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Premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction are common male sexual dysfunctions worldwide, causing substantial distress in men as well as their partners and decreasing the quality and stability of romantic relationships. We investigated the associations between the self-reported anatomical characteristics of penises and sexual dysfunctions in an urban sample of Chinese men. We recruited 1085 Chinese urban men aged from 18 to 50 (M = 31.37; SD = 5.52) to fill out an online questionnaire regarding the anatomical characteristics of their penis, as well as early ejaculation and erectile problems via two Chinese online survey platforms. The participants reported their age, height, weight, penile length, penile circumference, circumcision status, and foreskin characteristics as well as answered the International Index of Erectile Function-5 and Checklist for Early Ejaculation Symptoms. Both an increasing penile length (M = 14.49; SD = 2.22) and girth (M = 15.46; SD = 4.36) were associated with fewer early ejaculation problems, but only an increasing penile length was associated with fewer erectile problems. Less foreskin covering the glans of the penis was associated with fewer early ejaculation and erectile problems. Age was found to have a non-linear relationship with early ejaculation and erectile problems in this cross-sectional study. Specifically, early ejaculation problems decreased until a certain age (31), and then increased with further increases in age. The relationship between the anatomical characteristics of the penis and sexual function is complex. Also, the results suggest that there is a curvilinear non-monotonic relationship between age and sexual dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual stimuli provoke both sexual arousal and disgust, and the coaction between these emotions determines sexually behavioral outcomes. The current research includes two experiments to explore the bidirectional relationship between sexual arousal toward erotic stimuli and disgust induced by sexual body fluids. Study 1 presented 234 participants (117 women) with sexual body (vs. neutral) fluids followed by erotic stimuli, and Study 2 presented 235 participants (117 women) with erotic (vs. neutral) videos followed by sexual body fluids (and a non-sex-related stimulus). Study 1 showed that exposure to sexual body fluids reduced sexual arousal and the likelihood of sexual engagement toward erotic stimuli in participants with high sexual disgust sensitivity but increased sexual arousal and the likelihood of sexual engagement in participants with low sexual disgust sensitivity, while Study 2 suggested that men exposed to erotic (vs. neutral) stimuli reported lower disgust, stronger sexual arousal state, and higher willingness to interact with the sexual body fluids. There was no relationship between subjective feelings of sexual arousal and disgust in these experiments, while the balance of sexual arousal and disgust toward sexual body fluids and erotic stimuli had a positive association. Also, exposure to erotic stimuli had no effect on reactions to generally disgusting stimulus, but feelings of sexual arousal toward erotic stimuli were positively associated with disgust induced by generally disgusting fluid. These findings suggest that Behavior Immune System regulates disgust to establish a balance between benefit and cost related to sex as well as provide insight into the process underlying sexual dysfunctions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Premature ejaculation (PE) is a common male sexual dysfunction worldwide. It leads to substantial distress in men and their partners, constitutes a serious threat to the quality and stability of romantic relationships, and results in a decreased quality of life in a large part of the population. Aim: We investigated the prevalence of PE and correlated factors in an urban sample of Chinese men. Methods: In total, 1976 Chinese men aged 18 to 50 years responded to an online questionnaire regarding background information, present and previous sexual experience, frequency of different types of sex, as well as erectile and ejaculatory function. Outcomes: Participants' age, assigned sex at birth, sexual identity, relationship status, present and previous sexual experience, frequency of sexual activities, International Index of Erectile Function-5, and Checklist for Early Ejaculation Symptoms were used in the analyses. Results: Forty-four (2.3%) participants had scores that were indicative or strongly indicative of PE, which was highly correlated with erectile problems. Men with more sexual experience (ie, more sexual partners and longer duration of being sexually active) had fewer ejaculatory problems. More frequent masturbation was associated with ejaculatory problems when controlling for age and education. More frequent partnered sex (ie, penile-vaginal sex) was associated with fewer ejaculatory problems. Ejaculation latency times for different types of sexual activities were positively correlated. Clinical Translation: The results indicated that ejaculatory problems have complex