42,028 research outputs found
Sexual orientation and drive: a comparative pilot study on sexual desire
No full textMany studies addressing sexual drive and hypersexuality stated that homosexuals are more like to report higher levels of sexual desire and compulsive sexual behaviors. Literature showed a lack of comparisons between perceived level of desire in hetero and gay population. This study aims to analyze some variables which could predict levels of sexual desire
110 PIGNOLO C. & ZENNARO A.
in both heterosexual and homosexual men such as sexual satisfaction, distress, sexism and dysfunctional sexual beliefs. 312 male subjects (239 heterosexuals and 73 homosexuals) were recruited on internet. The average age was 31.95 (SD=9.62), ranged between 18 and 72 years. A self-administered online survey was available from March 2015 to April 2016. It was composed by 13 questionnaires exploring biopsychosocial elements involved in sexual response: IIEF, SSS-M, SDS-M, ASI, and SDBQ. No significant difference was found between sexual orientation and self-reported level of sexual desire. Independently from their orientation, subjects with higher level of desire reported less distress (F(2,287)=3.11, p<.05) and more satisfaction with their sex life (F(2,287)=9.54, p<.001). Homosexuals reported lower levels of sexism and dysfunctional sexual beliefs, especially to stereotypical beliefs about male (F(1,283)=15.72, p<.001) which predicted lower desire level only on heterosexuals. This study highlighted not direct effect of sexual orientation on desire level. Differences should be searched in frequency of sexual activity, easier accessibility to sex, meaning of sex for male and gay identities, and the secondary benefit which sex could lead (physical contact, pleasure, temporary filling of “emptiness” feelings, sense of belonging to a minority) more than directly in sexual desire level. Moreover, homosexual people reported to be freer from some stereotypes which, in heterosexuals, are strictly connected with sexual dysfunction
Rossi V., Tripodi F., NIMBI F.M., Simonelli C. (2018). Genital sexual pain in reproductive-age women: an explorative study. 14th Congress of the European Federation of Sexology
No full textObjective: Genital Sexual Pain (GSP) is a common symptom in reproductive-age women. Although this
complaint could negatively affect the quality of sex life, there is still a lack of awareness about it in the female
population. The objective of the present study was to explore the presence of GSP in reproductive-age
women, the characteristics of pain (duration, location, etiology), the way women deal with the symptom, and
their sexual functioning.
Design and Method: 653 women (mean age 25.7±4.37) were recruited with snowball method. Participants
completed a socio-demographic questionnaire, the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ), the Female Sexual
Functioning Index (FSFI), the Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS).
Results: 190 women (29.6%) experienced GSP in the last 6 months (mean duration of the symptom
16.87±33.75) located in: vaginal introitus and vestibule (52.1%), lower abdomen/pelvis (44.7%), labia
minora/majora (25.3%), clitoris (8.4%), and perineum/anus (5.3%). Most women (75.3%) did not know the
cause of the pain, and a quarter of them (24.7%) reported a specific diagnosis. 58 out of 190 (30.5%)
considered GSP as a “sexual problem”. 69 (36.31%) and 50 (26.31%) reached clinical scores on FSFI and
FSDS, respectively; only13 (7%) referred to a psycho-sexologist.
Conclusions: GSP was present in almost 30% of women, nevertheless just few of them asked help to a
specialist. There is still a lack of awareness about pain; cultural aspects may lead women to go on with the
symptom increasing the risk of its chronicization and sexuality impairment
Iervolino M.L., NIMBI F.M., Silvaggi M., Tripodi F., Botta D., Simonelli C. (2018). Sexuality and emotions: a study on the Italian BDSM population. 14th Congress of the European Federation of Sexology
No full textObjective: In the vast and complex field of sexuality, this research will take into account a population usually
considered ‘underground’: people who participate in BDSM activities. In the mainstream imaginary this
population is often considered to be closer to the psychopathological area and risky behaviors.
Design and Method: This research compares the results of a protocol assessing constructs such as
impulse control (SES/SIS), alexithymia (TAS-20) and empathy (TEQ) between the BDSM (with a sample of
365 subjects both males and females), and the general population. The aim is to seek the extent of the
individual propensity for sexual excitation and inhibition, and the ability to recognize and name emotions in
oneself and in others, to shed light on the dividing line between what are considered common and unusual
sexual behaviors. Gender and role in the BDSM scene (Dom, Sub, Switch) have been considered as
independent variables.
