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Cameron J, Santos-Iglesias P. Sexual Activity of Older Adults: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Int J Sex Health 2024; 36:145-166. [PMID: 38616794 PMCID: PMC11008554 DOI: 10.1080/19317611.2024.2318388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Objective: The goal was to conduct a literature review of studies that examined sexual activity in older adults. Method: A systematic search was conducted to identify studies that had examined sexual activity in adults aged 60 years and older. The main characteristics of each study and results were examined and reported according to PRISMA guidelines. Results: Sixty-three articles were found. These articles were classified into three main groups based on the results they presented: percentage of older adults that were sexually active; frequency of sexual activity; and type of sexual activities. The results show that older adults are sexually active, engage in frequent sexual activity, and participate in a wide variety of activities. Conclusions: Although older adults remain sexually active, differences in the way sexual activity is assessed limit the drawing of firm conclusions and our understanding of the sexual activity of older adults. We propose a series of recommendations to gain a better understanding of this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Cameron
- Department of Psychology, Cape Breton University, Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada
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Shen S, Liu H. Is Sex Good for Your Brain? A National Longitudinal Study on Sexuality and Cognitive Function among Older Adults in the United States. J Sex Res 2023; 60:1345-1355. [PMID: 37506374 PMCID: PMC10615694 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2023.2238257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Using a life course approach, we examined how sexuality is related to cognitive function for partnered older adults. We utilized longitudinal data from two rounds of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP) to analyze 1,683 respondents. Cognitive function was measured using a continuous Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score. We considered both sexual frequency and sexual quality (i.e., physical pleasure, emotional satisfaction). We estimated cross-lagged models to consider the potential reciprocal relationship between sexuality and cognitive function. Results indicated that sexuality was not related to later cognitive function in the total sample, but the pattern varied by age and gender. For adults aged 62-74, better sexual quality (i.e., feelings of physical pleasure and emotional satisfaction) was related to better cognitive functioning, while for those aged 75-90, more frequent sex was related to better cognitive functioning. Feelings of physical pleasure were related to better cognitive functioning for men but not women. There was no evidence of cognitive functioning being related to later sexuality. The findings highlight the importance of age and gender in modifying the link between sexuality and cognition in later life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Shen
- Department of Sociology and Social Work, Hope College, Holland, Michigan, United States
| | - Hui Liu
- Center on Aging and the Life Course and Department of Sociology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States
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Luo C, Xu S, Bao S, Zhang B, Zhong X, Huang Z, Li P, Liang J. Association between sexual frequency and all-cause mortality in young and middle-aged patients with hypertension: a cohort study of patient data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2014. J Sex Med 2023; 20:1078-1084. [PMID: 37295940 DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdad079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual activity appears to have protective effects on overall and cardiovascular health. AIM We hypothesized that decreased sexual frequency would be an early predictor of all-cause mortality in young and middle-aged patients (20 to 59 years old) with hypertension. METHODS A total of 4565 patients with hypertension (55.6% men; mean [SD] age 40.60 [10.81] years) who had completed a sexual behavior questionnaire were enrolled from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey of 2005 to 2014. Cox proportional hazards models and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to evaluate the relationship between sexual frequency and all-cause mortality. OUTCOMES The outcome measure for this study is the relationship between sexual frequency and all-cause mortality in young and middle-aged patients with hypertension. RESULTS During the 68-month median follow-up period, 109 (2.39%) patients died from any cause. After full adjustment for potential confounders, sexual frequency was an independent predictive factor for all-cause mortality in young and middle-aged patients with hypertension. A marital status difference was identified in the subgroup analysis: among patients with a sexual frequency of <12 times/year, only married patients had higher risks of all-cause mortality than the 12-51 times/year group (HR, 0.476, 95% CI, 0.235-0.963, P < .05) and > 51 (HR, 0.452, 95% CI, 0.213-0.961, P < .05) times/year groups. The association of sexual frequency and all-cause mortality was nonlinear. