Sexual Behavior

Although male partner cooperation is often essential for successful use of the female condom, only a few studies have directly assessed men's experiences of using the device. We examined barriers to and facilitators of female condom use via qualitative in-depth interviews with 38 young men (18 to 28 years) in South Africa whose partners, all university students, were enrolled in a female condom intervention trial. In all, 21 men used the female condom; the remaining 17 did not attempt use. The main facilitators to female condom use were convenience of use for men, curiosity to see how female condoms compared to male condoms, enhanced sexual sensation, and perceptions of better safety and comfort of the device compared to male condoms. The main barriers were men's limited familiarity with the device, insertion difficulties, and men's concerns about loss of control over sexual encounters. We recommend that human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention and condom promotion ...

The role of dopaminergic systems in the control of sexual behavior has been a subject of study for at least 40 years. Not surprisingly, reviews of the area have been published at variable intervals. However, the earlier reviews have been summaries of published research rather than a critical analysis of it. They have focused upon the conclusions presented in the original research papers rather than on evaluating the reliability and functional significance of the data reported to support these conclusions. During the last few years, important new knowledge concerning dopaminergic systems and their behavioral functions as well as the possible role of these systems in sexual behavior has been obtained. For the first time, it is now possible to integrate the data obtained in studies of sexual behavior into the wider context of general dopaminergic functions. To make this possible, we first present an analysis of the nature and organization of sexual behavior followed by a summary of current knowledge about the brain structures of crucial importance for this behavior. We then proceed with a description of the dopaminergic systems within or projecting to these structures. Whenever possible, we also try to include data on the electrophysiological actions of dopamine. Thereafter, we proceed with analyses of pharmacological data and release studies, both in males and in females. Consistently throughout this discussion, we make an effort to distinguish pharmacological effects on sexual behavior from a possible physiological role of dopamine. By pharmacological effects, we mean here drug-induced alterations in behavior that are not the result of the normal actions of synaptically released dopamine in the untreated animal. The conclusion of this endeavor is that pharmacological effects of dopaminergic drugs are variable in both males and females, independently of whether the drugs are administered systemically or intracerebrally. We conclude that the pharmacological data basically reinforce the notion that dopamine is important for motor functions and general arousal. These actions could, in fact, explain most of the effects seen on sexual behavior. Studies of dopamine release, in both males and females, have focused on the nucleus accumbens, a structure with at most a marginal importance for sexual behavior. Since accumbens dopamine release is associated with all kinds of events, aversive as well as appetitive, it can have no specific effect on sexual behavior but promotes arousal and activation of non-specific motor patterns. Preoptic and paraventricular nucleus release of dopamine may have some relationship to mechanisms of ejaculation or to the neuroendocrine consequences of sexual activity or they can be related to other autonomic processes associated with copulation. There is no compelling indication in existing experimental data that dopamine is of any particular importance for sexual motivation. There is experimental evidence showing that it is of no importance for sexual reward.

The current study describes the everyday life of Israeli prisoners and analyzes the actions they perform and the language they use as a reflection of their constraints, distresses, worldviews, beliefs, and attitudes. Data were subjected to a content analysis, and the salience of the values, norms and argot terms were assessed using two measures, attention and intensity. The inmates’ values

This was a research paper for a course entitled Feminist and Multicultural Theologies. I unpack what gender complementarianism is, examine its history, and compare it to how Scripture and earlier Christian Tradition understood gender. This allows me to establish that gender complementarianism is a recent innovation in secular and Christian thinking about gender, and that it can be described as a "trajectory" from Scripture and Tradition on gender, influenced by social, ideological, and intellectual developments in secular societies. I then pursue a critique of gender complementarianism, arguing that it is an "unsatisfactory trajectory" because it has troubling implications for orthodox theology, is not borne out by empirical experience and observation, and has harmful effects on human beings and societies and on ethical development.

Psychological research has shown the detrimental effects that overt heterosexism have on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer (LGBQ) clients and on the psychotherapeutic relationship. However, the effects of subtle forms of discrimination, specifically sexual orientation microaggressions, have on LGBQ clients and the therapeutic relationship have not been addressed. This study used qualitative methodology to explore the phenomenon of sexual orientation microaggressions with 16 self-identified LGBQ psychotherapy clients. Results of this study support the existence of sexual orientation microaggressions within the therapeutic environment and provide a descriptive account of 7 sexual orientation microaggression themes, channels of microaggression communication, and the impact microaggressions have on therapy and clients.