relationships with sexual experience that clinicians should be aware of. Strengths and Limitations: This study was the first to investigate PE with the Checklist for Early Ejaculation Symptoms as the measurement tool and the associations between PE and sexual experience, frequency of sexual activities, and sexual function in a large Chinese sample. However, self-reported ejaculation latency times may suffer from problems with validity. Conclusion: Men's sexual experience (ie, more sexual partners and longer duration of being sexually active) has an effect on their sexual function, which in turn affects their sexual activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between masturbation frequency and sexual dysfunction among men and women, focusing on individuals with and without regular sexual partners, and to determine whether sexual compatibility (e.g., similar sexual desire levels and a match between desired behaviors and behaviors one's partner is willing to engage in) in the relationship affects masturbation frequency. Here, 12,271 Finnish men and women completed an online survey about masturbation frequency, sexual function, and sexual compatibility with their partner for those who were in a relationship. The results indicated that masturbation frequency was positively associated with overall sexual function for women. This was moderated by relationship status, meaning that more frequent masturbation was associated with better orgasmic function and sexual satisfaction in single women, whereas the opposite was true for women who were in a relationship. For men, more frequent masturbation was associated with better erectile function for single men, and better ejaculatory latency but worse orgasmic function, intercourse satisfaction, and more symptoms of delayed ejaculation for men who were in a relationship. Lower sexual compatibility and sexual dysfunctions in the partner were associated with more frequent masturbation in both sexes. The associations between masturbation frequency and sexual function vary for single and partnered individuals, and are, for the latter group, further affected by sexual compatibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Bladder exstrophy and epispadias complex is a rare congenital malformation that may have detrimental effects on sexual function. We evaluated sexual function of patients with bladder exstrophy and epispadias complex using validated questionnaires and compared the results with age matched controls. Materials and Methods Patients with bladder exstrophy and epispadias complex treated between 1956 and 1992 were identified from our hospital operative database. A total of 63 patients were mailed questionnaires up to 3 times, resulting in 32 replies (51%). Men were mailed the International Index of Erectile Function-15 questionnaire and women were mailed the Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire, and all patients were asked auxiliary questions regarding children, satisfaction with external genitalia and urinary continence. Results There were no differences in sexual function between sexually active men with bladder exstrophy and epispadias complex and age matched controls on different erectile function domain scores according to the International Index of Erectile Function-15 questionnaire. The Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire among women yielded comparable results on different domain scores, except for median total score, which was higher in patients (33.6, IQR 29.4 to 34.9) than in controls (30.1, IQR 26.4 to 32.4, p = 0.049), suggesting better sexual function in patients with bladder exstrophy and epispadias complex. A greater proportion of patients with bladder exstrophy and epispadias complex had not become sexually active, compared to controls (35% vs 11%, p = 0.008). Patients with bladder exstrophy and epispadias complex were less likely to have children than controls (22% vs 45%, p = 0.021). Conclusions Men and women with bladder exstrophy and epispadias complex had good long-term outcomes on erectile and general sexual function tests. However, there is a likelihood that these individuals start their sexual life later than the general population, and fewer have children compared to controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Erectile dysfunction (ED) has been extensively studied in the past few decades, and significant advances have been made in understanding its etiology. Most cases of this type of dysfunction have an organic etiology, and ED occurs primarily in older men. However, relatively little is known about erectile problems in young men or about the interconnection between psychiatric symptoms and ED etiology. In this study, the authors investigated ED symptoms in a large, population-based sample of 18–48-year-old men. Participants reported ED symptoms from their first intercourse experience as well as those occurring at present. The authors assessed the association between reported ED symptoms during early partnered sexual experiences and present ED symptoms. Furthermore, the authors investigated associations between age, symptoms of anxiety and depression, and erectile