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Increased frequency of sexual activity may have protective effects on overall health and quality of life in patients with hypertension. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS To our knowledge this is the first observational investigation performed to evaluate the correlation between sexual frequency and all-cause mortality in patients with hypertension. A limitation of the study is that the participants in our analysis were between the ages of 20 and 59 years, and this patient sample may not reflect possible outcomes for patients of other age groups. CONCLUSION The association between lower frequency of sexual intercourse and greater all-cause mortality was significant in young and middle-aged patients with hypertension in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanjin Luo
- The First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shuzhi Xu
- The First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shiqin Bao
- The First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- The Department of Cardiovascular Disease, Meizhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Meizhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaofen Zhong
- The Department of Cardiovascular Disease, Meizhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Meizhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhihua Huang
- The Department of Cardiovascular Disease, Meizhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Meizhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ping Li
- The Department of Cardiovascular Disease, Meizhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Meizhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiahua Liang
- The Department of Cardiovascular Disease, Meizhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Meizhou, Guangdong, China
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Li W, Wang Y, Xu M, Liao Y, Zhou H, Ma H, Geng Q. Temporal Trends and Differences in Sexuality among Depressed and Non-Depressed Adults in the United States. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:14010. [PMID: 36360889 PMCID: PMC9654390 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to examine temporal trends and differences in sexuality between depressed and non-depressed adults aged 18-59 in the United States from 2005 to 2016. A total of 21,437 people (5432 with depression) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. From 2005-2008 to 2013-2016, the average age at first sexual intercourse decreased, while the proportion of normal frequency of sexual activity and heterosexual sexual orientation increased among all the participants. Some differences in sexuality were found between the depressed and non-depressed groups. The average age at first sexual intercourse (p < 0.001), the proportion of normal frequency of sexual activity (p < 0.001), and heterosexual sexual orientation (p < 0.001) were lower in depressed participants, and the differences did not change over time (pfor trend = 0.926 of average age at first sexual intercourse, pfor trend = 0.823 of normal frequency of sexual activity, pfor trend = 0.926 of heterosexual sexual orientation). Moreover, these differences were associated with marital status (pfor interaction < 0.001 by average age at first sexual intercourse), employment status (pfor interaction < 0.001 by average age at first sexual intercourse), education status (pfor interaction = 0.023 by heterosexual sexual orientation) and family income status (pfor interaction = 0.013 by average age at first sexual intercourse and pfor interaction = 0.017 by normal frequency of sexual activity). In conclusion, the study found that the age at first sexual intercourse decreased and the frequency of sexual intercourse increased in all the participants, and differences in sexuality between depressed and non-depressed participants were present; however, these differences had no further increase or decrease during the 12-year period. These differences were associated with marital status, employment status, education status, and family income status. These findings show differences in sexuality between depressed and non-depressed patients but are somewhat different from previous studies; the results may provide directions for future research and social work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiya Li
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510317, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510317, China
| | - Mingyu Xu
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Yingxue Liao
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510317, China
| | - Haofeng Zhou
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510317, China
| | - Huan Ma
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510317, China
| | - Qingshan Geng
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510317, China