Numerous studies have examined the connection between pornography viewing and marital quality, with findings most often revealing a negative association. Data limitations, however,have precluded establishing directionality with a representative sample. This study is the first to draw on nationally representative, longitudinal data (2006-2012 Portraits of American Life Study) to test whether more frequent pornography use influences marital quality later on and whether this effect is moderated by gender. In general, married persons who more frequently viewed pornography in 2006 reported significantly lower levels of marital quality in 2012, net of controls for earlier marital quality and relevant correlates. Pornography's effect was not simplya proxy for dissatisfaction with sex life or marital decision-making in 2006. In terms of substantive influence, frequency of pornography use in 2006 was the second strongest predictor of marital quality in 2012. Interaction effects revealed, however, that the negative effect of porn use on marital quality applied to husbands, but not wives. In fact, post-estimation predicted values indicated that wives who viewed pornography more frequently reported higher marital quality than those who viewed it less frequently or not at all. The implications and limitations of this study are discussed.

Art and Pornography presents a series of essays
which investigate the artistic status and aesthetic
dimension of pornographic pictures, films, and
literature, and explores the distinction, if there is
any, between pornography and erotic art. Is there
any overlap between art and pornography, or are
the two mutually exclusive? If they are, why is
that? If they are not, how might we characterize
pornographic art or artistic pornography, and how
might pornographic art be distinguished, if at all,
from erotic art? Can there be aesthetic experience of
pornography? What are some of the psychological,
social, and political consequences of the creation and
appreciation of erotic art or artistic pornography?
Leading scholars from around the world address these
questions, and more, and bring together different
aesthetic perspectives and approaches to this widely
consumed, increasingly visible, yet aesthetically
underexplored cultural domain. The book, the first
of its kind in philosophical aesthetics, will contribute
to a more accurate and subtle understanding of the
many representations that incorporate explicit sexual
imagery and themes, in both high art and demotic
culture, in Western and non-Western contexts. It is
sure to stir debate, and healthy controversy.

In paradigms in which participants state their ideal romantic-partner preferences or examine vignettes and photographs, men value physical attractiveness more than women do, and women value earning prospects more than men do. Yet it remains unclear if these preferences remain sex differentiated in predicting desire for real-life potential partners (i.e., individuals whom one has actually met). In the present study, the authors explored this possibility using speed dating and longitudinal follow-up procedures. Replicating previous research, participants exhibited traditional sex differences when stating the importance of physical attractiveness and earning prospects in an ideal partner and ideal speed date. However, data revealed no sex differences in the associations between participants' romantic interest in real-life potential partners (met during and outside of speed dating) and the attractiveness and earning prospects of those partners. Furthermore, participants' ideal preferences, assessed before the speed-dating event, failed to predict what inspired their actual desire at the event. Results are discussed within the context of R. E. Nisbett and T. D. seminal article: Even regarding such a consequential aspect of mental life as romantic-partner preferences, people may lack introspective awareness of what influences their judgments and behavior.

Background The identifi cation of individual staff characteristics that have a relationship with specifi c attitudes of staff caring for people with intellectual disability (ID) may enable targeted training and better support. Method Sixty-six participants from services for people with ID in metropolitan Melbourne, Australia, completed a survey, including the Attitudes to Sexuality Questionnaire (Individuals with an Intellectual Disability; Cuskelly & Gilmore, 2007). Results Staff attitudes towards the sexuality of people with ID were quite positive. Age, program agency position, and training uptake were all associated with positive staff attitudes. Conclusion Targeted training programs in sexuality can benefi t direct care workers in general, and older staff more specifi cally. Emphasis is warranted in the area of training for managing male sexual behaviours. J Intellect Dev Dis Downloaded from informahealthcare.com by Monash University on 01/31/13

