Last Updated: Monday, 14 August 2006, 10:07 GMT 11:07 UK
E-mail this to a friend Printable version
Security 'bad news for sex drive'

Differences in sexual appetite may be driven by evolution

A woman's sex drive begins to plummet once she is in a secure relationship, according to research.

Researchers from Germany found that four years into a relationship, less than half of 30-year-old women wanted regular sex.



Conversely, the team found a man's libido remained the same regardless of how long he had been in a relationship.
Writing in the journal Human Nature, the scientists said the differences resulted from how humans had evolved.



The researchers from Hamburg-Eppendorf University Hospital interviewed 530 men and women about their relationships.
They found 60% of 30-year-old women wanted sex "often" at the beginning of a relationship, but within four years of the relationship this figure fell to under 50%, and after 20 years it dropped to about 20%.



In contrast, they found the proportion of men wanting regular sex remained at between 60-80%, regardless of how long they had been in a relationship.



Tenderness

The study also revealed tenderness was important for women in a relationship.
About 90% of women wanted tenderness, regardless of how long they had been in a relationship, but only 25% of men who had been in a relationship for 10 years said they were still seeking tenderness from their partner.



Dr Dietrich Klusmann, lead author of the study and a psychologist from Hamburg-Eppendorf University Hospital, believed the differences were down to human evolution.
He said: "For men, a good reason their sexual motivation to remain constant would be to guard against being cuckolded by another male."



But women, he said, have evolved to have a high sex drive when they are initially in a relationship in order to form a "pair bond" with their partner.



But, once this bond is sealed a woman's sexual appetite declines, he added.
He said animal behaviour studies suggest this could be because females may be diverting their sexual interest towards other men, in order to secure the best combinations of genetic material for their offspring.



Or, he said, this could be because limiting sex may boost their partner's interest in it.
Professor George Fieldman, an evolutionary psychologist from Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College, said: "These findings seem to fit in with anecdotal studies and his explanations seem plausible.



"The rational for why a woman's sex drive declines may be down to supply and demand. If something is in infinite supply, the perceived value would drop."
BBC NEWS | Health | Security 'bad news for sex drive'

This was backed up by a big German study on sexuality. I read about therapist saying it is usually the men complaining about less sex. And I´ve seen that in my relationship as well.

Study suggests treatment for sex-drive deficiency

A study published in the May/June issue of the Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy found that bupropion hydrochloride sustained-release tablets may be an effective treatment for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in females, a deficiency or absence of sexual desire and fantasies for sexual activity.


The lead investigator for the study is R.Taylor Segraves, professor of psychiatry at CWRU's School of Medicine and chair of the Department of Psychiatry at MetroHealth Medical Center.


HSDD affects at least 20 percent of women in the United States. Currently, there is no approved drug treatment for HSDD and psychotherapy has proven minimally effective.
Study is on sex-drive deficiency

Is There a Gender Difference in Strength of Sex Drive? Theoretical Views, Conceptual Distinctions, and a Review of Relevant Evidence

Roy F. Baumeister Kathleen R. Catanese
Kathleen D. Vohs
Department of Psychology, Case Western Reserve University
The sex drive refers to the strength of sexual motivation. Across many different studies and measures, men have been shown to have more frequent and more intense sexual desires than women, as reflected in spontaneous thoughts about sex, frequency and variety of sexual fantasies, desired frequency of intercourse, desired number of partners, masturbation, liking for various sexual practices, willingness to forego sex, initiating versus refusing sex, making sacrifices for sex, and other measures. No contrary findings (indicating stronger sexual motivation among women) were found. Hence we conclude that the male sex drive is stronger than the female sex drive. The gender difference in sex drive should not be generalized to other constructs such as sexual or orgasmic capacity, enjoyment of sex, or extrinsically motivated sex.