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Mourikis I, Kokka I, Koumantarou-Malisiova E, Kontoangelos K, Konstantakopoulos G, Papageorgiou C. Exploring the adult sexual wellbeing and behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic. A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:949077. [PMID: 36061280 PMCID: PMC9433807 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.949077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Implemented social distancing measures may have forestalled the spread of COVID-19, yet they suppressed the natural human need for contact. The aim of this systematic review was to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adult sexual wellbeing and sexual behavior. An extensive search in Pubmed, Scopus, and PsycInfo databases based on PRISMA guidelines was conducted. After applying specific eligibility criteria, screening resulted in 38 studies. Results were drawn from 31,911 subjects and outlined the negative effect of the pandemic in sexual frequency, function, satisfaction, and the behavioral changes regarding masturbation and internet-based practices. Meta-analyses of the drawn data on 1,343 female, and 1,372 male subjects quantified the degree of sexual function change during the COVID-19 pandemic vs. prior the pandemic. A random effects model revealed the significant negative impact of the pandemic on female sexual function (SMD: 0.76, 95% CI:0.74 to 1.59), while no significant change was found for the males (SMD: 0.25, 95% Cl: -0.03 to 0.52). Significant heterogeneity was identified across included studies (p < 0.00001, I2 = 97%, I2 = 90% for females and males, respectively). As part of the global health, sexual wellbeing should be on the focus of clinicians and researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iraklis Mourikis
- First Department of Psychiatry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Outpatient Specialty Clinic for Sexual Health Eginition Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioulia Kokka
- First Department of Psychiatry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Outpatient Specialty Clinic for Sexual Health Eginition Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Elli Koumantarou-Malisiova
- First Department of Psychiatry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Outpatient Specialty Clinic for Sexual Health Eginition Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Kontoangelos
- First Department of Psychiatry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Eginition Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - George Konstantakopoulos
- First Department of Psychiatry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Eginition Hospital, Athens, Greece.,Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Charalabos Papageorgiou
- First Department of Psychiatry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Outpatient Specialty Clinic for Sexual Health Eginition Hospital, Athens, Greece.,Neurosciences and Precision Medicine Research Institute "Costas Stefanis" (UMHRI), University Mental Health, Athens, Greece
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van Tuijl P, Tamminga A, Meerkerk GJ, Verboon P, Leontjevas R, van Lankveld J. Three Diagnoses for Problematic Hypersexuality; Which Criteria Predict Help-Seeking Behavior? Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17:ijerph17186907. [PMID: 32967307 PMCID: PMC7559359 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17186907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the best combination of indicators of problematic hypersexuality (PH), in a survey (n = 58,158) targeting individuals wondering if they were sex addicted. The survey allowed for testing of criteria from three theoretical models used to conceptualize PH. Factor analyses for women and men yielded an interpretable grouping of indicators consisting of four factors. In subsequent logistic regressions, these factors were used as predictors for experiencing the need for help for PH. The factors Negative Effects and Extreme positively predicted experiencing the need for help, with Negative Effects as the most important predictor for both women and men. This factor included, among others, withdrawal symptoms and loss of pleasure. The Sexual Desire factor negatively predicted the need for help, suggesting that for the targeted population more sexual desire leads to less PH. The Coping factor did not predict experiencing the need for help. Outcomes show that a combination of indicators from different theoretical models best indicates the presence of PH. Therefore, a measurement instrument to assess existence and severity of PH should consist of such a combination. Theoretically, this study suggests that a more comprehensive model for PH is needed, surpassing existing conceptualizations of PH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piet van Tuijl
- Department of Psychology, Open Universiteit, 6419 AT Heerlen, The Netherlands; (P.V.); (R.L.); (J.v.L.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Aerjen Tamminga
- Psychologen Nederland (PsyNed), 1062 GD Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Gert-Jan Meerkerk
- Instituut voor Onderzoek naar Leefwijzen & Verslaving (IVO), 2595 AA Den Haag, The Netherlands;
| | - Peter Verboon
- Department of Psychology, Open Universiteit, 6419 AT Heerlen, The Netherlands; (P.V.); (R.L.); (J.v.L.)
| | - Ruslan Leontjevas
- Department of Psychology, Open Universiteit, 6419 AT Heerlen, The Netherlands; (P.V.); (R.L.); (J.v.L.)
| | - Jacques van Lankveld
- Department of Psychology, Open Universiteit, 6419 AT Heerlen, The Netherlands; (P.V.); (R.L.); (J.v.L.)
