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.
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