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PubMedDate not supplied

Students' sexual behavior, knowledge, and attitudes relating to the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Five hundred ninety students receiving primary care in a university health service were surveyed anonymously in 1985-86 to study their self-reported sexual behavior and knowledge and attitudes about acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Most students (75%) were heterosexual; 3% were homosexual, 3% bisexual, and 15% had never been sexually active. Many students (32%) had greater than or equal to 2 sexual partners in the past year, but only 23% of these had changed their sexual practices because of concern about AIDS. Some students with high-risk sexual behavior were not very knowledgeable: among homosexual or bisexual men, those with greater than or equal to 6 recent sexual partners knew less than others (P less than 0.001). Overall, less knowledgeable students had more personal concerns about AIDS, favored limiting the social activities of people infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and favored screening for HIV-antibody; these associations between knowledge and attitudes were significant even when controlling for demographic characteristics and sexual behavior with multiple linear regression. The authors conclude that many students receiving primary care reported sexual behavior that could spread HIV, and that less knowledgeable students had particular concerns and attitudes about AIDS.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

PubMed1977

Concurrent inhibition of sexual behavior, but not brain [3H]estradiol uptake, by progesterone in female rats.

Chronic injections of high doses of progesterone (5 mg) and low doses of estradiol benzoate (EB; 2 microgram) resulted in less sexual behavior than did low doses of progesterone (.5 mg) and low doses of EB. In a typical procedure for inducing sexual behavior, EB and progesterone were given sequentially, separated by 42 hr. High levels of progesterone (2.5 and 5 mg) administered concurrently with EB inhibited the induction of sexual receptivity. Increasing the dose of EB from 2 microgram to 6 microgram or 10 microgram offset this inhibition. High doses of progesterone (5 mg) administered simultaneously or 2-16 hr prior to EB inhibited the induction of sexual behavior, but the inhibition waned when progesterone was administered 48 hr prior to EB. A single injection of progesterone (1 mg) that did not inhibit the induction of sexual behavior when administered concurrently with EB did inhibit lordosis when distributed into five injections (.2 mg) every 4 hr. The results of two experiments in which progesterone did not inhibit the uptake or retention of [3H]estradiol by brain cell nuclei suggest that the antiestrogenic action of progesterone in the central nervous system is not to interfere with the binding of estradiol.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

Masculine sexual behavior is disrupted in male and female mice lacking a functional estrogen receptor alpha gene.

Masculine sexual behavior is regulated by testosterone (T). However, T can be metabolized to form estrogens or other androgens, which then activate their own receptors. We used knockout mice lacking a functional estrogen receptor alpha (ER alpha) gene to test the hypothesis that, following aromatization, T acts via the ER alpha to activate normal masculine sexual behavior. After gonadectomy and T replacement, wild-type (WT) male and female mice displayed masculine behavior. However, given the same T treatment, little masculine behavior was displayed by mice of either sex that lack a normal copy of the ER alpha gene. In particular, the latency to display masculine sex behavior and the number of mount attempts per trial were significantly reduced in the ER alpha- mice compared to WT littermates (P < 0.05). In addition, we found that in both sexes, ER alpha- mice have a smaller cluster of androgen receptor immunoreactivity in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. Using adult ER alpha- mice we were unable to determine whether these genotypic differences are due to organizational or activational effects. However, it is clear that the ER alpha plays a key role in the expression of masculine sexual behavior and in the regulation of androgen receptors in a neuronal cell population involved in the display of motivated behaviors.

Animals↗

PubMed1986

Effects of metabolism inhibitors, antiestrogens and antiandrogens on the androgen and estrogen induced sexual behavior in Japanese quail.

The relative contribution of androgenic and estrogenic metabolites of testosterone to the activation of sexual behavior was studied in Japanese quail by using inhibitors of testosterone metabolism, antiestrogens and antiandrogens. These compounds were tested in castrated birds whose sexual behavior had been activated by silastic implants of testosterone (T) or daily injections of testosterone propionate (TP) or diethylstilboestrol (DES). The aromatase inhibitor ATD only depressed T-induced behavior when injected at high doses and the 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor, 4MA was inactive in this respect. The antiestrogens, tamoxifen (TAM) and nitromifene citrate (CI-628) strongly depressed sexual behavior but they also drastically reduced the crowing behavior which is typically androgen-dependent which throws some doubts on the specificity of their action. The antiandrogens, flutamide and cyproterone acetate (CA), only had limited inhibitory effects on the copulatory behavior but similarly decreased only marginally the crowing. As they strongly depressed the cloacal gland growth, it can be ascertained that they were injected in sufficient amounts and their lack of action on crowing questions the ability of these compounds to inhibit brain processes even when they are androgen-dependent. Taken together with the results of previous experiments which tested the behavioral effects of the testosterone metabolites, the present data confirm the implication of both androgenic and estrogenic metabolites of testosterone in the activation of behavior. Their interaction remains, however, poorly defined and its understanding will probably require the identification of the biochemical processes which in the brain mediate the behavior.

