Background: Research
has highlighted the complex association between female sexual dysfunction (FSD)
and distress regarding sexual activity, with decreased physical pleasure being
an important mediator. The current study aims to elucidate the association
between pleasurable and painful genital sensitivity and FSD, and to further
investigate whether FSD may be distressing because it prevents the experience
of sexual pleasure, induces pain or both.
Methods: Sexually
active women (n = 256; median, 22 years; range, 18-49 years) completed
web-based questionnaires, including the Self-Assessment of Genital Anatomy and
Sexual Function, the Female Sexual Function Index and the Female Sexual
Distress Scale.
Results: Women
reported their clitoris to be more sensitive than their vagina in terms of
having more pleasurable responses (P < 0.001), but not more painful
responses (P = 0.49). In women with FSD (n = 36), impaired self-perceived
genital sensation was found: they reported significantly less sexual pleasure
and orgasm intensity, and more orgasm effort and discomfort within the clitoral
and vaginal area than women without FSD (n = 220) (P-value < 0.05). The odds
of having FSD were significantly greater in women with perceived increased
discomfort in the vaginal area during stimulation (odds ratio = 5.59, P =
0.009, 95% confidence interval: 1.53-20.39), but not in the clitoral area.
Conclusions: The
data provide evidence of the relevance of self-perceived genital sensitivity to
sexual pleasure and overall sexual experience. Enhancing the pleasurableness of
genital sensations, especially during partnered sex, could decrease the
likelihood of experiencing pain and concomitant FSD.
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By: Nina Callens A, Guy
Bronselaer B, Petra De
Sutter C, Griet De
Cuypere D, Guy T’SjoenD E, Piet Hoebeke B and Martine Cools A F
A Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, University Hospital Ghent and Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
B Department of Urology, University Hospital Ghent and Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
C Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Ghent and Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
D Department of Sexology and Gender Problems, University Hospital Ghent and Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
E Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital Ghent and Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
F Corresponding author. Email: martine.cools@ugent.be
A Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, University Hospital Ghent and Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
B Department of Urology, University Hospital Ghent and Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
C Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Ghent and Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
D Department of Sexology and Gender Problems, University Hospital Ghent and Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
E Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital Ghent and Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
F Corresponding author. Email: martine.cools@ugent.be
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