Does Sexual Desire Fluctuate More Among Women than Men?

Abstract

There is a lay assumption that women’s sexual desire varies substantially over time, whereas men’s is stable. This assumption is mirrored in prominent theories of desire, which posit that women are more variable than men in the extent to which they desire sex, and that women’s sexual desire is more contextually sensitive than men’s. We tested this assumption across three longitudinal studies. Study 1 assessed desire at 3 time points spanning 13 years (Nobservations = 5562), and Studies 2 and 3 (Nobservations = 11,282) assessed desire moment-to-moment over 7 days. When desire was measured over years, women were more variable in their sexual desire than men (Study 1). However, we found a different pattern of results when desire was measured over the short term. In Studies 2 and 3, we found no significant differences in women’s and men’s desire variability. The extent to which desire varied as a function of affective states (e.g., happiness) and relationship-oriented states (e.g., partner closeness) was similar for women and men, with some exceptions; women’s desire was more negatively associated with tiredness and anger in Study 2. These data qualify existing assumptions about sex differences in sexual desire variability.

Sexual Function in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Living in Stable Heterosexual Relationships: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…The linear model supplemented by Kaplan included four phases: desire, arousal, orgasm, and decisiveness, and assumed that male desire is stable and high [19]. The latest research focuses on assessing the short-term variability of the desires of women and men in the context of their emotional state and closeness in a partnership and does not confirm significant differences between women and men [20]. This is consistent with Basson's later model assuming that the motivations for sexual activity are numerous, sexual desire does not have to be present at the beginning of the sexual response, but it is achieved after the brain processes sexual signals that combine desire with arousal [21].…”

Influence of Pregnancy on Sexual Desire in Pregnant Women and Their Partners: Systematic Review

“…There is diversity in women's and men's sexual desire variability, with relevant practical implications in the couple sexual self-concept and sexual relationship. Women appear to show greater variability in sexual attitudes, behaviours, and attraction [9]. The first trimester is linked to a decrease in sexual relationships frequency due to nausea, sickness, breast sensitivity, and a worsening sense of wellbeing [10,11].…”

“…The sexuality of new parents plays an important medical and psychological role, but pregnant couples tend to avoid discussing their sexual problems [3]. Is has been assumed that women's desire is more sensitive to the psychosocial context, and hence more variable and sensitive to major life events [9]. In this context, desire for pregnancy could be an indicator of more committed, intimate, and long-term relationships, being relevant for women's desire in the antenatal period [20].…”