Female frigidity is a condition characterized by an absence or lack of sexual desire or interest in sexual activity. It can affect individuals from both genders but is more common among women. Several factors contribute to female frigidity, including psychological and physiological components. While some aspects are challenging to objectively measure and may vary between individuals, others can be quantified using specific tests and measurements. This article will discuss which somatic contributors to female frigidity can be objectively measured and their correlation with subjective sexual experience.
Physiology
The physiology of female sexual response has been studied extensively for decades. The most commonly used method for measuring physiological changes during arousal is vaginal photoplethysmography (VPG), which involves measuring blood flow to the vagina. VPG measures vaginal pulse amplitude (VPA), which increases during arousal, and vaginal pulse amplitude variability (VPAV), which decreases. Studies have found that VPA and VPA correlate positively with sexual arousal, suggesting they can be objectively measured and quantified. In addition, studies have shown that genital vascular response differs among individuals, and this difference can be associated with differences in sexual function.
One study showed that women who report low sexual desire had lower genital vascular response than those who reported high sexual desire.
Somatic responses
Somatic responses refer to physical reactions in the body, such as heart rate, breathing, muscle tension, sweating, and lubrication. These responses increase during sexual activity and are considered an essential component of the sexual response cycle. Research has shown that women who perceive higher levels of sexual pleasure also tend to exhibit greater somatic responses. One study compared brain activity between women who reported high and low sexual satisfaction and found that those with higher satisfaction had increased brain activation during sexual stimulation. This suggests that increased somatic responses may contribute to a more pleasurable sexual experience.
Psychology
Psychological factors play a crucial role in female frigidity. Many psychological variables, such as emotional intimacy, communication, and relationship quality, affect sexual desire and arousal.
Some psychological factors are challenging to measure objectively. The Sexual Desire Inventory-2 (SDI-2) is a self-report questionnaire used to assess sexual desire. It includes items related to frequency, intensity, and interest in sex. The SDI-2 has been validated for use in several populations and cultures and provides a reliable and valid measurement of sexual desire.
The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) measures various aspects of sexual function, including desire, arousal, orgasm, and sexual satisfaction.
Correlation
The correlation between physiological and psychological factors varies depending on individual differences.
One study showed that the VPA response correlated positively with sexual desire but not with genital sensitivity or arousal. Another study revealed that vaginal blood flow was unrelated to subjective feelings of arousal but did correlate with self-reported sexual function. These findings suggest that while some physiological factors can be measured and quantified, their correlation with subjective experience varies from person to person.
Measuring physiological factors like VPA and VPV is essential for understanding female sexual dysfunction and developing targeted treatments.
Which somatic contributors to female frigidity can be objectively quantified, and how do they correlate with subjective sexual experience?
Female sexual dysfunction has been found to have both physiological and psychosocial factors. The physical causes of this condition may include hormonal imbalances, medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease, neurological disorders, medications, genetic predisposition, and certain drugs.