between signs and symptoms and pregnancy loss. The findings of our study suggest that it may be useful to develop prognostic models for pregnancy loss based on signs and symptoms. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This study was supported by the Intramural Research Program of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health (contract numbers N01-HD-3-3355; N01-HD-3-3356; N01-HD-3-3358). The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K J Sapra
- Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Rockville, MD, USA Department of Epidemiology, Joseph L. Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - G M Buck Louis
- Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - R Sundaram
- Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - K S Joseph
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, The Children's and Women's Hospital of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - L M Bates
- Department of Epidemiology, Joseph L. Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - S Galea
- Department of Epidemiology, Joseph L. Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - C V Ananth
- Department of Epidemiology, Joseph L. Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Gangestad SW, Haselton MG, Welling LL, Gildersleeve K, Pillsworth EG, Burriss RP, Larson CM, Puts DA. How valid are assessments of conception probability in ovulatory cycle research? Evaluations, recommendations, and theoretical implications. EVOL HUM BEHAV 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2015.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
28
|
Grebe NM, Emery Thompson M, Gangestad SW. Hormonal predictors of women's extra-pair vs. in-pair sexual attraction in natural cycles: Implications for extended sexuality. Horm Behav 2016; 78:211-9. [PMID: 26592455 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2015.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2015] [Revised: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 11/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
In naturally cycling women, Roney and Simmons (2013) examined hormonal correlates of their desire for sexual contact. Estradiol was positively associated, and progesterone negatively associated, with self-reported desire. The current study extended these findings by examining, within a sample of 33 naturally cycling women involved in romantic relationships, hormonal correlates of sexual attraction to or interests in specific targets: women's own primary partner or men other than women's primary partner. Women's sexual interests and hormone (estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone) levels were assessed at two different time points. Whereas estradiol levels were associated with relatively greater extra-pair sexual interests than in-pair sexual interests, progesterone levels were associated with relatively greater in-pair sexual interests. Both hormones specifically predicted in-pair sexual desire, estradiol negatively and progesterone positively. These findings have implications for understanding the function of women's extended sexuality - their sexual proceptivity and receptivity outside the fertile phase, especially during the luteal phase.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas M Grebe
- Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | | | - Steven W Gangestad
- Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Burriss RP, Troscianko J, Lovell PG, Fulford AJC, Stevens M, Quigley R, Payne J, Saxton TK, Rowland HM. Changes in Women's Facial Skin Color over the Ovulatory Cycle are Not Detectable by the Human Visual System. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0130093. [PMID: 26134671 PMCID: PMC4489916 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0130093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 05/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Human ovulation is not advertised, as it is in several primate species, by conspicuous sexual swellings. However, there is increasing evidence that the attractiveness of women's body odor, voice, and facial appearance peak during the fertile phase of their ovulatory cycle. Cycle effects on facial attractiveness may be underpinned by changes in facial skin color, but it is not clear if skin color varies cyclically in humans or if any changes are detectable. To test these questions we photographed women daily for at least one cycle. Changes in facial skin redness and luminance were then quantified by mapping the digital images to human long, medium, and shortwave visual receptors. We find cyclic variation in skin redness, but not luminance. Redness decreases rapidly after menstrual onset, increases in the days before ovulation, and remains high through the luteal phase. However, we also show that this variation is unlikely to be detectable by the human visual system. We conclude that changes in skin color are not responsible for the effects of the ovulatory cycle on women's attractiveness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert P. Burriss
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle, NE1 8ST, United Kingdom
| | - Jolyon Troscianko
- Centre for Ecology & Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, TR10 9FE, United Kingdom
| | - P. George Lovell
- Division of Psychology, Abertay University, Dundee, DD1 1HG, United Kingdom