Results: Findings were found to be close to the general population, stating for example that women are
more empathic than men, and that the male group tends to be more dominant that the female one. The
group of submissives males is the only exception, with interesting results in the sexual inhibition area, which
may depend on the social script.
Conclusions: These findings confirms that the difference between the BDSM and the general population is
not significant, and not in line with the mainstream social perception of this population to be incline to risky
and unemotional sexual behaviors
Rossi V., Tripodi F., NIMBI F.M., Simonelli C. (2018). Genital sexual pain in reproductive-age women: an explorative study. 14th Congress of the European Federation of Sexology
No full textObjective: Genital Sexual Pain (GSP) is a common symptom in reproductive-age women. Although this
complaint could negatively affect the quality of sex life, there is still a lack of awareness about it in the female
population. The objective of the present study was to explore the presence of GSP in reproductive-age
women, the characteristics of pain (duration, location, etiology), the way women deal with the symptom, and
their sexual functioning.
Design and Method: 653 women (mean age 25.7±4.37) were recruited with snowball method. Participants
completed a socio-demographic questionnaire, the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ), the Female Sexual
Functioning Index (FSFI), the Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS).
Results: 190 women (29.6%) experienced GSP in the last 6 months (mean duration of the symptom
16.87±33.75) located in: vaginal introitus and vestibule (52.1%), lower abdomen/pelvis (44.7%), labia
minora/majora (25.3%), clitoris (8.4%), and perineum/anus (5.3%). Most women (75.3%) did not know the
cause of the pain, and a quarter of them (24.7%) reported a specific diagnosis. 58 out of 190 (30.5%)
considered GSP as a “sexual problem”. 69 (36.31%) and 50 (26.31%) reached clinical scores on FSFI and
FSDS, respectively; only13 (7%) referred to a psycho-sexologist.
Conclusions: GSP was present in almost 30% of women, nevertheless just few of them asked help to a
specialist. There is still a lack of awareness about pain; cultural aspects may lead women to go on with the
symptom increasing the risk of its chronicization and sexuality impairment
Iervolino M.L., NIMBI F.M., Silvaggi M., Tripodi F., Botta D., Simonelli C. (2018). Sexuality and emotions: a study on the Italian BDSM population. 14th Congress of the European Federation of Sexology
No full textObjective: In the vast and complex field of sexuality, this research will take into account a population usually
considered ‘underground’: people who participate in BDSM activities. In the mainstream imaginary this
population is often considered to be closer to the psychopathological area and risky behaviors.
Design and Method: This research compares the results of a protocol assessing constructs such as
impulse control (SES/SIS), alexithymia (TAS-20) and empathy (TEQ) between the BDSM (with a sample of
365 subjects both males and females), and the general population. The aim is to seek the extent of the
individual propensity for sexual excitation and inhibition, and the ability to recognize and name emotions in
oneself and in others, to shed light on the dividing line between what are considered common and unusual
sexual behaviors. Gender and role in the BDSM scene (Dom, Sub, Switch) have been considered as
independent variables.
Results: Findings were found to be close to the general population, stating for example that women are
more empathic than men, and that the male group tends to be more dominant that the female one. The
group of submissives males is the only exception, with interesting results in the sexual inhibition area, which
may depend on the social script.