Background: Kisumu has shown a rising HIV prevalence over the past sentinel surveillance surveys, and most new infections are occurring among youth. We conducted a qualitative study to explore risk situations that can explain the high HIV prevalence among youth in Kisumu town, Kenya Methods: We conducted in-depth interviews with 150 adolescents aged 15 to 20, held 4 focus group discussions, and made 48 observations at places where youth spend their free time. Results: Porn video shows and local brew dens were identified as popular events where unprotected multipartner, concurrent, coerced and transactional sex occurs between adolescents. Video halls -rooms with a TV and VCRoften show pornography at night for a very small fee, and minors are allowed. Forced sex, gang rape and multiple concurrent relationships characterised the sexual encounters of youth, frequently facilitated by the abuse of alcohol, which is available for minors at low cost in local brew dens. For many sexually active girls, their vulnerability to STI/HIV infection is enhanced due to financial inequality, gender-related power difference and cultural norms. The desire for love and sexual pleasure also contributed to their multiple concurrent partnerships. A substantial number of girls and young women engaged in transactional sex, often with much older working partners. These partners had a stronger socio-economic position than young women, enabling them to use money/gifts as leverage for sex. Condom use was irregular during all types of sexual encounters. Conclusions: In Kisumu, local brew dens and porn video halls facilitate risky sexual encounters between youth. These places should be regulated and monitored by the government. Our study strongly points to female vulnerabilities and the role of men in perpetuating the local epidemic. Young men should be targeted in prevention activities, to change their attitudes related to power and control in relationships. Girls should be empowered how to negotiate safe sex, and their poverty should be addressed through income-generating activities.

This questionnaire study investigated the prevalence of, and interrelationships among, self-reported same-sex sexual orientation, childhood sexual abuse, and suicidal behavior in 1262 university students in Turkey. Approximately 7% of the sample reported lifetime or current same-sex sexual attractions, 5% reported that they engaged in same-sex sexual behavior, and almost 2% self-identified as either homosexual or bisexual. Overall, almost 10% of the sample acknowledged some form of a same-sex sexual orientation. Twenty-eight percent of the participants reported at least one instance of sexual abuse during their childhood. Almost 42% of the students reported suicidal ideation during the past 12 months or lifetime, and 7% reported that they attempted to kill themselves during their lifetime or in the past 12 months. Five hypotheses about the interrelationships among same-sex sexual orientation, childhood sexual abuse, and suicidal behavior were developed and tested in the study. Self-reported childhood sexual abuse was associated with same-sex sexual behavior. Participants who engaged in same-sex sexual behavior and those who identified themselves as homosexual or bisexual perceived more distance between themselves and their fathers than those who did not. Being sexually abused by someone of one's own sex was related to same-sex sexual orientation in male participants but not in female participants. Childhood sexual abuse was found to be an independent predictor of both suicidal ideation and attempts during the past 12 months. Only identifying oneself as homosexual or bisexual was associated with an increased risk for suicidal ideation during the past 12 months.

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the evolution of HIV infection, gonorrhea, syphilis and lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV), and their epidemiological characteristics in Barcelona city. Methods: Population-based incidence study of all newly occurring diagnoses of HIV infection, syphilis, gonorrhea and LGV detected in Barcelona between January 2007 and December 2011. A descriptive analysis was performed. The annual incidence rates per 100,000 inhabitants were calculated by sex, sexual conduct and educational level. To estimate global sex-specific rates we used the Barcelona city census; for the calculation of rates by sexual conduct and educational level we used estimates of the Barcelona Health Interview Survey. Trends were analysed using the chi-squared test for linear trend. Results: HIV. 66.8 % of the HIV cases were men who had sex with men (MSM). The incidence rates in MSM over the study period were from 692.67/100,000 to 909.88/100,000 inh. Syphilis. 74.2 % of the syphilis cases were MSM. The incidence rates in MSM were from 224.9/100,000 to 891.97/100,000 inh. and the MSM with a university education ranged from 196.3/100,000 to 1020.8/100,000. Gonorrhea. 45.5 % of the gonorrhea cases were MSM. The incidence rates in MSM were from 164.24/100,000 to 404.79/100,000 inh. and the MSM with university education ranged from 176.7/100,000 to 530.1/100,000 inh.. Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV). 95.3 % of the LGV cases are MSM. The incidence rates in MSM were from 24.99/100,000 to 282.99/100,000 inh. and the MSM with university education ranged from 9.3/100,000 to 265/100,000 inh. Conclusion: An increase in cases of STI was observed. These STI mainly affected MSM with a university education. Continuing to monitor changes in the epidemiology of STI, and identifying the most affected groups should permit redesigning preventive programs, with the goal of finding the most efficient way to reach these population groups.

