An Objective Measure of Vaginal Lubrication in Women With and Without Sexual Arousal Concerns.

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Bibliographic Details
Title: An Objective Measure of Vaginal Lubrication in Women With and Without Sexual Arousal Concerns.
Authors: Handy, Ariel B. (AUTHOR), Meston, Cindy M. (AUTHOR)
Source: Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy. 2021, Vol. 47 Issue 1, p32-42. 11p. 2 Charts, 1 Graph.
Subjects: Sexual excitement, Lubrication & lubricants, Blood flow, Self-evaluation, Measuring instruments
Abstract: Changes in vaginal blood flow and lubrication are primary components of physiological sexual arousal in women. Despite the existence of well-established tools for measuring vaginal blood flow, there is not yet a consistently implemented measure of physiological lubrication. To address this methodological gap, researchers have begun examining the utility of litmus test strips, primarily in sexually healthy women. The present study builds on this work by examining the utility of an alternative tool, the Schirmer Tear Test strips, in women with (n = 32) and without (n = 32) sexual arousal concerns. Significant increases in physiological lubrication were found in response to a sexual film, and these changes were moderately correlated with self-reported genital arousal (r = .41) and lubrication (r = .30). No between-group differences in lubrication were observed. These results indicate the Schirmer Tear Test strips are sensitive enough to detect increases in lubrication and may be valuable in clinical and research assessments of female sexual arousal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection
Description
Abstract:Changes in vaginal blood flow and lubrication are primary components of physiological sexual arousal in women. Despite the existence of well-established tools for measuring vaginal blood flow, there is not yet a consistently implemented measure of physiological lubrication. To address this methodological gap, researchers have begun examining the utility of litmus test strips, primarily in sexually healthy women. The present study builds on this work by examining the utility of an alternative tool, the Schirmer Tear Test strips, in women with (n = 32) and without (n = 32) sexual arousal concerns. Significant increases in physiological lubrication were found in response to a sexual film, and these changes were moderately correlated with self-reported genital arousal (r = .41) and lubrication (r = .30). No between-group differences in lubrication were observed. These results indicate the Schirmer Tear Test strips are sensitive enough to detect increases in lubrication and may be valuable in clinical and research assessments of female sexual arousal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:0092623X
DOI:10.1080/0092623X.2020.1801542