References

  • Abramson, P. R. (1973). The relationship of the frequency of masturbation to several aspects of personality and social behavior. Journal of Sex Research, 9, 132-142.[ISI][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  • Abramson, P. R., & Pinkerton, S. D. (1995). With pleasure: Thoughts on the nature of human sexuality. New York: Oxford University Press.
  • Acton, W. (1857). The functions and disorders of the reproductive organs in youth, in adult age, and in advanced life. London: John Churchill.
  • Adams, D. M., Gold, A. R., & Burt, A. D. (1978). Rose in female-initiated sexual activity at ovulation and its suppression by oral contraceptives. New England Journal of Medicine, 299, 1145-1150.[Abstract]
  • Adams, H. E., Wright, L. W., & Lohr, B. A. (1996). Is homophobia associated with homosexual arousal? Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 105, 440-445.[CrossRef][ISI][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  • Alexander, G. M., & Sherwin, B. B. (1991). The association between testosterone, sexual arousal, and selection attention for erotic stimuli in men. Hormones and Behavior, 25, 367-381.[CrossRef][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  • Alexander, G. M., Sherwin, B. B., Bancroft, J., & Davidson, D. W. (1990). Testosterone and sexual behavior in oral contraceptive users and nonusers: A prospective study. Hormones and Behavior, 24, 388-402.[CrossRef][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  • Allgeier, E. R., & Allgeier, A. R. (2000). Sexual interactions (5th ed.). Boston: Houghton Mifflin.
  • Alzate, H., & Villegas, M. (1994). Sexual behavior of unmarried Columbian university students in 1990. Journal of Sex Education and Therapy, 20, 287-298.
  • American Psychiatric Association. (1994). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (4th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
  • American Psychological Association. (1967-2001). PsycINFO [Online]. Washington, DC: Author [Producer]. Ovid Technologies [Distributor].
  • Arafat, I. S., & Cotton, W. L. (1974). Masturbation practices of males and females. Journal of Sex Research, 10, 293-307.[ISI][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  • Ard, B. N. (1977). Sex in lasting marriages: A longitudinal study. Journal of Sex Research, 13, 274-285.[ISI]
  • Asayama, S. (1975). Adolescent sex development and adult sex behavior in Japan. Journal of Sex Research, 11, 91-112.[ISI][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  • Baldwin, J. D., & Baldwin, J. I. (1997). Gender differences in sexual interest. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 26, 181-210.[CrossRef][ISI][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  • Bancroft, J., Sanders, D., Davidson, D., & Warner, P. (1983). Mood, sexuality, hormones, and the menstrual cycle. III: Sexuality and the role of androgens. Psychosomatic Medicine, 45, 509-516.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  • Bartlik, B., Kaplan, P., Kaminetsky, J., Roentsch, G., & Goldberg, J. (1999). Medications with the potential to enhance sexual responsivity in women. Psychiatric Annals, 29, 46-52.
  • Baumeister, R. F. (2000). Gender differences in erotic plasticity: The female sex drive as socially flexible and responsive. Psychological Bulletin, 126, 347-374.[CrossRef][ISI][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  • Baumeister, R. F., & Bratslavsky, E. (1999). Passion, intimacy, and time: Passionate love as a function of change in intimacy. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 3, 49-67.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  • Baumeister, R. F., & Tice, D. M. (2001). The social dimension of sex. Boston: Allyn & Bacon.
  • Baumeister, R. F., & Twenge, J. M. (2001). The cultural suppression of female sexuality: Who is the proximal cause? Manuscript submitted for publication.
  • Beach, F. A. (1976). Sexual attractivity, proceptivity, and receptivity in female mammals. Hormones and Behavior, 70, 105-138.
  • Beck, J. G. (1995). Hypoactive sexual desire disorder: An overview. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 63, 919-927.[CrossRef][ISI][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  • Beck, J. G., Bozman, A. W., & Qualtrough, T. (1991). The experience of sexual desire: Psychological correlates in a college sample. Journal of Sex Research, 28, 443-456.
  • Bell, A. P., & Weinberg, M. S. (1978). Homosexualities: A study of diversity among men and women. New York: Simon & Schuster.
  • Bergström-Walan, M.-B., & Nielsen, H. H. (1990). Sexual expression among 60-80-year-old men and women: A sample from Stockholm, Sweden. Journal of Sex Research, 27, 289-295.
  • Blumstein, P., & Schwartz, P. (1983). American couples. New York: Simon & Schuster.