Using a broad suicide risk assessment (suicidal ideation, hopelessness, hostility) with 100 youth ages 17 to 19, this study examined the relationship between sexual orientation and youth suicide risk. Participants were compared across sexual orientation, as well as level of perceived external support, which may be a mitigating variable in suicide risk. The suicide risk demonstrated by sexual minorities in this study was no greater than that of their heterosexual peers. Youth who reported more external support demonstrated lower overall suicide risk and, specifically, lower levels of hostility, hopelessness, and suicidal ideation. The results indicated that suicide risk is not determined by demographic criteria alone, and may be influenced by psychosocial variables, such as support.

Background: India has a large and evolving HIV epidemic. Little is known about cancer risk in Indian persons with HIV/AIDS (PHA) but risk is thought to be low. Methods: To describe the state of knowledge about cancer patterns in Indian PHA, we reviewed reports from the international and Indian literature. Results: As elsewhere, non-Hodgkin lymphomas dominate the profile of recognized cancers, with immunoblastic/large cell diffuse lymphoma being the most common type. Hodgkin lymphoma is proportionally increased, perhaps because survival with AIDS is truncated by fatal infections. In contrast, Kaposi sarcoma is rare, in association with an apparently low prevalence of Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus. If confirmed, the reasons for the low prevalence need to be understood. Cervical, anal, vulva/vaginal and penile cancers all appear to be increased in PHA, based on limited data. The association may be confounded by sexual behaviors that transmit both HIV and human papillomavirus. Head and neck tumor incidence may also be increased, an important concern since these tumors are among the most common in India. Based on limited evidence, the increase is at buccal/palatal sites, which are associated with tobacco and betel nut chewing rather than human papillomavirus. Conclusion: With improving care of HIV and better management of infections, especially tuberculosis, the longer survival of PHA in India will likely increase the importance of cancer as a clinical problem in India. With the population's geographic and social diversity, India presents unique research opportunities that can be embedded in programs targeting HIV/AIDS and other public health priorities.

This article aimed to determine sexual behaviors among female and male adolescents in northern Italy. An anonymous self-administered questionnaire evaluating sexual attitudes was distributed in middle and high schools in northern Italy. Adolescents between 13 and 19 years of age were asked to participate at the survey. The study group included 664 participants. Overall, 164 (25%) adolescents had had at least one sexual intercourse. Among adolescents who have had sexual intercourse, 90 (55%) use condoms, 25 (15%) use hormonal contraception, and 49 (30%) do not use any contraception method. A total of 559 adolescents (84%) participated in school-based sexual education programs. This group had better knowledge on sexually transmitted diseases and contraception methods in comparison with adolescents who have never participated in such educational programs (p < .05), and no difference in high-risk sexual behaviors was observed (p = 1.0). School-based sexual education programs improve knowledge of sexual transmitted diseases and contraception methods. However, this knowledge does not correlate to high-risk sexual behaviors reduction.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a nurse's counseling intervention on high-risk sexual behaviors of HIV-positive patients and to explore the relationship of gender, race, age, and education to high-risk sexual behaviors. A convenience sample of 20 adults who were newly diagnosed with HIV and were being treated at an inner-city out-patient clinic was used. Subjects were administered a questionnaire to determine their precounseling AIDS knowledge and precounseling sexual behaviors. A registered nurse then counseled them about safesex practices. After 2-3 months the questionnaire was readministered to determine the effects of counseling on AIDS knowledge and high-risk sexual behaviors. Although statistical analysis indicated a significant main effect for change in high-risk sexual behaviors after counseling, there were no significant relationships among change and the individual demographic variables of age, gender, race, and education. Pretest knowledge was not found to influence pretest behavior, nor was posttest knowledge found to affect posttest behavior. Paired t tests indicated a significant change in high-risk sexual behavior scores after counseling but no significant change in knowledge scores.

