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Pornography addiction and sexual dysfunction are increasingly prevalent in young men. Previous studies suggest that prenatal androgen exposure plays a role in addiction and sexual functionality. Here, we tested whether lower second-to-fourth finger length ratio (2D:4D) and later age at spermarche, both putative indicators of higher androgen levels in utero, correlate with online sexual compulsivity (OSC scale of ISST), erectile function (IIEF-5), and ejaculatory control (PEPA) in 4,370 young men (age IQR: 25–26 years) of the Cohort Study on Substance Use Risk Factors. Statistical analyses revealed that lower 2D:4D correlated with higher scores on the OSC scale. Moreover, higher age at spermarche correlated with higher OSC scores and decreased erectile function. Interestingly, OSC severity, but not the frequency of pornography use, correlated negatively with erectile function and ejaculatory control. This is the first study to associate two independent proxies of prenatal testosterone level with OSC. These findings provide novel insight into intrauterine predisposition of sexual behavior and related sexual function in adulthood.

Positive social interactions are crucial for human well-being. Elevated prenatal exposure to testosterone as indicated by a low second-to-fourth finger length ratio (2D:4D) relates to more aggressive/hostile behavior in men of low 2D:4D, especially in challenging situations. How much people enjoy interacting with others is determined by the personality trait sociability. Given its role in approach and avoidance behavior, sociability might also be influenced by prenatal sex hormones, but studies are inconclusive so far. Here, we investigated the association between 2D:4D and the personality trait sociability complemented by personal social capital and personal social network size, in a population-based cohort of 4998 men. Lower 2D:4D correlated significantly with higher trait sociability, bigger personal social capital, and larger personal social network size. These effects were consistent across both hands separately and their mean value. Furthermore, both factors of sociability (1) liking party and company of friends and (2) isolation intolerance, correlated significantly with the prenatal testosterone marker. The exploratory analysis revealed no link between 2D:4D and responses to the personality trait aggression items or items of anti-social-personality disorder. Our data suggest that prenatal androgen exposure organizes the brain with lasting effects on social behavior.

Moderately sized, case-control studies have related alcohol dependence in middle-aged in-patients to lower second-to-fourth finger length ratio (2D:4D), a proxy for prenatal hyperandrogenization. As primary aim, we here intended to confirm that lower 2D:4D is also associated with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-IV/-5 alcohol dependence and alcohol use disorder in a large population-based cohort of young males. Exploratory aims included underlying mechanisms. We analyzed self-reported data on 2D:4D, DSM-IV/-5 criteria, anticipated subjective responses to alcohol, and willingness to purchase alcoholic drinks from 4989 Swiss men of the Cohort Study on Substance Use Risk Factors (C-SURF). The mean of right-hand 2D:4D and left-hand 2D:4D was lower in men with DSM-IV alcohol dependence than in those without (0.975 vs 0.981, P = .035) and lower in men with moderate to severe (0.974) than in those with mild (0.982, P = .001) or no (0.981, P = .003) DSM-5 alcohol use disorder. Moreover, mean 2D:4D was lower in those reporting recent use of health services due to substance use problems (0.968 vs 0.981, P = .046). Lower mean 2D:4D correlated with a stronger anticipation to feel high following alcohol consumption (total cohort: ρ = -0.033, P = .026) and with a willingness to purchase more higher-priced alcoholic drinks (DSM-IV alcohol dependence subgroup: ρmin = -0.162, P = .002). This is the first population-based study on young males to demonstrate lower 2D:4D in DSM-IV alcohol dependence, DSM-5 alcohol use disorder, and the related use of health care services. We also provide novel insight into cognitive-behavioral mechanisms. These results should help to establish more effective preventive and therapeutic strategies targeting 2D:4D and prenatal androgen exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]