  • Bretschneider, J. G., & McCoy, N. L. (1988). Sexual interest and behavior in healthy 80- to 102-year olds. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 17, 109-130.[CrossRef][ISI][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  • Brown, M., & Auerback, A. (1981). Communication patterns in initiation of marital sex. Medical Aspects of Human Sexuality, 15, 105-117.
  • Brown, N. R., & Sinclair, R. C. (1999). Estimating number of lifetime sexual partners: Men and women do it differently. Journal of Sex Research, 36, 292-297.
  • Buss, D. M. (1989). Conflict between the sexes: Strategic interference and the evocation of anger and upset. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 56, 735-747.[CrossRef][ISI][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  • Buss, D. M. (1998). Sexual strategies theory: Historical origins and current status. Journal of Sex Research, 35, 19-31.
  • Buss, D. M., & Schmitt, D. P. (1993). Sexual strategies theory: A contextual evolutionary analysis of human mating. Psychological Review, 100, 204-232.[CrossRef][ISI][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  • Buzwell, S., & Rosenthal, D. (1996). Constructing a sexual self: Adolescents' sexual self-perceptions and sexual risk-taking. Journal of Research on Adolescence, 6, 489-513.
  • Byers, E. S., & Heinlein, L. (1989). Predicting initiations and refusals of sexual activities in married and cohabiting heterosexual couples. Journal of Sex Research, 26, 210-231.[ISI]
  • Byers, E. S., & Lewis, K. (1988). Dating couples' disagreements over the desired level of sexual intimacy. Journal of Sex Research, 24, 15-29.
  • Byers, E. S., Purdon, C., & Clark, D. A. (1998). Sexual intrusive thoughts of college students. Journal of Sex Research, 35, 359-369.
  • Carroll, J. L., Volk, K. D., & Hyde, J. S. (1985). Differences between males and females in motives for engaging in sexual intercourse. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 14, 131-139.[CrossRef][ISI][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  • Clark, R. D., & Hatfield, E. (1989). Gender differences in receptivity to sexual offers. Journal of Psychology and Human Sexuality, 2, 39-55.
  • Cohen, L. L., & Shotland, R. L. (1996). Timing of first sexual intercourse in a relationship: Expectations, experiences, and perceptions of others. Journal of Sex Research, 33, 291-299.[ISI]
  • Cotton, W. L. (1975). Social and sexual relationships of lesbians. Journal of Sex Research, 11, 139-148.
  • Crano, W. D. (1995). Attitude strength and vested interest. In R. Petty & J. Krosnick (Eds.), Attitude strength: Antecedents and consequences (pp. 131-157). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc.
  • Crooks, R., & Baur, K. (1999). Our sexuality. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole.
  • Dabbs, J. M., Jr. (2000). Heroes, rogues, and lovers: Testosterone and behavior. New York: McGraw-Hill.
  • Dabbs, J. M., Jr., & Mohammed, S. (1992). Male and female salivary testosterone concentrations before and after sexual activity. Physiology and Behavior, 52, 195-197.[CrossRef][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  • Davies, S., Katz, J., & Jackson, J. L. (1999). Sexual desire discrepancies: Effects on sexual and relationship satisfaction in heterosexual dating couples. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 28, 553-567.[CrossRef][ISI][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  • Davis, C. M., Blank, J., Lin, H.-Y., & Bonillas, C. (1996). Characteristics of vibrator use among women. Journal of Sex Research, 33, 313-320.
  • Davis, S. R., McCloud, P., Strauss, B. J. G., & Burger, H. (1995). Testosterone enhances estradiol's effects on postmenopausal bone density and sexuality. Maturitas, 21, 227-236.[CrossRef][ISI][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  • Deci, E. L. (1971). Effects of externally mediated rewards on intrinsic motivation. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 18, 105-115.[CrossRef][ISI]
  • De Gaston, J. F., Weed, S., & Jensen, L. (1996). Understanding gender differences in adolescent sexuality. Adolescence, 31, 217-231.[ISI][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  • De Jonge, F. H., & Van de Poll, N. E. (1984). Relationships between sexual and aggressive behavior in male and female rats. In G. J. de Bries, J. P. C. de Bruin, H. B. M. Uylings, & M. A. Corner (Eds.), Sex differences in the brain B Progress in brain research (Vol. 61, pp. 283-302). Amsterdam: Elsevier.
  • DeLamater, J. D., & Hyde, J. S. (1998). Essentialism vs. social constructionism in the study of human sexuality. Journal of Sex Research, 35, 10-18.
  • Driscoll, R. H., & Davis, K. E. (1971). Sexual restraints: A comparison of perceived and self-reported reasons for college students. Journal of Sex Research, 7, 253-262.