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Arnot M, Mace R. Sexual frequency is associated with age of natural menopause: results from the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation. R Soc Open Sci 2020; 7:191020. [PMID: 32218936 PMCID: PMC7029897 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.191020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
It is often observed that married women have a later age of natural menopause (ANM) than unmarried women; however, the reason for this association is unknown. We test an original hypothesis that sexual frequency acts as a bio-behavioural mediator between marital status and ANM. We hypothesize that there is a trade-off between continued ovulation and menopause based on the woman's chances of becoming pregnant. If a woman is sexually inactive, then pregnancy is impossible, and continued investment in ovulation would not be adaptive. In addition, we test an existing hypothesis that the observed relationship is because of the exposure to male pheromones. Data from 2936 women were drawn from 11 waves of the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation, which is a longitudinal study conducted in the United States. Using time-varying Cox regression, we found no evidence for the pheromone hypothesis. However, we did observe that women who reported to have sex weekly during the study period were 28% less likely to experience menopause than women who had sex less than monthly. This is an indication that ANM may be somewhat facultative in response to the likelihood of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Arnot
- Author for correspondence: Megan Arnot e-mail:
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8
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Acevedo BP, Poulin MJ, Geher G, Grafton S, Brown LL. The neural and genetic correlates of satisfying sexual activity in heterosexual pair-bonds. Brain Behav 2019; 9:e01289. [PMID: 31090198 PMCID: PMC6576152 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In humans, satisfying sexual activity within a pair-bond plays a significant role in relationship quality and maintenance, beyond reproduction. However, the neural and genetic correlates for this basic species-supporting function, in response to a pair-bonded partner, are unknown. METHODS We examined the neural correlates of oxytocin- (Oxtr rs53576) and vasopressin- (Avpr1a rs3) receptor genotypes with sexual satisfaction and frequency, among a group of individuals in pair-bonds (M relationship length = 4.1 years). Participants were scanned twice (with functional MRI), about 1-year apart, while viewing face images of their spouse and a familiar, neutral acquaintance. RESULTS Sex satisfaction scores showed significant interactions with Oxtr and Avpr variants associated with social behaviors in a broad network of regions involved in reward and motivation (ventral tegmental area, substantia nigra [SN], and caudate), social bonding (ventral pallidum), emotion and memory (amygdala/hippocampus), hormone control (hypothalamus); and somatosensory and self-other processing (SII, frontal, and temporal lobe). Sexual frequency interactions also showed activations in the SN and paraventricular hypothalamus for Avpr, and the prefrontal cortex for Oxtr. CONCLUSIONS Satisfying sexual activity in pair-bonds is associated with activation of subcortical structures that support basic motivational and physiological processes; as well as cortical regions that mediate complex thinking, empathy, and self-other processes highlighting the multifaceted role of sex in pair-bonds. Oxtr and Avpr gene variants may further amplify both basic and complex neural processes for pair-bond conservation and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca P Acevedo
- University of California at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California
| | | | - Glenn Geher
- State University of New York at New Paltz, New Paltz, New York
| | - Scott Grafton
- University of California at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California
| | - Lucy L Brown
- Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
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Liu H, Waite LJ, Shen S, Wang DH. Is Sex Good for Your Health? A National Study on Partnered Sexuality and Cardiovascular Risk among Older Men and Women. J Health Soc Behav 2016; 57:276-96. [PMID: 27601406 PMCID: PMC5052677 DOI: 10.1177/0022146516661597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Working from a social relationship and life course perspective, we provide generalizable population-based evidence on partnered sexuality linked to cardiovascular risk in later life using national longitudinal data from the National Social Life, Health and Aging Project (NSHAP) (N = 2,204). We consider characteristics of partnered sexuality of older men and women, particularly sexual activity and sexual quality, as they affect cardiovascular risk. Cardiovascular risk is defined as hypertension, rapid heart rate, elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), and general cardiovascular events. We find that older men are more likely to report being sexually active, having sex more often, and more enjoyably than are older women. Results from cross-lagged models suggest that high frequency of sex is positively related to later risk of cardiovascular events for men but not women, whereas good sexual quality seems to protect women but not men from cardiovascular risk in later life. We find no evidence that poor cardiovascular health interferes with later sexuality for either gender.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Liu
- Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | | | - Shannon Shen
- Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Donna H Wang
- Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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10