A large prospective long-term study with users of natural family planning (NFP) methods has been conducted to analyze the relation between unintended pregnancy rates and sexual behavior with special reference to barrier method use in the fertile phase. Seven hundred and fifty eight NFP beginners, 19-45 years of age, 14870 cycles, 28 unintended pregnancies were studied. Of the couples, 54.2% use NFP only or predominantly and 45.9% use mixed methods (additional barrier method use in the fertile phase in 55.7% of the cycles). The overall pregnancy rate after 12 cycles of exposure is 2.2% according to the actuarial method. There is no significant difference between NFP users and mixed methods users and also no significant effect of duration of use in the first 5 years of exposure. During &quot;perfect use&quot; the pregnancy rate at 12 months is 0.63%. When only protected intercourse takes place in the fertile phase the pregnancy rate is 0.45%. The symptothermal method of NFP is most un...

There is widespread recognition of the importance of family stability for child development. South Africa presents an interesting context in which to study the consequences of family instability because of the traditionally fluid nature of household composition due to labor migration, child fostering, and non-marital fertility. More recently, the HIV pandemic has added another source of instability. Within South Africa, however, patterns of instability differ markedly across racial groups. We use the Cape Area Panel Study (CAPS) data to examine the implications of changes in parent-child coresidence for educational and sexual development of young South Africans. We show that changes in maternal and paternal coresidence have implications for the timing of sexual initiation for both black and coloured adolescents. Maternal and paternal transitions also lead to poorer educational outcomes for coloured adolescents, but parental disruptions are not significantly related to educational outcomes for blacks. These findings suggest that the implications of coresidential instability vary by race, reflecting racial differences with respect to cultural, social, and economic conditions. (Studies in Family Planning 2016; 47[1]: 19-38) T he living arrangements of children in sub-Saharan Africa are remarkably heterogeneous. This diversity is particularly apparent in South Africa, where many children spend parts of their childhood without one or both of their biological parents (Madhavan et al. 2012; Sibanda 2011). High levels of male and female labor migration (Lu and Treiman 2011), coupled with high rates of non-marital childbearing and low rates of marriage (Hosegood, McGrath, and Moultrie 2009), result in many children not living with their fathers and, to a lesser extent, their mothers (Marteleto, Lam, and Ranchhod 2008).

Background: The incidence and prevalence of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections among American adolescents remain unacceptably high. Purpose: This research examines adolescent intentions to have sexual intercourse, their expectancies about having sexual intercourse, and maternal communication about the expectancies of engaging in sexual intercourse. Methods: Six hundred sixty-eight randomly selected inner-city middle school students and their mothers completed self-administered questionnaires. Adolescents reported their intentions to have sexual intercourse and the perceived positive and negative expectancies of doing so. Both mothers and adolescents reported on the frequency of communication about these expectancies. Results: Boys reported higher intentions, more positive expectancies, and lower levels of maternal communication than did girls. Expectancies statistically significantly associated with intentions focused on the positive physical, social, and emotional advantages of having sex rather than on concerns about pregnancy and HIV=AIDS. With some exceptions, maternal communication was associated with adolescents' expectancies about engaging in sexual intercourse. However, only modest correlations between maternal and adolescent reports of communication were observed. Conclusions: Results indicate that intervention programs should address the positive expectancies youth have about having sex, not just the threat of pregnancy and HIV=AIDS, and should address potential gender differences in expectancies between boys and girls.

Sexual behavior was observed in fifteen female and seven male captive adult chimpanzees over a period of three months. Relative frequencies of successful and unsuccessful copulatory attempts were compared to levels of anogenital swelling and reproductive status. In addition, the data were analyzed in relation to three indicators of female primate sexuality: 1) proceptivity, indicated by female attempts a t sexual interaction; 2) attractivity, indicated by male-initiated attempts; and 3 ) receptivity, evident when a female responds positively to male initiation. The data suggest that increased level of anogenital swelling enhanced female proceptivity and attractivity, but not receptivity. Comparison of cycling vs pregnant females revealed that attractivity and receptivity increased during pregnancy, while proceptivity was relatively unchanged. The total success rate (copulationsiattempts) was 63.3% (42% for female-initiated attempts and 77% for male-initiated attempts). Pregnant females copulated at a high rate, almost double that of cycling females. Sexual activity during pregnancy and the occurrence of anogenital swelling during pregnancy are discussed in terms of female reproductive strategies.