problems. Results indicated that age was a significant predictor of ED problems already in young age groups. ED problems were prevalent to a much higher extent during early sexual intercourse experiences and appeared to pass with time for most men. Anxiety and depression were significant predictors of present erectile problems. Implications of the results and potential limitations were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. The Not-Real-People picture set serves as stimulus material for assessing paedophilic sexual interest. The pictures were generated according to five stages of sexual maturation from infancy to adulthood. While experts seem to be able to discern between the pictures based on maturity levels for a nude variant of the stimuli, it remained unclear whether lay persons would be able to reliably distinguish between picture of clothed individuals from various maturity levels. Methods. Heterosexual university students (52 females, 50 males) participated in a paired comparison task, deciding which of the persons shown on two pictures was younger and which one was more attractive. Additionally, reaction times were recorded. Results. Both male and female judges were able to differentiate between stimuli from the opposite sex with regard to age: the perception of the stages of pubertal development conformed to a measurement on a ratio scale. Similarly, the decisions on attractiveness of the categories were in accordance with a ratio scale. Male participants favoured adolescent and adult female stimuli. Contrary to expectation, female participants did not show a preference for any single age category. Conclusions. The stimuli appear suitable for diagnostic purposes. The participants' decisions reflect the inherent maturity levels of the persons depicted. Reaction times in the paired comparison paradigm increase with task difficulty (i.e., similitude of pictures). The implications for indirect measures of sexual interest, based on reaction times, are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) was used to investigate associations between, and variations in, ejaculatory control and ejaculation latency time (ELT) over repeated measurements of sexual activities. Differences between measures recorded in partnered or non-partnered settings were also investigated. The sample consisted of 21 male Finns aged 18 years or above, contributing a total of 158 reports of partnered and non-partnered sexual activities over a six-week period. In the context of non-partnered sexual activities, after controlling for within-subjects dependence, ELTs between events were predictive of one another, but ELT did not predict ejaculatory control when measured simultaneously, nor at subsequent events. Also, ejaculatory control could not predict simultaneously measured ELT or ejaculatory control at subsequent events. During partnered sexual activities, both ejaculatory control and ELT could be accurately predicted by observing ejaculatory control at prior events. In this context, ejaculatory control could also reliably predict simultaneously measured ELT. ELT or ejaculatory control during partnered sexual activity could not be predicted by observing ELT at prior events. Between-event correlations were generally low, indicating considerable variation in ejaculatory functioning over time. EMA is a thrifty assessment method for studying variations in ejaculatory function, and is likely suitable for studying sexual dysfunctions in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Sexual function and attitudes toward surgery were evaluated in females who had undergone feminizing genitoplasty in childhood. Materials and Methods: Sexual function and attitudes toward surgery were assessed by a questionnaire in 24 females who had undergone genitoplasty in childhood. Of 16 females who were prenatally exposed to androgens 15 had congenital adrenal hyperplasia and 8 had androgen insensitivity. A total of 18 patients who had reached adulthood were compared with 900 age matched normal controls by using the Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire. Results: Of the 24 patients 19 had undergone clitoral reduction and 21 had undergone reconstruction of the vaginal introitus. Sigmoid bowel had been used in vaginal reconstruction in 5 patients. There were 17 patients who believed that the genital operation was performed at a proper age, 3 who thought it was done too late while none thought it was performed at too young an age. Two patients regretted the operation, 1 of whom had undergone clitoral resection without nerve preservation and the other had a sigmoid vagina. The control group had more often and earlier (median age 17 vs 19 years) experiences with sexual intercourse. Overall sexual function was similar in the sexually active controls and patients. Decreased sexual desire and problems in achieving orgasm were common but severe pain experiences during penetrative sex were rare in both groups. Conclusions: Sexual intercoital relationships started later in females who underwent genital reconstruction in childhood. Early surgery is preferred by the patients and satisfactory sex life is possible in