Conclusions: These findings confirms that the difference between the BDSM and the general population is
not significant, and not in line with the mainstream social perception of this population to be incline to risky
and unemotional sexual behaviors
Chemsex in Italy: experiences of men who have sex with men consuming illicit drugs to enhance and prolong their sexual activity
No full textBackground: Chemsex is a novel phenomenon referring to the consumption of illicit drugs to facilitate, enhance, and prolong the sexual experience in men who have sex with men (MSM). Aim: The present study aims to investigate contexts, patterns of substance use, first chemsex experience, and harm reduction in a group of MSM practicing chemsex in Italy. Methods: Thirty MSM involved in chemsex activities were interviewed between February and July 2019. Outcomes: The interviews were conducted using an ad hoc grid exploring general characteristics of Italian chemsex, patterns of substance use, first chemsex experience, and harm reduction opinions. Results: Chemsex in Italy showed important peculiarities and patterns because of sociocultural background. Chemsex was mainly reported in private venues within couple and group sexual activities. Most participants attended chemsex sessions about 1-2 times per month often concurring with men-only club events. Freebase cocaine emerged among the most relevant substances consumed together with gamma-hydroxybutyrate/gamma-butyrolactone, crystal methamphetamine, and mephedrone. A rare use of injected substances compared with other European Union countries was shown. Given the high prevalence of erectile problems, a large use of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors was reported, and noncoital sexual activities were usually preferred (eg, oral sex, fist fucking). The first chemsex experiences were usually accessed by geolocation-based dating apps and sexual partners and were generally described as positive experiences, with some negative consequences at the end of the session (dysphoric mental states, guilt, craving). Taking part in international gay events seems to favor the first experience of chemsex for some participants. Moreover, some MSM practiced chemsex only abroad or in other cities in Italy so as not to be recognized as chem users in their daily environment. Clinical Translation: Implications for ad hoc harm reduction programs are discussed. Strengths & Limitations: Despite the methodological limitations due to participants’ number and the absence of interviews audio recording, results highlighted some relevant characteristics of chemsex in Italy, such as freebase cocaine use, attitudes regarding slamming, geographical movements, and secrecy. Conclusion: The results revealed a need for greater scientific and public attention on chemsex to act with the most specific and effective prevention and harm reduction tools. Nimbi FM, Rosati F, Esposito RM, et al. Chemsex in Italy: Experiences of Men Who Have Sex With Men Consuming Illicit Drugs to Enhance and Prolong Their Sexual Activity. J Sex Med 2020;XX:XXX–XXX
Disturbi del desiderio maschile
No full textNon esiste una definizione univoca di desiderio sessuale in quanto esso rappresenta la più complessa fra le fasi della risposta sessuale. Il desiderio è estremamente soggettivo e determinato da un’interazione di fattori biopsicosociali. Si presenta come estremamente mutevole nel tempo, non solo tra individui diversi, ma anche all’interno della stessa persona, passando da fluttuazioni nella giornata a grandi cambiamenti in fasi specifiche della vita (es., adolescenza, innamoramento, momenti stressanti, ecc.) (Nimbi et al., 2018a). Il desiderio sessuale viene spesso definito come “lo stato psicologico soggettivo atto ad iniziare e mantenere il comportamento sessuale umano, innescato da stimoli interni (es., fantasie erotiche, emozioni) e/o esterni (es., attrazione, pornografia)”
(Mark et al., 2014). Il desiderio sessuale è stato per anni al centro del dibattito scientifico, in particolare per quanto riguarda le donne (Giraldi et al., 2015). Fu inizialmente concettualizzato da Helen Singer Kaplan (1974) come prima fase della risposta sessuale, precedendo l’eccitazione, l’orgasmo e la risoluzione. Grazie al successo di questo modello, i disturbi del desiderio furono classificati
per la prima volta nel DSM III
Haptic and Somesthetic Communication in Sexual Medicine
No full textIntroduction: The word “haptics” refers to sensory inputs arising from receptors in the skin and in the musculoskeletal system, particularly crucial in sexual economy. Haptic stimuli provide information about mechanical properties of touched objects and about the position and motion of the body. An important area in this field is the development of robotic interfaces for communication through the “haptic channel,” which typically requires a collaboration between engineers, neuroscientists, and psychologists. Many aspects of human sexuality, such as arousal and intercourse, can be considered from a haptic perspective. Objectives: To review the current literature on haptics and somatosensation, and discuss potential applications of haptic interfaces in sexual medicine. Methods: Articles for this review were collected based on the results of a bibliographic search of relevant papers in Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, and EBSCO. The search terms used, including asterisks, were “haptic∗,” “somatosensor∗,” “sexual∗,” and related terms describing the role of touch, technology, and sexuality. Additional terms included “interface∗,” “touch,” and “sex∗.” Results: We have provided a functional and anatomical description of the somatosensory system in humans, with special focus on neural structures involved in affective and erotic touch. One interesting topic is the development of haptic interfaces, which are specialized robots generating mechanical signals that stimulate our somatosensory system. We provided an overview on haptic interfaces and evaluated the role of haptics in sexual medicine. Conclusion: Haptics and studies on the neuroscience of the somatosensory system are expected to provide useful insights for sexual medicine and novel tools for sexual dysfunction. In the future, crosstalk between sexology and haptics may produce a novel generation of user-friendly haptic devices generating a higher level of realism and presence in providing stimuli. Moscatelli A, Nimbi FM, Ciotti S, et al. Haptic and Somesthetic Communication in Sexual Medicine. J Sex Med 2020;XX:XXX–XXX
Sexual desire and erotic fantasies in the asexual (ACE) spectrum: findings and clinical implications.
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