Androgens↗

PubMed2003

Sexual behavior of HIV discordant couples after HIV counseling and testing.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Sexual behavior following voluntary HIV counseling and testing (VCT) is described in 963 cohabiting heterosexual couples with one HIV positive and one HIV negative partner ('discordant couples'). Biological markers were used to assess the validity of self-report. METHODS: Couples were recruited from a same-day VCT center in Lusaka, Zambia. Sexual exposures with and without condoms were recorded at 3-monthly intervals. Sperm detected on vaginal smears, pregnancy, and sexually transmitted diseases (STD) including HIV, gonorrhea, syphilis, and Trichomonas vaginalis were assessed. RESULTS: Less than 3% of couples reported current condom use prior to VCT. In the year after VCT, > 80% of reported acts of intercourse in discordant couples included condom use. Reporting 100% condom use was associated with 39-70% reductions in biological markers; however most intervals with reported unprotected sex were negative for all biological markers. Under-reporting was common: 50% of sperm and 32% of pregnancies and HIV transmissions were detected when couples had reported always using condoms. Positive laboratory tests for STD and reported extramarital sex were relatively infrequent. DNA sequencing confirmed that 87% of new HIV infections were acquired from the spouse. CONCLUSIONS: Joint VCT prompted sustained but imperfect condom use in HIV discordant couples. Biological markers were insensitive but provided evidence for a significant under-reporting of unprotected sex. Strategies that encourage truthful reporting of sexual behavior and sensitive biological markers of exposure are urgently needed. The impact of prevention programs should be assessed with both behavioral and biological measures.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Dopamine modulates male sexual behavior in Japanese quail in part via actions on noradrenergic receptors.

In rats, dopamine (DA) facilitates male sexual behavior through its combined action on D1- and D2-like receptors, in the medial preoptic area (MPOA) as well as other brain areas. In Japanese quail, systemic injections of dopaminergic drugs suggested a similar pharmacology but central injections have never been performed. Recent electrophysiological experiments demonstrated that DA effects in the MPOA of quail are mediated mainly through the activation of alpha2-noradrenergic receptors. Previous studies of DA action on behavior used specific dopaminergic agonists/antagonists and therefore unintentionally avoided the potential cross-reaction with alpha2-receptors. The present study was thus designed to investigate directly the effects of DA on male sexual behavior and to test whether the interaction of DA with heterologous receptors affects this behavior. Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of DA or NE inhibited copulation in a dose-dependent manner. Systemic injections of yohimbine, an alpha2-noradrenergic antagonist, modulated copulation in a bimodal manner depending on the dose injected. Interestingly, a behaviorally ineffective dose of yohimbine markedly reduced the inhibitory effects of DA when injected 15min before. Together, these results show for the first time that i.c.v. injections of DA itself inhibit male sexual behavior in quail and suggest that the interaction of DA with alpha2-receptors has behavioral significance.

Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists↗

PubMed2004

[Risk factors for sexual behaviors in girl's high school students].

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine risk factors for sexual behaviors in Korean female high school students. METHOD: Data was collected by a written questionnaire from June 22 to July 18, 2002 from 522 girls, who were stratified samples from a target population of 63,375 11th grade students from 200 regular high schools and 70 vocational high schools in Seoul, Korea. We conducted multiple regression analysis using the SAS pc+ program. RESULT: Risk factors for intimate behaviors were association with boy friends, differential association, family attachment, and family abuse experience. These variables cause 68% of intimate behaviors. Risk factors for sexual experiences were differential association, association with boy friend, and family attachment. These variables cause 14% of sexual experiences. CONCLUSION: Efforts to reduce sexual behaviors in girls should include the possible role of peers and develop peer leader programs.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Reported changes in sexual behavior in response to AIDS in the United States.