  • Ehrenreich, B. (1999, March 8). The real truth about the female. Time, 153(9), 57-71.
  • Elias, J. E., Bullough, V. L., Elias, V., & Brewer, G. (1998). Prostitution: On whores, hustlers, and johns. New York: Prometheus.
  • Ellis, B. J., & Symons, D. (1990). Sex differences in sexual fantasy: An evolutionary psychological approach. Journal of Sex Research, 27, 527-555.[ISI]
  • Eysenck, H. J. (1971). Masculinity-femininity, personality and sexual attitudes. Journal of Sex Research, 7, 83-88.
  • Fisher, W. A., & Byrne, D. (1978). Sex differences in response to erotica: Love versus lust. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 36, 117-125.[CrossRef]
  • Frank, E., Anderson, C., & Rubinstein, D. (1978). Frequency of sexual dysfunction in "normal" couples. New England Journal of Medicine, 299, 111-115.[Abstract]
  • Galyer, K. T., Conaglen, H. M., Hare, A., & Conaglen, J. V. (1999). The effect of gynecological surgery on sexual desire. Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy, 25, 81-88.
  • Godelier, M. (1986). The making of great men: Male domination and power among the New Guinea Baruya. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press.
  • Gutmann, M. C. (1997). Trafficking in men: The anthropology of masculinity. Annual Review of Anthropology, 26, 385-409.[CrossRef][ISI]
  • Halpern, C. T., Udry, J. R., & Suchindran, C. (1997). Testosterone predicts initiation of coitus in adolescent females. Psychosomatic Medicine, 59, 161-171.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  • Hansen, G. L. (1987). Extradyadic relations during courtship. Journal of Sex Research, 23, 382-390.
  • Hatfield, E., & Rapson, R. L. (1993). Historical and cross-cultural perspectives on passionate love and sexual desire. Annual Review of Sex Research, 4, 67-97.
  • Hawton, K., & Catalan, J. (1986). Prognostic factors in sex therapy. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 24, 377-385.[CrossRef][ISI][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  • Heiman, J. R. (1977). A psychophysiological exploration of sexual arousal patterns in females and males. Psychophysiology, 14, 266-274.[ISI][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  • Herdt, G., & Stoller, R. J. (1990). Intimate communications: Erotics and the study of culture. New York: Columbia University Press.
  • Herek, G. M., & Capitanio, J. P. (1999). Sex differences in how heterosexuals think about Lesbians and gay men: Evidence from survey context effects. Journal of Sex Research, 36, 348-360.
  • Herold, E. S., & Mewhinney, D.-M. K. (1993). Gender differences in casual sex and AIDS prevention: A survey of dating bars. Journal of Sex Research, 30, 36-42.
  • Hill, C. A. (1997). The distinctiveness of sexual motives in relation to sexual desire and desirable partner attributes. Journal of Sex Research, 34, 139-153.
  • Hurlbert, D. F. (1991). The role of assertiveness in female sexuality: A comparative study between sexually assertive and sexually nonassertive women. Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy, 17, 183-190.
  • Hurlbert, D. F., White, C., Powell, D. & Apt, C. (1993). Orgasm consistency training in the treatment of women reporting hypoactive sexual desire: An outcome comparison of women-only groups and couples-only groups. Journal of Behavior Therapy & Experimental Psychiatry, 24, 3-13.[CrossRef][ISI][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  • Hyde, J. S., & DeLamater, J. (1997). Understanding human sexuality (6th ed.). Boston: McGraw-Hill.
  • Iasenza, S. (2000). Lesbian sexuality post-Stonewall to post-modernism: Putting the "lesbian bed death" concept to bed. Journal of Sex Education and Therapy, 25, 59-69.
  • Janus, S. S., & Janus, C. L. (1993). The Janus report on sexual behavior. New York: Wiley.
  • Johannes, C. B., & Avis, N. E. (1997). Gender differences in sexual activity among mid-aged adults in Massachusetts. Maturitas, 26, 175-184.[CrossRef][ISI][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  • Jones, J. C., & Barlow, D. H. (1990). Self-reported frequency of sexual urges, fantasies, and masturbatory fantasies in heterosexual males and females. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 19, 269-279.[CrossRef][ISI][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  • Julien, D., Bouchard, C., Gagnon, M., & Pomerleau, A. (1992). Insiders' views of marital sex: A dyadic analysis. Journal of Sex Research, 29, 343-360.
  • Kaplan, H. S. (1979). Disorders of sexual desire. New York: Brunner/Mazel.
  • Kinsey, A. C., Pomeroy, W. B., & Martin, C. E. (1948). Sexual behavior in the human male. Philadelphia: Saunders.
  • Kinsey, A. C., Pomeroy, W. B., Martin, C. E., & Gebhard, P. H. (1953). Sexual behavior in the human female. Philadelphia: Saunders.
