Prolactin secretory rhythm in women: immediate and long-term alterations after sexual contact

BACKGROUND Prolactin (PRL) is one of the most versatile hormones in the mammalian body, affecting reproductive, sexual and other functions. In rats, mating or vaginocervical stimulation activates a characteristic PRL secretory pattern for several days, which is essential for successful reproduction. Although the underlying mechanisms appear to be different, PRL is also crucial for human fertility. We have detected a PRL increase in women induced by sexual intercourse. Extending these findings, the current study aimed at analyzing the PRL secretory rhythm after sexual contact, in order to elucidate whether human females also show long-term alterations of the PRL secretory pattern. METHODS In a pilot study, serial blood samples were taken from women (n= 7) in mid-cycle to assess changes in PRL secretory rhythm induced by sexual intercourse, during a period of 32 h. RESULTS Compared with control condition, sexual intercourse with orgasm induced not only the well-established immediate PRL increase of ∼300% but also an additional PRL elevation around noon of the next day (P< 0.05). These fluctuations were measured on top of the regular circadian rhythm of PRL, manifested as a surge early in the morning. CONCLUSIONS We are able to demonstrate a long-term change in the PRL secretory rhythm after sexual intercourse with orgasm in females, suggesting memory effects. We hypothesize that the additionally secreted PRL could be beneficial for decidualization and implantation. Further studies with more participants are required to investigate in detail the implications of such effects on reproductive success in human

The quality of sexual experience in women correlates with post-orgasmic prolactin surges: results from an experimental prototype study

INTRODUCTION: Sexual intercourse, orgasm, and sexual satisfaction are associated with well-being and improved quality of life. The pituitary hormone prolactin (PRL) may have an important role in regulating (and thus indexing) sexual satiety and satisfaction. AIM: Physiological indices to quantify the quality and resulting satisfaction from female orgasm would be valuable. Therefore we aim to validate associations of orgasm-induced PRL surges with women's orgasm quality and subsequent sexual satisfaction. METHODS: In a prospective study, with a pre-post, single-blinded, cross-over design in a naturalistic field setting, we analyzed the correlation of women's post-orgasmic serum PRL surges following sexual intercourse with women's perceived quality of orgasm and resulting sexual satisfaction, as measured by a questionnaire. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: PRL levels prior to and following penile-vaginal intercourse with and without orgasm, and scores from the Acute Sexual Experience Scale (ASES) on quality of orgasm and sexual satisfaction. RESULTS: An analysis of variance of the blood samples in nine women indicated large magnitude, significant effects of intercourse orgasm on PRL levels (P = 0.004, eta squared = 0.78), as well as an interaction with the effect of multiple orgasms (P = 0.008, eta squared = 0.80). PRL post/pre ratios and arithmetic difference correlated strongly with orgasm quality (r = 0.85, P = 0.016, and r = 0.69, P = 0.08) and sexual satisfaction (r = 0.75, P = 0.05 and r = 0.77, P = 0.045). CONCLUSION: Women's intercourse orgasm induced PRL surges are strongly related to the quality of orgasm and subsequent sexual satisfaction. This implies that post-orgasmic PRL surges are an objective index of orgasm and orgasm quality. PRL might be used in future studies on basic research as well as a treatment target in sexual disorders in women

The dermatologic intimacy scale: quantitatively measuring the impact of skin disease on intimacy

Introduction: Patient-reported outcome measures are increasingly utilized in dermatology to assess the impact of skin disease on quality of life. Despite recognition of the influence of skin disease on intimate relationships, an instrument to assess intimacy has not been developed. The objective of this study was to create the dermatologic intimacy scale (DIS) and administer the prototype to a patient population. Methods: A group of healthcare providers at the University of California San Francisco created the DIS prototype. A total of 1676 psoriasis patients of an online community were invited to complete a cross-sectional survey including demographic information, DIS, body surface area (BSA) and anatomical involvement. Results: A total of 1109 patients completed the survey in its entirety. Patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis (BSA ≥3%) had a higher DIS score overall and for each individual question than patients with mild disease (BSA < 3%; p < .001). Patients with genitalia, nails, face, neck and scalp involvement had higher scores compared to patients without involvement (p < .001). Conclusions: Patients with more extensive disease and specific anatomical involvement experience a greater impact on intimacy. Interpretation is limited by patient response rate, as patients with or without intimacy issues may be more or less likely to respond. Further analysis is necessary for validation and interpretation

The Quality of Sexual Experience in Women Correlates with Post‐Orgasmic Prolactin Surges: Results from an Experimental Prototype Study

INTRODUCTION: Sexual intercourse, orgasm, and sexual satisfaction are associated with well-being and improved quality of life. The pituitary hormone prolactin (PRL) may have an important role in regulating (and thus indexing) sexual satiety and satisfaction. AIM: Physiological indices to quantify the quality and resulting satisfaction from female orgasm would be valuable. Therefore we aim to validate associations of orgasm-induced PRL surges with women's orgasm quality and subsequent sexual satisfaction. METHODS: In a prospective study, with a pre-post, single-blinded, cross-over design in a naturalistic field setting, we analyzed the correlation of women's post-orgasmic serum PRL surges following sexual intercourse with women's perceived quality of orgasm and resulting sexual satisfaction, as measured by a questionnaire. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: PRL levels prior to and following penile-vaginal intercourse with and without orgasm, and scores from the Acute Sexual Experience Scale (ASES) on quality of orgasm and sexual satisfaction. RESULTS: An analysis of variance of the blood samples in nine women indicated large magnitude, significant effects of intercourse orgasm on PRL levels (P = 0.004, eta squared = 0.78), as well as an interaction with the effect of multiple orgasms (P = 0.008, eta squared = 0.80). PRL post/pre ratios and arithmetic difference correlated strongly with orgasm quality (r = 0.85, P = 0.016, and r = 0.69, P = 0.08) and sexual satisfaction (r = 0.75, P = 0.05 and r = 0.77, P = 0.045). CONCLUSION: Women's intercourse orgasm induced PRL surges are strongly related to the quality of orgasm and subsequent sexual satisfaction. This implies that post-orgasmic PRL surges are an objective index of orgasm and orgasm quality. PRL might be used in future studies on basic research as well as a treatment target in sexual disorders in women