adulthood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Choice-reaction time (CRT) is an experimental information-processing paradigm. Based on an interference effect in visual attention, the CRT method has been shown to be suitable for measuring sexual orientation in men and women. The present study assessed the potential of the CRT to identify deviant (i.e., pedophilic) sexual interest. Participants were patients from forensic-psychiatric hospitals: 21 child molesters and 21 non-sex offenders. The dependent variable was reaction time in an ostensible seek-and-locate task (i.e., identifying the position of a dot superimposed on a picture of a person). There was an interaction effect between stimulus age category and participant group status: Child molesters took longer to respond to pictures of children relative to pictures of adults. Non-sex offenders showed an opposite pattern (i.e., longer reaction times with pictures of adults than with pictures of children). In addition, the data supported the notion of sexual content induced delay: Subjects took longer for the task with nude stimuli than with clothed ones. A subtractive preference index, derived from the reaction times for child and adult stimulus material, allowed distinguishing participants from both groups almost perfectly (ROC-AUC = .998). We conclude that a match of sexual interest with properties of visual stimuli led to a cognitive interference effect: Attentional resources were drawn from the ostensible task of locating the dot towards exploring the picture. This opens up the possibility of using this interference effect (i.e., the delay of response times) for diagnostic purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potential effects of sexual orientation on ejaculatory function have been overlooked in the literature. In anticipation of the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), attempts have been made to formulate universally suitable definitions for different subtypes of premature ejaculation. However, the proposed definitions are centered around intravaginal ejaculation latency time, and little consideration has been given to whether such definitions are applicable to gay or bisexual men. The present study aimed to investigate effects of sexual orientation on premature and delayed ejaculation. When differences in frequencies and patterns of sexual activities were controlled for, there remained no significant effects of sexual orientation on ejaculatory dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Recently, attempts to formulate valid and suitable definitions for (different subcategories of) premature ejaculation have resulted in substantial progress in the pursuit to gain knowledge about ejaculatory function. However, the association between ejaculatory dysfunction and different types of sexual activities has yet to be thoroughly investigated, and (due to conflicting results between studies) the potential effects of age and relationship length still need to be taken into account. Aim. The aim of this study is to investigate the associations of age, relationship length, frequency of different sexual activities, and different modes of achieving ejaculation with self-reported ejaculation latency time. Main Outcome Measures. The main outcome is establishing associations between age, relationship length, self-reported ejaculation latency time, and frequency of different kinds of sexual activities and different modes of achieving ejaculation (such as achieving ejaculation through oral or vaginal sex). Methods. Statistical analyses of data on age, relationship length, self-reported ejaculation latency time, and frequency of different sexual activities and different modes of achieving ejaculation were conducted on a population-based sample of 3,189 males aged 18–48 years (mean = 29.9 years, standard deviation = 6.94). Results. Age and relationship length were significantly negatively associated with self-reported ejaculation latency time. Frequency of different kinds of sexual behavior generally had a positive association with self-reported ejaculation latency time, as had different modes of achieving ejaculation. Conclusions. The findings highlight the need for more extensive studies on and increased knowledge of different aspects of ejaculatory function before a valid and suitable definition for premature ejaculation can be formulated. Jern P, Santtila P, Johansson A, Varjonen M, Witting K, von der Pahlen B, and Sandnabba K. Subjectively measured ejaculation latency time and its association with different sexual activities while controlling for age and relationship length. J Sex Med 2009;6:2568–2578. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explored the balance of genetic and environmental factors on sexual dysfunctions during first intercourse experience in young men. Gender role conflict theory predicts that young males should show high levels of such dysfunctions coupled with mixed affective reactions. Three thousand one hundred eighty six male twins and their siblings (M = 26.17 years, SD = 4.77) completed items on erectile dysfunction (ED), premature ejaculation (PE), contextual factors, and affective reactions during first intercourse, as well as parental attitudes towards nudity and sexuality. Twin modeling revealed a significant genetic effects for PE, but not for ED. Experiences of sexual dysfunction and both negative and positive affects during first intercourse were common among the participants. More positive parental attitudes were associated with less dysfunction and more positive affect during first intercourse. Having the first sexual intercourse with an unknown partner and while strongly intoxicated were, together with group pressure and reluctance to engage in intercourse, related to more negative and less positive affects. Erectile dysfunction during the first intercourse was related to more negative and less positive affects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Few studies have looked at prevalence estimates for female sexual dysfunctions in combination with personal distress, although existing diagnostic criteria for sexual disorders include both aspects. Further, the variation in female sexual function has been shown to be largely explained by unique nongenetic factors. Such factors may include partner sexual function and perception of sexual compatibility with a partner, factors which may also be associated with sexual distress. Aim. We investigated the association between female sexual dysfunction and distress as well as their association with partner compatibility. Methods. In order to assess sexual function and distress, the Female Sexual Function Index and seven items from the Female Sexual Distress Scale were used in a population-based sample of 5,463 women, aged 18–49 years. The women were, based on cutoff points, classified as either having neither dysfunction nor distress, one of them, or both, separately for each dysfunction. Further, the associations between partner compatibility, distress, and sexual dysfunctions were analyzed. Sexual compatibility with partner was investigated by using several items exploring, for example, amount of foreplay, interest in sex, and communication about sexual matters. Main Outcome Measures. Associations between partner compatibility and female sexual function and sexual distress. Results. The proportion of women reporting both sexual dysfunction and distress ranged from 7% to 23%, depending on the dysfunction. Desire disorders followed by orgasmic disorders were most common. All compatibility variables were significantly associated with distress and with most of the sexual dysfunctions. The main complaints of the women were “too little foreplay” (42%) and “partner is more interested” (35%). The women feeling distress or having a sexual dysfunction reported more incompatibility with partner compared with functional women. Conclusions. The findings highlight the importance of addressing partner compatibility for successful treatment and counseling of female sexual dysfunctions. Witting K, Santtila P, Varjonen M, Jern P, Johansson A, von der Pahlen B, and Sandnabba K. Female sexual dysfunction, sexual distress, and compatibility with partner. J Sex Med 2008;5:2587–2599. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Recently, in anticipation of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders V, much consideration has been given to the diagnostic criteria for premature ejaculation (PE). The scientific community is yet to agree not only on the etiology of PE, but also on the most suitable diagnosis and forms of treatment. It has been suggested that the diagnostic criteria of PE should be strictly empirical and rely on intravaginal latency time alone, whereas others stress the need to also include psychological and personal factors. Aim. To examine different indicators of PE and their relationship with and ability to predict sexual distress. Main Outcome Measures. Statistical analyses of data on sexual distress and different measures of ejaculatory function on a population-based sample of 3,332 Finnish men. Methods. The present study involved a population-based sample of 3,332 males, of which 2,328 were twins aged 18–33, and 1,004 were over 18-year-old siblings to the aforementioned (M = 26.17 years of age). The individual contributions of different PE-indicator variables to experienced sexual distress were investigated by calculating correlations and performing a regression analysis. Results. All included indicators of PE were significantly associated with sexual distress, and significant and logical differences in sexual distress were found between intravariable levels for several of the indicator variables. Only variables relating to subjective experience (e.g., worrying about PE) were uniquely related to sexual distress when other indicators were controlled for. Conclusions. The results suggest that variables measuring subjective experience may be useful when considering diagnostic criteria if indicators that are related to sexual distress are considered useful. However, overall, the association between PE and sexual distress is not especially strong, emphasizing the fact that more objective indicators of PE may not necessarily be associated with significant distress. Jern P, Santtila P, Johansson A, Varjonen M, Witting K, Ålgars M, Alanko K, von der Pahlen B, and Sandnabba K. Indicators of premature ejaculation and their associations with sexual distress in a population-based sample of young twins and their siblings. J Sex Med 2008;5:2191–2201. