Survey study, 2010
Does interest in sexual images change during the menstrual cycle?
Interest in sexual images doesn't clearly change based on what cycle phase a woman is in when she views them. However, her cycle phase during first exposure predicts how interested she stays in those images later, especially if first exposed around ovulation.
What they did
30 women (15 with natural menstrual cycles and 15 taking oral contraceptives) viewed sexually explicit photos at three different times across their cycle. Women could view for as long as they wanted, and researchers measured viewing time and asked them to rate how sexually attractive they found the images.
What they found
There was no clear overall relationship between cycle phase and how long women viewed sexual images. However, the cycle phase during first exposure predicted sustained interest in later viewings. Women with natural cycles who first viewed images around ovulation looked longer in all sessions than women first tested in their luteal phase. Women on oral contraceptives who first saw images during menstruation looked longer than those first exposed at other times. Women who first viewed images when estrogen was likely highest showed increased interest across all sessions. Attractiveness ratings did not change by cycle phase or initial exposure.
What it means for you
When a woman is first exposed to sexual images may affect how interested she stays in them, possibly because hormones shape what those images mean emotionally to her. However, this was a small study, so more research is needed to understand this effect.
30
total women studied
15
with natural menstrual cycles
15
taking oral contraceptives
About the study
- Original title
- Women's interest in visual sexual stimuli varies with menstrual cycle phase at first exposure and predicts later interest
- Authors
- Wallen K, Rupp HA
- Journal
- Hormones and behavior
- Year
- 2010
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 30
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.yhbeh.2009.12.005