To describe empirically the risky sexual behavior of an at-risk sample of adolescent girls, to assess psychosocial correlates of risky behavior, and to examine the utility of applying a risk and protective model to predicting teens&#39; risky sexual behavior. Participants included 158 African American girls, ages 12 to 19, who were receiving medical care in an adolescent primary care clinic. Teens completed measures of depression, conduct problems, substance use, peer norms, social support, HIV knowledge, sexual self-efficacy, and sexual behavior. Teens in this sample reported high rates of risky sexual behaviors, including early sexual debuts and frequent unprotected sexual encounters with multiple partners. African American girls who reported high rates of substance use and who reported that their peers engaged in risky behaviors also reported engaging in high rates of risky sexual behaviors. Little support was obtained for protective factors (HIV knowledge, social support, sexual...

Neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in the medial preoptic area (MPOA) has been implicated in various physiological functions, including male rat copulation. Based on their apparent sensitivity to gonadal steroid manipulation, we hypothesized that nNOS cells contain steroid receptors, and the testosterone-induced restoration of nNOS-immunoreactivity in castrates should accompany the restoration of copulation. In Experiment 1, we investigated co-localization of nNOS with the androgen receptor (AR) and the estrogen receptor alpha (ERa) using immunocytochemistry. We found regionally specific co-localizations of nNOS-AR and nNOS-ERa. In Experiment 2, we investigated the relationship between MPOA nNOS-immunoreactivity (ir) and copulatory measures in the testosterone-induced restoration paradigm in castrates. The restoration of various copulatory measures was accompanied by an increase in optical density of nNOS-ir, but not in the number of nNOS-ir cells. These data provide additional evidence supporting the role of MPOA nitric oxide in male rat copulation. D 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Africa stems largely from cross-sectional studies. Cross-sectional studies suffer from two important limitations: two-way causality between SES and HIV serostatus and simultaneous effects of SES on HIV incidence and on HIV-positive survival time. Both problems are avoided in longitudinal cohort studies.

Objectives There are a few instruments available to assess sexual issues in Persian according to indigenous culture. This study aims to translate three instruments of Sexual Addiction Screening Test-Revised (SAST-R), Sexual Risk Survey (SRS) and sexual behavior subscale of the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS), and evaluate their psychometric parameters. Methods After translating the selected instruments into Persian, a group of psychiatrists evaluated its content validity. The final versions were distributed among 92 participants (45 men and 47 women) selected from among the companions of patients referred to the clinics of Iran Psychiatric Hospital. Then, the factor structure and internal consistency of them were assessed. Results The Cronbach's alpha coefficient for Persian versions of SAST-R, SRS and sexual behavior subscale of YRBSS was obtained 0.878, 0.869 and 0.511, respectively. The factor analysis extracted 12 factors for the SAST-R explaining 71.4% of the variances, 5 factors for the SRS explaining 76.2%b of the variances, and 2 factors for the sexual behavior subscale explaining 56.7% of the variances. Conclusion Persian version of the SAST-R has high internal consistency with a complex factor structure. The Persian version of SRS has high internal consistency with a well-defined factor structure, while the sexual behavior subscale of YRBSS has a good factor structure with a moderate internal consistency. These instruments can be used on Iranian population. Further studies are recommended to evaluate their construct validity and reliability.

There is limited information about African American students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the areas of health behavior, health knowledge, and attitudes. To fill this gap, a comprehensive examination of first-year students was undertaken at a consortium of HBCUs. A non-random sample of 1,115 freshmen were administered a survey that assessed several domains including: (1) demographics, (2) general health, (3) smoking habits, (4) disease risk, (5) weight perception, (6) physical activity, (7) perceived stress, (8) eating habits, (9) social support, (10) personal/family medical history, (11) leadership, (12) domestic violence, (13) substance use, and (14) sexual behavior. In general, most students knew about health behaviors and disease risk. Areas that warrant further exploration include physical activity, sexual behavior, and drug use. The analyses provide key information for health education and prevention.

The effect of sensory input on hormones is essential to any explanation of mammalian behavior, including aspects of physical attraction. The chemical signals we send have direct and developmental effects on hormone levels in other people. Since we don t know either if, or how, visual cues might have direct and developmental effects on hormone levels in other people, the biological basis for the development of visually perceived human physical attraction is currently somewhat questionable. In contrast, the biological basis for the development of physical attraction based on chemical signals is well detailed.