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Associations between number of children, pregnancy, and overall relationship satisfaction were explored in a population-based sample of 2081 women, aged 33-43 years. Multiparous women had less orgasm problems compared to nulliparous women. Nulliparous women had more pain problems and were sexually less satisfied compared to women with children, regardless of the number. Women pregnant with the first child had fewer pain problems compared to a matched nonpregnant control and were sexually more satisfied. Being more satisfied with the overall relationship was related to higher sexual satisfaction and less sexual function problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. A number of different theoretical approaches to understanding the etiology of ejaculatory dysfunction have been proposed, but no behavior genetic study has yet, to our knowledge, been conducted to explore the genetic and environmental influences on ejaculatory dysfunction. Aim. The aim of the present study was to explore the genetic and environmental effects on premature (PE) and delayed (DE) ejaculation in a population-based sample. Methods. The genetic and environmental influences on PE and DE were investigated in a population-based sample of 1,196 Finnish male twins, age 33–43 years, with 91 identical and 110 complete twin pairs. Several different aspects of ejaculatory function were measured by a self-report questionnaire (e.g., latency time, subjective experience of ejaculatory control). Factor analyses distinguished two subcomponents of ejaculatory function, and subsequently, composite variables measuring PE and DE were created. Structural equation modeling was performed on the composite variables. Main Outcome Measures. Measurement of genetic and environmental effects on PE and DE. Results. The results suggested moderate genetic influence (28%) on PE, but not on DE (0%). There was a moderate familial effect on DE with shared environmental effects accounting for 24% of the variance. However, omission of the shared environmental component did not directly result in a significantly decreased model fit for DE, and omission of the additive genetic component did not directly result in a significantly decreased fit for the PE model. Conclusions. The findings from the present study provide useful information regarding the etiology and understanding of ejaculatory dysfunction. Jern P, Santtila P, Witting K, Alanko K, Harlaar N, Johansson A, von der Pahlen B, Varjonen M, Vikström N, Ålgars M, and Sandnabba K. Premature and delayed ejaculation: Genetic and environmental effects in a population-based sample of Finnish twins. J Sex Med 2007;4:1739–1749. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 164 self-identified sadomasochistic men who were members of two sadomasochistically oriented clubs participated in the study. The relationships between retrospective perceptions of attachment and other indicators of the quality of interaction in their family of origin on one hand, and their sexual adaptation on the other hand were explored. There was a roughly equal number of self-identified heterosexual and gay male participants. A semi-structured questionnaire was used in the study. Participants' recollections of physical punishment and alcohol consumption by parents, as well as emotional closeness to them were related to the participants' perception of their attachment style (secure, avoidant, or ambivalent). The attachment style was again related to the participants' current sexual satisfaction and sexual neuroticism. There was some indication in the study that perception of attachment to the mother was related to the participants' current choice of sadomasochistic position. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

ABSTRACT Introduction. There is little research estimating the occurrence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in women with same-sex sexual experience and none incorporating a key feature of standardized DSM-IV diagnoses-sexual distress. Aim. To investigate the prevalence of FSD in women with and without same-sex sexual experience and whether any effects of same-sex sexual experience on women's sexual functioning are moderated by frequency and type of sexual activity. Methods. The sample consisted of 5,998 female individuals aged 18-49 years. Prevalence of FSD was assessed by the Female Sexual Function Index and an abbreviated version of the Female Sexual Distress Scale. Measurement of frequency and variation in sexual activity was conducted using a modified version of the Derogatis Sexual Functioning Inventory. Lifetime same-sex experience was assessed with a single question. Main Outcome Measures. Prevalence estimates of FSD. