Sexology research and female sexual dysfunction

Psychophysiological sex research

Studying sexual responses through physiological measures along with emotional responses using questionnaires

Tools to measure sexual bodily reactions

men: erection , barlow strain gauge (cock ring measuring width)

- women: increase in blood flow to vaginal wall and lubrication , phuotoplethysmogrpah (flashlight reflecting and measuring back light)

Issues in sexology research

Challenges include objective assessment, experimental control, small sample sizes with selection bias, and ethical considerations due to the private nature of sex

Possibilities for research in sexology

Exploring effects of medicine on sexual functioning, individual differences, relationship between physiological response and emotions, and underlying mechanisms in sexual responses.

Role of conscious and unconscious processing in sexual response

Automatic physiological responses to sexual stimuli, even if sexual emotions (conscious) are not present

fMRI study on automatic emotional activation

Aim: observe if unconscious sexual stimuli can automatically activate motivation center

Results: more activation in the anterior cingulate cortex and nucleus accumbens when presented with sexual stimuli

+ the role of dopamine plays a role in

Female sexual dysfunction: complaints

Includes sexual complaints like lack of desire, arousal, orgasm, painful sex, and inability to have sex

DSM 5 Female Sexual Dysfunctions

Sexual intrest/arousal disorder: lack or marked decrease in sexual interest- What is a normal level?

Orgasmic disorder: Marked delay in, infrequency, or absence of orgasm OR marked reduced intensity of orgasmic sensation

Sexual pain/penetration disorders

Etiology of female sexual dysfunction

Factors like personal experiences, physical state, hormone levels (estrogen, testosterone), somatic diseases, and medications influencing sexual motivation and arousal.

Treatment of female sexual dysfunction for:

Sensitivity of sexual system

Sexual stimuli

Psychological/relational context

medication changes or hormone substitution (too littlle extrogen or testosterone)

trauma therapy, sex therapy, improving sexual communication

addressing psychological and relational contexts.