BACKGROUND: The AIDS epidemic has profoundly affected public health policy and everyday choices of individuals. Understanding the self-protective strategies adopted by the general population is crucial to designing appropriate and more effective primary AIDS prevention strategies. METHODS: A probability sample of the U.S. adult population in 1992, the National Health and Social Life Survey (n = 3,159), addressed detailed aspects of sexual behavior. How respondents changed their sexual behavior due to AIDS was recorded verbatim and categorized for analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-nine percent of U.S. adults reported some sexual behavior change, primarily, reducing numbers of partners (12%), using condoms more frequently (9%), selecting partners more carefully (7%), changing attitude toward sex (4%), and abstinence (3%). Individuals most at risk show the greatest propensity to change although the actual risk-reduction strategies and the meanings assigned to those strategies vary considerably. Strategies are not all compatible with each other nor equally likely to be adopted by individuals with different lifestyles. CONCLUSIONS: Self-protective strategies to avoid AIDS are widespread, but primary prevention efforts should be targeted to particular circumstances and the self-protective propensities of each individual.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

PubMed1996

Inhibition of sexual behavior in male mice infected with Taenia crassiceps cysticerci.

Prominent estrogenization and deandrogenization ensue in male mice as a consequence of experimental intraperitoneal infection with Taenia crassiceps cysticerci. The impact of these endocrine changes upon sexual behavior was explored in a group of infected Balb/c male mice at weekly intervals for 15 wk and compared with the behavior of otherwise paired, nonparasitized male mice. Mounting, intromission, and ejaculation responses markedly declined as infection progressed. Six weeks after infection, none of the infected mice displayed ejaculation, the number of mounts and intromissions gradually decreased, and their latencies increased, until, by the 13th wk, none of the parasitized mice showed any sexual response toward female mice. Fifteen weeks after infection, the number of metacestodes per host increased to a couple of thousand, the mean serum estradiol level was approximately 50 times higher than the normal value, and testosterone fell to 5% of its normal level. To fully assess that the inhibition of sexual behavior resulted from the decrease in testosterone levels, a group of 8-wk-infected mice received testosterone, and complete restoration of their sexual behavior was observed. Inhibition of masculine sexual behavior during the infection period is the result of hormonal changes, estradiol being ineffective in maintaining copulation.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Molecular biology tools for dissecting sexual behavior.

The tools of molecular biology have just begun to demonstrate the role of genes in controlling sexual behavior and how hormones can influence sexual and reproductive motivation by controlling gene expression. In this review article the use of the new term "molecular sexology" is proposed to indicate the growing evidence that molecular biology techniques can be a useful tool not only to understand the genetic bases of the animal (and soon human) sexual behavior, but also in order to provide the rationale of the use of advanced therapeutic approaches, such as gene transfer, to the symptoms and diseases of sexuality.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

The medial amygdaloid nucleus and medial preoptic area mediate steroidal control of sexual behavior in the male Syrian hamster.

An important goal of studies on steroid receptors in the brain is to understand the functions of specific populations of steroid receptor-containing neurons, particularly in the control of sexual behavior. The present study compared the ability of testosterone implants directed toward the medial amygdaloid nucleus (Me) or the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) and medial preoptic area (MPOA) to stimulate mating in castrated males. Twenty adult male hamsters were selected for vigorous sexual behavior, and baseline measures of copulatory behavior during the first 10 min of a 30-min mating behavior test were recorded on two occasions. Twelve weeks after castration, sexual behavior was recorded as before, and each male received a single intracranial implant constructed of 23-gauge tubing packed with crystalline testosterone placed stereotaxically into Me or BNST/MPOA (n = 10 each). Behavior was assessed on two occasions after surgery to determine if implants in Me or BNST/MPOA could stimulate sexual behavior above that observed after castration. In half of the males from each group, testosterone increased the males' interaction with the female, anogenital investigation, mounting, and reduced the latency to the first mount. After completion of behavioral testing, males were perfused and the brains processed for androgen receptor immunocytochemistry to determine the extent of brain regions influenced by the testosterone-filled cannula. In tissues stained rapidly in diaminobenzidine, androgen receptor-containing neurons were visible only in steroid responsive brain regions adjacent to the testosterone implant. This approach revealed that steroid receptors in both the posterior subdivision of Me and in the medial subregions of BNST/MPOA can mediate hormonal control of mating behavior in the male Syrian hamster. Implants placed outside these regions failed to stimulate mating. These results suggest that maintenance of copulatory behavior by gonadal steroids is not transduced by a single brain region, but that steroid effects can be elicited at multiple points along the mating behavior pathway.