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the subsample-specific, mediating role of frequency and mode of sexual activities on FSD. Results. Women with same-sex sexual experience (13.6%) engaged significantly more in all sexual activities ( P < 0.01) compared with women without such experience. They further reported significantly more desire (Z = 3.1, P < 0.05) and satisfaction problems (z = 10.6, P < 0.001). When controlling patterns of sexual activities no significant effect of same-sex sexual experience on desire could be detected (OR 1.1, CI 95% 0.9-1.2, P > 0.1), whereas the significant association between same-sex sexual experience and sexual dissatisfaction remained (OR 1.28, CI 95% 1.1-1.6, P < 0.05). Sexual distress was significantly more prevalent in women with same-sex sexual experience (23%) compared with their counterparts (19%). Conclusions. Same-sex sexual experience is related, both directly and indirectly, to FSD. Testing of the mediating factors underlying this association may offer important clues into the etiology of FSD in general. The results further highlight the need to consider sexual distress as a multidimensional concept. Burri A, Rahman Q, Santtila P, Jern P, Spector T, and Sandnabba K. The relationship between same-sex sexual experience, sexual distress, and female sexual dysfunction. J Sex Med 2012;9:198-206. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Introduction. Previous research has indicated that serotonergic genes may influence ejaculatory function. Attempts to investigate effects of polymorphisms in serotonergic genes have been carried out, but so far, no study has conducted exploratory genotype analyses regarding the serotonin receptor 1A, 1B, and 2C subtypes, which have been hypothesized to mediate the inhibitory effects of serotonin on ejaculation in rodents. Aim. The aim of the present study was to investigate effects of a total of six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in genes encoding serotonin receptor subtypes 1A, 1B, and 2C on self-reported ejaculation latency time. Methods. A retrospective self-report measure of ejaculation latency time was used to investigate ejaculatory function in a population-based sample of 1,399 male twins. DNA was collected using self-administered saliva sampling. Main Outcome Measure. Calculations of allelic effects were conducted using the Generalized Estimating Equations module of PASW 18.0, which appropriately controls for between-subjects dependence. Results. Out of six investigated polymorphisms, two SNPs (both serotonin receptor 5-HT1B linked) had a significant main effect on ejaculation latency time. Of these, one (rs11568817) remained significant after Bonferroni correction for multiple testing, indicating that individuals homozygous for the G allele had significantly shorter ejaculation latencies. Conclusions. The results of this study support the hypothesis that serotonergic genes play a role in ejaculatory function in the general population. Replication of the results of the present study is warranted. Jern P, Westberg L, Johansson A, Gunst A, Eriksson E, Sandnabba K, and Santtila P. A study of possible associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms in the serotonin receptor 1A, 1B, and 2C genes and self-reported ejaculation latency time. J Sex Med 2012;9:866-872. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pedophiles show sexual interest in prepubescent children but not in adults. Research into the neurofunctional mechanisms of paraphilias has gathered momentum over the last years. To elucidate the underlying neural processing of sexual interest among pedophiles and to highlight the differences in comparison with nonparaphilic sexual interest in adults. Nine pedophilic patients and 11 nonpedophilic control subjects underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while viewing pictures of nude (prepubescents, pubescents, and adults) and neutral content, as well as performing a concomitant choice reaction time task (CRTT). Brain blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signals and response latencies in the CRTT during exposure to each picture category. Analysis of behavioral data showed group differences in reaction times regarding prepubescent and adult but not pubescent stimuli. During stimulation with pictures displaying nude prepubescents, pedophiles showed increased BOLD response in brain areas known to be involved in processing of visual sexual stimuli. Comparison of pedophilic patients with the control group discovered differences in BOLD responses with respect to prepubescent and adult but not to pubescent stimuli. Differential effects in particular occurred in the cingulate gyrus and insular region. The brain response of pedophiles to visual sexual stimulation by images of nude prepubescents is comparable with previously described neural patterns of sexual processing in nonpedophilic human males evoked by visual stimuli depicting nude adults. Nevertheless, group differences found in the cingulate gyrus and the insular region suggest an important role of these brain areas in pedophilic sexual interest. Furthermore, combining attention-based methods like CRTT with fMRI may be a viable option for future diagnostic procedures regarding pedophilia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]