- School of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9JP, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony J. C. Fulford
- MRC International Nutrition Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Stevens
- Centre for Ecology & Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, TR10 9FE, United Kingdom
| | - Rachael Quigley
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, United Kingdom
| | - Jenny Payne
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, United Kingdom
| | - Tamsin K. Saxton
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle, NE1 8ST, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah M. Rowland
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, United Kingdom
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London, NW1 4RY, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Abstract
We describe the trajectory of the human sex ratio from conception to birth by analyzing data from (i) 3- to 6-d-old embryos, (ii) induced abortions, (iii) chorionic villus sampling, (iv) amniocentesis, and (v) fetal deaths and live births. Our dataset is the most comprehensive and largest ever assembled to estimate the sex ratio at conception and the sex ratio trajectory and is the first, to our knowledge, to include all of these types of data. Our estimate of the sex ratio at conception is 0.5 (proportion male), which contradicts the common claim that the sex ratio at conception is male-biased. The sex ratio among abnormal embryos is male-biased, and the sex ratio among normal embryos is female-biased. These biases are associated with the abnormal/normal state of the sex chromosomes and of chromosomes 15 and 17. The sex ratio may decrease in the first week or so after conception (due to excess male mortality); it then increases for at least 10-15 wk (due to excess female mortality), levels off after ∼20 wk, and declines slowly from 28 to 35 wk (due to excess male mortality). Total female mortality during pregnancy exceeds total male mortality. The unbiased sex ratio at conception, the increase in the sex ratio during the first trimester, and total mortality during pregnancy being greater for females are fundamental insights into early human development.
Collapse
|
31
|
Jamin C. Contraception d’urgence : différence d’efficacité entre lévonorgestrel et ulipristal acétate selon le diamètre folliculaire au moment du rapport non protégé. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 43:242-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gyobfe.2015.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2014] [Accepted: 01/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
|
32
|
|
33
|
Reclaiming fertility awareness methods to inform timed intercourse for HIV serodiscordant couples attempting to conceive. J Int AIDS Soc 2015; 18:19447. [PMID: 25579801 PMCID: PMC4289674 DOI: 10.7448/ias.18.1.19447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2014] [Revised: 11/12/2014] [Accepted: 11/28/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Increased life expectancy of HIV-positive individuals during recent years has drawn attention to their quality of life, which includes fulfillment of fertility desires. In particular, heterosexual HIV serodiscordant couples constitute a special group for whom the balance between desired pregnancy and the risk of viral transmission should be carefully considered and optimized. Although advanced assisted reproductive technologies are available, such treatments are expensive and are often unavailable. Moreover, standard viral load testing and antiretroviral therapy may not be accessible due to structural or individual barriers. To reduce the risk of HIV transmission, a lower cost alternative is timed condomless sex combined with other risk-reduction strategies. However, timed condomless sex requires specific knowledge of how to accurately predict the fertile window in a menstrual cycle. The aim of this study was to summarize inexpensive fertility awareness methods (FAMs) that predict the fertile window and may be useful for counselling HIV-positive couples on lower cost options to conceive. METHODS Original English-language research articles were identified by a detailed Medline and Embase search in July 2014. Relevant citations in the included articles were also retrieved. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Calendar method, basal body temperature and cervicovaginal mucus secretions are the most accessible and sensitive FAMs, although poor specificity precludes their independent use in ovulation detection. In contrast, urinary luteinizing hormone testing is highly specific but less sensitive, and more expensive. To maximize the chance of conception per cycle, the likelihood of natural conception needs to be assessed with a basic fertility evaluation of both partners and a combination of FAMs should be offered. Adherence to other risk-reduction strategies should also be advised, and timely referral to reproductive medicine specialists is necessary when sub/infertility is suspected. CONCLUSIONS FAMs provide effective, economical and accessible options for HIV serodiscordant couples to conceive while minimizing unnecessary viral exposure. It is important for health care providers to initiate conversations about fertility desires in HIV-positive couples and to educate identified couples on safer conception strategies.
Collapse
|