Women Have Sex on The Brain: Sexuality & Your Mind

March 8, 2009 4:31 am Dr. Duffy Miscellaneous, Sexuality, Women's Interest

Image by Damien King

More than 40 percent of women ages 18-59 experience sexual dysfunction, with lack of sexual interest the most common. A study from Stanford University tried to answer the question:

“What role does the brain play in some women’s lack of sexual desire?”

This research is important because most previous studies have looked at men and the body rather then women and the mind.

In this study 36 women (half with arousal dysfunction) were shown both erotic video segments and women’s sporting events. In between these clips, they were shown calm scenes such as flowers, mountains or ocean waves. The purpose of this was to give the brain a rest between exotic and active videos.

Brain waves were then monitored by use of MRI. The women also reported their levels of sexual arousal during the videos. The researchers also collected measurements of genital arousal. (Hmm)

The findings indicated a clear difference in specific areas of the brain between women with sexual arousal problems and those without. One result found women with sexual dysfunction had increased activity in parts of the brain associated with suppression of emotions and paying mental attention.

There are other more complicated findings but the trend is clear. Women with sexual dysfunction show differences in brain waves when compared with women who do not have sexual arousal problems. The researchers admit that translating this information into helpful advice for treatment is a complicated matter.

However, I have a few ideas, these are from my own head, no research involved!

Once you have thoughtfully decided to engage in sex put you mind to rest………

1. Let yourself feel your emotions, let go! (How hard is this?)

2. Try not to think about what you are doing during sex, let your body not your mind lead the way.

3. These are both tough, especially for those who need to be in control (know anybody like that?) Fantasy may help here, don’t be shy give it a try. Your partner can help by talking to you.

For the entire article check out the Jan. 23 issue of the journal Neuroscience.

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