  • Kirchengast, S., Hartmann, B., Gruber, D., & Huber, J. (1996). Decreased sexual interest and its relationship to body build in postmenopausal women. Maturitas, 23, 63-71.[CrossRef][ISI][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  • Knoth, R., Boyd, K., & Singer, B. (1988). Empirical tests of sexual selection theory: Predictions of sex differences in onset, intensity, and time course of sexual arousal. Journal of Sex Research, 24, 73-89.
  • LaPlante, M. N., McCormick, N., & Brannigan, G. G. (1980). Living the sexual script: College students' views of influence in sexual encounters. Journal of Sex Research, 16, 338-355.
  • Laumann, E. O., Gagnon, J. H., Michael, R. T., & Michaels, S. (1994). The social organization of sexuality: Sexual practices in the United States. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
  • Lawson, A. (1988). Adultery: An analysis of love and betrayal. New York: Basic Books.
  • Leiblum, S. R., & Rosen, R. C. (1988). Changing perspectives on sexual desire. In S. Leiblum & R. Rosen (Eds.), Sexual desire disorders (pp. 1-20). New York: Guilford.
  • Leigh, B. C. (1989). Reasons for having and avoiding sex: Gender, sexual orientation, and relationship to sexual behavior. Journal of Sex Research, 26, 199-209.[ISI]
  • Leigh, B. C., Morrison, D. M., Trocki, K., & Temple, M. T. (1994). Sexual behavior of American adolescents: Results from a U.S. national survey. Journal of Adolescent Health, 15, 117-125.[CrossRef][ISI][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  • Leitenberg, H., Detzer, M. J., & Srebnik, D. (1993). Gender differences in masturbation and the relation of masturbation experience in preadolescence and/or early adolescence to sexual behavior and sexual adjustment in young adulthood. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 22, 87-98.[CrossRef][ISI][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  • Leitenberg, H., & Henning, K. (1995). Sexual fantasy. Psychological Bulletin, 117, 469-496.[CrossRef][ISI][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  • Lepper, M. R., & Greene, D. (1978). (Eds.). The hidden costs of reward. Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc.
  • Lepper, M. R., Greene, D., & Nisbett, R. E. (1973). Undermining children's intrinsic interest with extrinsic rewards: A test of the overjustification hypothesis. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 28, 129-137.[CrossRef][ISI]
  • Lewis, R. A. (1973). Parents and peers: Socialization agents in the coital behavior of young adults. Journal of Sex Research, 9, 156-170.[ISI][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  • Loulan, J. (1990). Lesbian erotic dance: Butch, femme, androgyny, and other rhythms. Duluth, MN: Spinsters Book Co.
  • MacPhee, D. C., Johnson, S. M., & van der Veer, M. M. C. (1995). Low sexual desire in women: The effects of marital therapy. Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy, 21, 159-182.
  • Mahar, J. M. (1972). Agents of Dharma in a north Indian village. In J. M. Mahar (Ed.), The Untouchables in contemporary India (pp. 17-35). Tucson: University of Arizona Press.
  • Masters, W. H., Johnson, V. E., & Kolodny, R. C. (1995). Human sexuality (5th ed.). New York: HarperCollins.
  • Mazur, A., & Booth, A. (1998). Testosterone and dominance in men. Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 21, 353-397.[CrossRef][ISI][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  • McCabe, P. (1987). Desired and experienced levels of premarital affection and sexual intercourse during dating. Journal of Sex Research, 23, 23-33.
  • Mehrabian, A., & Stanton-Mohr, L. (1985). Effects of emotional state on sexual desire and sexual dysfunction. Motivation and Emotion, 9, 315-330.[CrossRef]
  • Mercer, G. W., & Kohn, P. M. (1979). Gender difference in the integration of conservatism, sex urge, and sexual behaviors among college students. Journal of Sex Research, 15, 129-142.
  • Meston, C. M., & Frohlich, P. F. (2000). The neurobiology of sexual function. Archives of General Psychiatry, 57, 1012-1030.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  • Miller, L. C., & Fishkin, S. A. (1997). On the dynamics of human bonding and reproductive success: Seeking windows on the adapted-for human-environmental interface. In J. Simpson & D. Kenrick (Eds.), Evolutionary social psychology (pp. 197-235). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc.
  • Murphy, S. (1992). A delicate dance: Sexuality, celibacy, and relationships among Catholic clergy and religious. New York: Crossroad.
  • Nathorst-Boos, J., & von Schoultz, B. (1992). Psychological reactions and sexual life after hysterectomy with and without oophorectomy. Gynecological and Obstetrician Investment, 34, 97-101.