Cyproterone acetate is a powerful antiandrogen used in the treatment of the paraphilias for at least a decade. Studies have reported it effective in reducing the recidivism rates of sexual crimes perpetrated by men. It acts through competitive inhibition of the androgen receptors blocking the effects of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone. Systematic clinical study of its effectiveness and its clinical effects on sexual behavior is lacking, however. In the current study 19 paraphilic men who had also recidivated in a variety of sexual crimes were treated with cyproterone acetate and placebo in a double-blind crossover design. The use of active drug was associated with a significant reduction of some aspects of sexual behavior, particularly sexual fantasies. There were also significant effects on levels of circulating sex hormones and some effects on physiological measurements and self-reports of sexual arousal.

Background: Social networking and digital media increasingly have an impact on the lives of young people. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that examined the relationship between exposure to sexually explicit websites (SEWs) and ‘sexting’ (i.e. sending semi-nude or nude photos from a mobile phone) and the sexual attitudes and practices of young people. Methods: In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses statement, Medline, EMBASE and PsycINFO were searched for papers that described the statistical association between viewing SEWs or sexting by young people (defined as 10–24 years) and their sexual attitudes and behaviours. Results: Fourteen studies, all cross-sectional in design, met the inclusion criteria. Six studies (10 352 participants) examined young people’s exposure to SEWs and eight (10 429 participants) examined sexting. There was substantial variation across studies in exposure and outcome definitio...

Purpose-This study explores transitions in contraceptive use in early sexual life in France and has three objectives: describe predictors of contraceptive use at first sex with first and second partners, describe contraceptive trajectories in these partnerships, and test associations between use at first sex and switching in first partnership on use with second partner. Methods-Our analyses include 1,823 participants, aged 15-29, of the 2010 French national sexual health survey who reported at least 2 lifetime sexual partners and a subset of 1,593 people who report contraceptive use throughout their first partnership. We use logistic regression and generalized estimating equation models to investigate the three objectives. Results-Our results reveal a decline in contraceptive use between first and second partner, driven primarily by decreases in condom use, from 87.9% to 79.5% between first and second partner. This is partially offset by an increase in use of effective methods (from 7.8% to 38.1%), particularly by women. Any method use and discontinuation with first partner were predictors of patterns with second partner. Conclusions-Analysis of early transitions in contraceptive use of adolescents in early sexual life reveals shifts from STI to pregnancy prevention as well as an increase in unprotected sex. Implication and Contributions-This study reveals changes in preventive behaviors in early sexual life, towards more effective contraceptives and a decline in condom use. Future studies could explore the relationship and gendered contexts in which trade-offs between pregnancy prevention and STI prevention are negotiated.

To study sexual activity, the prevalence of sexual dysfunction, and related help-seeking behaviour patterns among middle-aged and older people in the UK and Europe. SUBJECTS AND METHODS A telephone survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire covering demographics, health, relationships, and sexual behaviour, attitudes and beliefs. In the UK, 1500 individuals completed the survey. RESULTS Overall, 69% of men and 56% of women reported having sexual intercourse during the past year. The most common male sexual problems, i.e. early ejaculation (20%) and erectile dysfunction (18%), were more common in the UK than in other European regions. The most common female sexual problems, i.e. a lack of sexual interest (34%) and a lack of pleasure in sex (25%), were also more common in the UK than in other European regions. Only 26% of men and 17% of women had discussed their sexual problem(s) with a doctor. CONCLUSION Many people in the UK maintain sexual interest and activity into middle age and beyond. Although they experience sexual problems, few seek medical help. This might be because they do not perceive such problems as serious or sufficiently upsetting, and/or are not aware of available treatments.

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between sexual orientation and depression in a nationally representative population to determine if sexual minorities report higher levels of depression than the remainder of the population. Depression is a highly prevalent and disabling chronic disorder worldwide. Prior research utilizing national population samples have reported that members of sexual minorities are at higher risk for depression when compared to heterosexual people. More recent studies have revealed differences in depression risk based on sexual orientation, sexual activity and sex. There have been significant shifts in societal attitudes towards sexual minorities in recent decades. Continuing research into predictors for reporting depression amongst sexual minorities is needed. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey cycles 2005-2012 were used to identify sexual minority status based on declared sexual orientation and presence of same-sex sexual activ...