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Ussher JM, Perz J, Gilbert E. Perceived causes and consequences of sexual changes after cancer for women and men: a mixed method study. BMC Cancer 2015; 15:268. [PMID: 25885443 PMCID: PMC4407322 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-015-1243-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2014] [Accepted: 03/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research on cancer and sexuality has focused on physical aspects of sexual dysfunction, neglecting the subjective meaning and consequences of sexual changes. This has led to calls for research on cancer and sexuality to adopt an "integrative" approach, and to examine the ways in which individuals interpret sexual changes, and the subjective consequences of sexual changes. METHOD This study examined the nature and subjective experience and consequences of changes to sexual well-being after cancer, using a combination of quantitative and qualitative analysis. Six hundred and fifty seven people with cancer (535 women, 122 men), across a range of reproductive and non-reproductive cancer types completed a survey and 44 (23 women, 21 men) took part in an in-depth interview. RESULTS Sexual frequency, sexual satisfaction and engagement in a range of penetrative and non-penetrative sexual activities were reported to have reduced after cancer, for both women and men, across reproductive and non-reproductive cancer types. Perceived causes of such changes were physical consequences of cancer treatment, psychological factors, body image concerns and relationship factors. Sex specific difficulties (vaginal dryness and erectile dysfunction) were the most commonly reported explanation for both women and men, followed by tiredness and feeling unattractive for women, and surgery and getting older for men. Psychological and relationship factors were also identified as consequence of changes to sexuality. This included disappointment at loss of sexual intimacy, frustration and anger, sadness, feelings of inadequacy and changes to sense of masculinity of femininity, as well as increased confidence and self-comfort; and relationship strain, relationship ending and difficulties forming a new relationship. Conversely, a number of participants reported increased confidence, re-prioritisation of sex, sexual re-negotiation, as well as a strengthened relationship, after cancer. CONCLUSION The findings of this study confirm the importance of health professionals and support workers acknowledging sexual changes when providing health information and developing supportive interventions, across the whole spectrum of cancer care. Psychological interventions aimed at reducing distress and improving quality of life after cancer should include a component on sexual well-being, and sexual interventions should incorporate components on psychological and relational functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane M Ussher
- Centre for Health Research, University of Western Sydney, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith South, 2751, Australia.
| | - Janette Perz
- Centre for Health Research, University of Western Sydney, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith South, 2751, Australia.
| | - Emilee Gilbert
- School of Social Sciences and Psychology, University of Western Sydney, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith South, 2751, Australia.
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Abstract
Changes in the nature of marriage have spurred a debate about the consequences of shifts to more egalitarian relationships, and media interest in the debate has crystallized around claims that men who participate in housework get more sex. However, little systematic or representative research supports the claim that women, in essence, exchange sex for men's participation in housework. Although research and theory support the expectation that egalitarian marriages are higher quality, other studies underscore the ongoing importance of traditional gender behavior and gender display in marriage. Using data from Wave II of the National Survey of Families and Households, this study investigates the links between men's participation in core (traditionally female) and non-core (traditionally male) household tasks and sexual frequency. Results show that both husbands and wives in couples with more traditional housework arrangements report higher sexual frequency, suggesting the importance of gender display rather than marital exchange for sex between heterosexual married partners.
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12
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Meltzer AL, McNulty JK. Body image and marital satisfaction: evidence for the mediating role of sexual frequency and sexual satisfaction. J Fam Psychol 2010; 24:156-64. [PMID: 20438191 PMCID: PMC2864925 DOI: 10.1037/a0019063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
How does women's body image shape their interpersonal relationships? Based on recent theories of risk regulation and empirical evidence that sex is an emotionally risky behavior, we predicted that women's body image would predict increased sexual frequency and thus increased sexual and marital satisfaction for both members of established relationships. The current study of 53 recently married couples provided results consistent with this prediction. Specifically, wives' perceptions of their sexual attractiveness were positively associated with both wives' and husbands' marital satisfaction, controlling for wives' body mass index (BMI) wives' global self-esteem, wives' neuroticism, and reports of whether or not the couple was trying to get pregnant, and both of these associations were mediated by increased sexual frequency and higher sexual satisfaction. Notably, wives' perceptions of their sexual attractiveness accounted for 6% of the variance in husbands' marital satisfaction and 19% of the variance in wives' marital satisfaction that was unique from BMI and the other controls. Accordingly, marital interventions may greatly benefit by addressing women's body esteem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L. Meltzer
- Department of Psychology, Austin Peay Building – Room 311B, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, Phone: (865) 974-2409, Fax: (865) 974-3330,
| | - James K. McNulty
- Department of Psychology, Austin Peay Building – Room 311B, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, Phone: (865) 974-3325, Fax: (865) 974-3330,
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