  • Nathorst-Boos, J., von Schoultz, B., & Carlstrom, K. (1993). Elective ovarian removal and estrogen replacement therapy: Effects on sexual life, psychological well-being and androgen status. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology, 14, 283-293.[Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  • National Library of Medicine. (1966-2001). MEDLINE [Online]. Bethesda, MD: National Library of Medicine.
  • Nutter, D. E., & Condron, M. K. (1983). Sexual fantasy and activity patterns of females with inhibited sexual desire versus normal controls. Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy, 9, 276-282.
  • Oliver, M. B., & Hyde, J. S. (1993). Gender differences in sexuality: A meta-analysis. Psychological Bulletin, 114, 29-51.[CrossRef][ISI][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  • O'Sullivan, L., & Byers, E. S. (1992). College students' incorporation of intiator and restrictor roles in sexual dating interactions. Journal of Sex Research, 29, 435-446.
  • O'Sullivan, L. F., & Byers, E. S. (1995). Gender differences in response to discrepancies in desired level of sexual intimacy. Journal of Psychology and Human Sexuality, 8, 49-67.
  • Pearcey, S. M., Dochert, K. J., & Dabbs, J. M. (1996). Testosterone and sex role identification in lesbian couples. Physiology and Behavior, 60, 1033-1035.[Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  • Pfaus, J. G. (1999). Neurobiology of sexual behavior. Current Opinion in Neurobiology, 9, 751-758.[CrossRef][ISI][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  • Pfeiffer, E., Verwoerdt, A., & Davis, G. (1972). Sexual behavior in middle life. American Journal Psychiatry, 128, 1262-1267.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  • Regan, P. C. (1999). Hormonal correlates and causes of sexual desire: A review. Canadian Journal of Sexuality, 8, 1-16.
  • Regan, P. C., & Berscheid, E. (1996). Beliefs about the state, goals, and objects of sexual desire. Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy, 22, 110-120.
  • Reinholtz, R. K., & Muehlenhard, C. L. (1995). Genital perceptions and sexual activity in a college population. Journal of Sex Research, 32, 155-165.
  • Riley, A., & Riley, E. (2000). Controlled studies on women presenting with sexual drive disorder: I. Endocrine status. Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy, 26, 269-283.[CrossRef]
  • Roberts, E. J., Kline, D., & Gagnon, J. (1978). Family life and sexual learning (Vol. 1). Cambridge, MA: Population Education.
  • Rosen, R. C., & Leiblum, S. R. (1989). Assessment and treatment of desire disorders. In R. Rosen & S. Leiblum (Eds.), Principles and practice of sex therapy (2nd ed., pp. 19-47). New York: Guilford.
  • Sanders, S. A., & Reinisch, J. M. (1999). Would you say you "had sex" if...? Journal of the American Medical Association, 281, 275-277.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  • Schwartz, P., & Rutter, V. (1998). The gender of sexuality. Thousand Oaks, CA: Pine Forge Press.
  • Segraves, K., & Segraves, R. T. (1991). Hypoactive sexual desire disorder: Prevalence and comorbidity in 906 subjects. Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy, 17, 55-58.
  • Sherwin, B. (1988). A comparative analysis of the role of androgen in human male and female sexual behavior: Behavioral specificity, critical thresholds, and sensitivity. Psychobiology, 16, 416-425.
  • Sherwin, B. B., Gelfand, M. M., & Brender, W. (1985). Androgen enhances sexual motivation in females: A prospective, crossover study of sex steroid administration in the surgical menopause. Psychosomatic Medicine, 47, 339-351.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  • Shifren, J. L., Braunstein, G. D., Simon, J. A., Casson, P. R., Buster, J. E., Redmond, G. P., Burki, R. E., Ginsburg, E. S., Rosen, R. C., Leiblum, S. R., Jones, K. P., Daugherty, C. A., Caramelli, K. E., & Mazer, N. A. (2000). Transdermal testosterone treatment in women with impaired sexual function after oophorectomy. New England Journal of Medicine, 343, 682-688.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  • Shifren, J. L., Nahum, R., & Mazer, N. A. (1998). Incidence of sexual dysfunction in surgically menopausal women. Menopause, 5, 189-190.[ISI][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  • Sigusch, V., & Schmidt, G. (1973). Teenage boys and girls in West Germany. Journal of Sex Research, 9, 107-123.[ISI][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  • Singh, D., Vidaurri, M., Zambarano, R. J., & Dabbs, J. M. (1999). Lesbian erotic role identification: Behavioral, morphological, and hormonal correlates. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 76, 1035-1049.[CrossRef][ISI][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  • Sipe, A. W. R. (1995). Sex priests, and power: Anatomy of a crisis. New York: Brunner/Mazel.
