The neuropeptide hormone oxytocin, which is produced in the hypothalamus, exerts significant influence on sexual response, sensuality, and interpersonal erotic and emotional attraction (Wade, 2011; Young, 2009). Some refer to oxy­tocin as the snuggle chemical because its release during breast-feeding facili­tates mother-child bonding (Galbally et al., 2011). The release of oxytocin during sexual arousal and […]

If you find yourself experiencing some of the symptoms listed in Table 6.2, you might want to seek medical advice regarding possible testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). At present, men generally find it much easier than women to secure medical advice about TRT. The use of testosterone supplements to treat male sexual difficul­ties is relatively common. […]

Now that we have learned that testosterone plays an important role in maintaining sexual desire in both sexes, we might ask, How much testosterone is necessary to ensure normal sexual arousability? The answer to this question is complex and is influ­enced by several factors. Testosterone in the bodies of both sexes comes in two forms: […]

Although we know that estrogens contribute to a general sense of well-being, help maintain the thickness and elasticity of the vaginal lining, and contribute to vaginal lubrication (Frank et al., 2008; Kingsberg, 2002), the role of estrogens in female sexual behavior is still unclear. Some researchers have reported that when postmenopausal women (menopause is associated […]

A number of research studies have linked testosterone with male sexuality (Leprout & Van Cauter, 2011; O’Conner et al., 2011; Shah & Montoya, 2007). This research indi­cates that testosterone generally has a greater effect on male sexual desire (libido) than on sexual functioning (Crenshaw, 1996). Thus a man with a low testosterone level might have […]

A number of hormones influence sexuality, sensuality, and interpersonal attraction in humans. Among the most widely discussed are androgens and estrogens, commonly referred to as sex hormones. These substances belong to the general class of steroid hor — steroid hormones mones that are secreted by the gonadal glands (testes and ovaries) and the adrenal glands. […]

Several drugs are known to inhibit sexual behavior. Substances that have this effect are called anaphrodisiacs (an-a-fruh-DEE-zee-aks). Common drugs with anaphrodisiac potential include antiandrogens, opiates, tranquilizers, anticoagulants, antihyperten­sives (blood pressure medicine), antidepressants, antipsychotics, nicotine, birth control At a Glance ■ TABLE 6.1 Some Alleged Aphrodisiacs and Their Effects Name (and Street Name) Reputed Effect Actual […]

Up to this point, we have considered the impact of brain processes and sensory input on human sexual arousal. Several other factors can also affect a person’s arousability in a particular situation. Some of these directly affect the physiology of arousal; oth­ers can have a strong impact on a person’s sexuality through the power of […]

Taste, which has yet to be fully investigated, seems to play a relatively minor role in human sexual arousal. This is no doubt at least partly influenced by industry advertise­ments that promote breath mints and flavored vaginal douches. Besides making many individuals extremely self-conscious about how they taste or smell, such commercial products can mask […]

A person’s sexual history and cultural conditioning often influence what smells he or she finds arousing. We typically learn through experience to view certain odors as erotic and others as offensive. From this perspective there may be nothing intrinsic to the fragrance of genital secretions that causes them to be perceived as either arous­ing or […]