Objective: To investigate the respective roles of the mode of delivery and strength of pelvic floor muscles in the sexual function of women. Method: Thirtytwo women who were delivered vaginally and 21 women who underwent cesarean delivery at the Celal Bayar University School of Medicine Obstetrics Department were enrolled in the study, and 15 nulliparas were recruited as controls. Sexual function was assessed in all women by a validated questionnaire (the Female Sexual Function Index). Desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain were measured separately, and pelvic floor muscle strength was assessed by a perineometer. Sexual function was compared among the 3 groups. The correlation between pelvic floor muscle strength and sexual function was also investigated. Results: Pelvic floor muscle strength was significantly lower in the group vaginally delivered compared with the group delivered by cesarean section and the nulliparous group ( Pb0.05). There was no difference between the groups regarding sexual function ( PN0.05), and there was also no correlation between sexual function and pelvic muscle strength. Conclusion: Pelvic floor muscle strength and mode of delivery did not affect sexual function in our study participants. The muscular component of female sexual function should be further investigated.

Monoamine neurotransmitters (norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin) play an important role in reproduction and sexual behavior throughout the vertebrates. They are the first endogenous chemical signals in the regulation of the hypothalamo-pituitarygonadal (HPG) axis. In teleosts with behavioral sex determination, much is known about behavioral cues that induce sex reversal. The cues are social, processed via the visual system and depend on the ratio of females to males in the population. The mechanisms by which these external behavioral cues are converted to an internal chemical regulatory process are largely unknown. The protogynous Hawaiian saddleback wrasse, Thalassoma duperrey, was used to investigate the biological pathway mediating the conversion of a social cue into neuroendocrine events regulating sex reversal. Because monoamines play an important role in the regulation of the HPG axis, they were selected as likely candidates for such a conversion. To determine if monoamines could affect sex reversal, drugs affecting monoamines were used in an attempt to either induce sex reversal under non-permissive conditions, or prevent sex reversal under permissive conditions. Increasing norepinephrine or blocking dopamine or serotonin lead to sex reversal in experimental animals under non-permissive conditions. Increasing serotonin blocked sex reversal under permissive conditions, while blocking dopamine or norepinephrine retarded the process. The results presented here demonstrate that monoamines contribute significantly to the control sex reversal. Norepinephrine stimulates initiation and completion of gonadal sex of reversal as well as color change perhaps directly via its effects on the HPG axis. Dopamine exercises inhibitory action on the initiation of sex reversal while 5-HT inhibits both initiation and completion of sex reversal. The serotonergic system appears to be an integral part of the pathway mediating the conversion of a social cue into a neuroendocrine event. The complex organization of neurochemical events controlling the psychosocial, physiological, and anatomical events that constitute reversal of sexual identity includes monoamine neurotransmitters.

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) in women is a long lasting and often disabling condition. It seems reasonable to expect that as a result of the pain, extreme fatigue and/or emotional problems, women with CPP may report a variety of sexual problems. Aim. The present study investigated differences in the report of sexual problems in women with CPP compared with healthy controls, and whether the association of CPP with sexual problems was moderated or mediated by somatic and psychological factors as manifested in women suffering from CPP. Method. One hundred fifty-four women with CPP and 58 age-matched controls completed self-report measures for sexual functioning, pain, physical impairment, anxiety, depression, and sexual and physical abuse. Main Outcome Measure. Golombok Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction. Results. Women with CPP reported higher levels of vaginistic complaints, sexual avoidance, nonsensuality and sexual dissatisfaction than healthy controls. Sexual problems were associated with anxiety, depression, and sexual abuse history but not with somatic factors as pain and physical impairment. Anxiety as well as depression, irrespective of the report of sexual abuse experiences, mediated the effect of CPP on sexual problems. Sexual abuse was a general predictor of sexual problems in both women with CPP and controls. Conclusions. Anxiety and depression constitute important factors in the evaluation of sexual problems in women with CPP. ter Kuile MM, Weijenborg PTM, and Spinhoven P. Sexual functioning in women with chronic pelvic pain: The role of anxiety and depression. J Sex Med 2010;7:1901-1910.