  • Sivacek, J., & Crano, W. D. (1982). Vested interest as a moderator of attitude-behavior consistency. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 43, 210-221.[CrossRef][ISI]
  • Smith, A. M. A., Rosenthal, D. A., & Reichler, H. (1996). Highschoolers's masturbatory practices: Their relationship to sexual intercourse and personal characteristics. Psychological Reports, 79, 499-509.[ISI][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  • Spanier, G. P., & Margolis, R. L. (1983). Marital separation and extramarital sexual behavior. Journal of Sex Research, 19, 23-48.
  • Sprecher, S. (1989). Premarital sexual standards for different categories of individuals. Journal of Sex Research, 26, 232-248.
  • Sprecher, S., Barbee, A., & Schwartz, P. (1995). "Was it good for you, too?": Gender differences in first sexual experiences. Journal of Sex Research, 32, 3-15.
  • Sprecher, S., & Regan, P. C. (1996). College virgins: How men and women perceive their sexual status. Journal of Sex Research, 33, 3-15.
  • Stuart, F., Hammond, D., & Pett, M. (1987). Inhibited sexual desire in women. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 16, 91-106.[CrossRef][ISI][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  • Thompson, A. P. (1983). Extramarital sex: A review of the research literature. Journal of Sex Research, 19, 1-22.[Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  • Tikoo, M. (1997). Sexual attitudes and behaviors of school students (grades 6–12) in India. Journal of Sex Research, 34, 77-84.
  • Trudel, G., Boulos, L., & Matte, B. (1993). Dyadic adjustment in couples with hypoactive sexual desire. Journal of Sex Education and Therapy, 19, 31-36.
  • Trudel, G., Landry, L., & Larose, Y. (1997). Low sexual desire: The role of anxiety, depression and marital adjustment. Sexual and Marital Therapy, 12, 95-99.
  • Udry, J. R., Billy, J. O. G., Morris, N. M., Groff, T. R., & Raj, M. H. (1985). Serum androgenic hormones motivate sexual behavior in adolescent boys. Fertility and Sterility, 43, 90-94.[ISI][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  • Udry, J. R., Talbert, L. M., & Morris, N. M. (1986). Biosocial foundations for adolescent female sexuality. Demography, 23, 217-229.[ISI][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  • Useche, B., Villegas, M., & Alzate, H. (1990). Sexual behavior of Colombian high school students. Adolescence, 25, 291-304.[ISI][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  • Van Goozen, S. H. M., Cohen-Kettenis, P. T., Gooren, L. J. G., Frijda, N. H., & Van de Poll, N. E. (1995). Gender differences in behaviour: Activating effects of cross-sex hormones. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 20, 343-363.[CrossRef][ISI][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  • Van Goozen, S. H. M., Wiegant, V. M., Endert, E., Helmond, F. A., & Van de Poll, N. E. (1997). Psychoendocrinological assessment of the menstrual cycle: The relationship between hormones, sexuality, and mood. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 26, 359-383.[CrossRef][ISI][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  • Vanwesenbeeck, I., Bekker, M., & van Lenning, A. (1998). Gender attitudes, sexual meanings, and interactional patterns in heterosexual encounters among college students in the Netherlands. Journal of Sex Research, 35, 317-327.
  • Ventegodt, S. (1998). Sex and the quality of life in Denmark. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 27, 295-307.[CrossRef][ISI][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  • Waller, W., & Hill, R. (1951). The family: A dynamic interpretation. New York: Dryden. (Original work published in 1938)
  • Weeks, J. (1985). Sexuality and its discontents: Meanings, myths, and modern sexualities. London: Routledge & Kegan Paul.
  • Weis, D. L. (1998). The use of theory in sexuality research. Journal of Sex Research, 35, 1-9.
  • Whitley, B. E. (1988). Sex differences in heterosexuals' attitudes toward homosexuals. Journal of Sex Research, 24, 287-291.
  • Wiederman, M. W. (1997). The truth must be in here somewhere: Examining the gender discrepancy in self-reported lifetime number of sex partners. Journal of Sex Research, 34, 375-386.[ISI]
  • Wilson, W. C. (1975). The distribution of selected sexual attitudes and behaviors among the adult population of the United States. Journal of Sex Research, 11, 46-64.[ISI][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
Is There a Gender Difference in Strength of Sex Drive? Theoretical Views, Conceptual Distinctions, and a Review of Relevant Evidence -- Baumeister et al. 5 (3): 242 -- Personality and Social Psychology Review

