---
title: Is sexual arousal different in different phases of the menstrual cycle?
description: Yes. Women reported higher sexual desire and more erotic fantasies in the follicular phase than in the luteal phase, and this difference persisted over time.
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/sexual-arousability-and-the-menstrual-cycle-1996/
---

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- Is sexual arousal different in different phases of the menstrual cycle?

Survey study, 1996

# Is sexual arousal different in different phases of the menstrual cycle?

Yes. Women reported higher sexual desire and more erotic fantasies in the follicular phase than in the luteal phase, and this difference persisted over time.

 Early or limited evidence

20 women with natural menstrual cycles

## What they did

Researchers tested 20 women with natural menstrual cycles at different cycle phases while they watched erotic videos. In some sessions, they also received gentle stimulation of the clitoral region. Researchers measured both physical arousal using temperature sensors and asked women to rate their own arousal and feelings.

## What they found

Women in the follicular phase showed higher sexual arousal and desire than women in the luteal phase on the first test, and this difference remained when they were retested in their opposite phase. After the first video, women in the follicular phase reported a greater increase in sexual desire, and this desire and increased erotic fantasies lasted for the next 24 hours. Physical stimulation increased how aroused women felt subjectively but did not change the physical temperature response.

## What it means for you

The menstrual cycle affects sexual desire, though previous experiences during testing may influence the response. The main limits are the small sample size and laboratory setting.

20

women studied

2

menstrual cycle phases compared

## About the study

Original title Sexual arousability and the menstrual cycle Authors Slob AK, Bax CM, Hop WC et al. Journal Psychoneuroendocrinology Year 1996 Study design Survey study Participants 20 What was tested Testing sexual arousal responses to erotic videos at different menstrual cycle phases Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/0306-4530(95)00058-5](https://doi.org/10.1016/0306-4530(95)00058-5)

## Topics

[Libido and sexual function](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-sexual-function/)

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