This seems to be very accurate and could be used as argumentation.

Sex Differences in Sex Drive, Sociosexuality, and Height across 53 Nations: Testing Evolutionary and Social Structural Theories.

Lippa RA.
Department of Psychology, California State University, Fullerton, Fullerton, CA, 92834, USA, rlippa@fullerton.edu.


By analyzing cross-cultural patterns in five parameters-sex differences, male and female trait means, male and female trait standard deviations-researchers can better test evolutionary and social structural models of sex differences. Five models of biological and social structural influence are presented that illustrate this proposal. Using data from 53 nations and from over 200,000 participants surveyed in a recent BBC Internet survey, I examined cross-cultural patterns in these five parameters for two sexual traits-sex drive and sociosexuality-and for height, a physical trait with a biologically based sex difference. Sex drive, sociosexuality, and height all showed consistent sex differences across nations (mean ds = .62, .74, and 1.63). Women were consistently more variable than men in sex drive (mean female to male variance ratio = 1.64). Gender equality and economic development tended to predict, across nations, sex differences in sociosexuality, but not sex differences in sex drive or height. Parameters for sociosexuality tended to vary across nations more than parameters for sex drive and height did. The results for sociosexuality were most consistent with a hybrid model-that both biological and social structural influences contribute to sex differences, whereas the results for sex drive and height were most consistent with a biological model-that evolved biological factors are the primary cause of sex differences. The model testing proposed here encourages evolutionary and social structural theorists to make more precise and nuanced predictions about the patterning of sex differences across cultures.
Sex Differences in Sex Drive, Sociosexuality, and ...[Arch Sex Behav. 2007] - PubMed Result

Can someone Translate the last one? I really don´t know what that means...