Amygdala↗

PubMed2000

HIV-related high risk sexual behaviors and practices among women in Bogotá, Colombia.

Determinants associated with high-risk sexual behaviors were investigated in 1,133 sexually active women in Bogotá, Colombia. A self-administered questionnaire was completed by two groups of women: 721 representing the general population (GP), and 412 commercial sex workers (CSWs). High-risk sexual behaviors for HIV/AIDS were evident in both groups. Nevertheless, consistent condom use was reported by only 6% of the GP group, as compared to 67% of the CSWs. Failure to recognize high-risk routes for HIV infection was indicated in 69% of the GP women for anal sex, and by the majority of both groups for intercourse during menses (56% GP women and 54% CSWs). Multivariate analysis revealed that education level, actual age, and age of first sex experience were significant predictors of high-risk sexual practices. The necessity for educational programs regarding high-risk sexual practices and risk of HIV/ AIDS is evident for HIV/AIDS prevention.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1988

Hormonal restoration of masculine sexual behavior in long-term castrated B6D2F1 mice.

In contrast to the facilitative effects reported for other rodents, testosterone treatment at the time of castration previously was reported to inhibit masculine sexual behavior in male B6D2F1 mice. Males of this genotype vary in their behavioral response to castration. Some castrates retain sexual behaviors for many weeks after surgery, whereas others do not. In the present study, we sought to determine the effects of exogenous steroid hormone treatment on castrated B6D2F1 mice that had ceased to show copulatory behavior. Testosterone propionate and estradiol benzoate restored copulatory behavior to precastration levels in B6D2F1 males that did not retain sexual behaviors after castration.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

Risk of HIV transmission in sexual behaviors of college students.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the sexual behaviors of college students and assess the extent to which they were engaging in behaviors that have a risk for contracting AIDS. A total of 132 single sexually active students and 58 married students responded to a survey on their sexual behaviors and attitudes. Risk behaviors such as engaging in unprotected sex, having multiple sex partners, practicing anal sex, alcohol use, and infidelity and deceptive communication with partner were examined. Compared with earlier surveys on the same population, there was an increase in concern about contracting AIDS and a significant increase in the percentage of students who took the AIDS antibody test. Although none indicated they would lie to partners about a seropositive AIDS test, a few would not tell their partner unless specifically asked. A small percentage of subjects would have extradyadic relations without informing their steady partners and a small number of respondents indicated they might continue to engage in sexual relations with a seropositive partner or a new partner who recently had a seronegative AIDS test. The risks most predominant in this sample were the practice of unprotected sex, having multiple sex partners, and the consumption of alcohol in conjunction with sexual activity. With the exception of unprotected intercourse, the majority of respondents were engaging in behaviors that pose a minimal risk for contracting AIDS.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1967

Temporal patterns of sexual behavior in rabbits as determined by an automatic recording technique.

Sexual behavior between rabbits was automatically recorded by means of electrodes attached externally to the unrestrained animals. Current flowed only when the animals came into physical contact; the duration and amplitude of the current flow provided a means of automatic differentiation between sexual and other types of physical contact. Various temporal aspects of sexual behavior were revealed: (1) copulation was preceded by a series of thrusts that occurred at a constant frequency of 13 to 14 thrusts per sec; (2) the duration of a copulation was about 1.5 sec and could be as brief as 0.3 sec; (3) copulation was much more likely during the hours between dusk and dawn despite constant illumination; (4) copulations occurred in groups or "runs" characterized by many copulations within a few hours; (5) each run began with a high rate of copulation that often decreased over time; (6) between runs, several hours or days passed with little or no sexual activity; and (7) a run of copulations was noted at the end of every 16- to 20-day period (which corresponds to the known period of pseudopregnancy in rabbits) whether or not other runs occurred within this period.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Differences by gender and sexual experience in adolescent sexual behavior: implications for education and HIV prevention.

Researchers examined individual characteristics and peer influences related to adolescents' sexual behavior, taking gender and sexual experience into account. As part of a larger, longitudinal study investigating youth health awareness, 8th, 9th, and 10th graders reported their intentions to engage in sexual activity and use condoms in the next year, the amount of pressure they felt to engage in sexual activity, and their perceptions about the number of their peers engaging in sexual activity. Findings suggest intentions to engage in sexual behavior and use condoms, feelings of pressure to have sex, and perceptions about the number of friends engaging in sexual intercourse differ by gender and sexual experience status. Implications of these findings for health and sexuality education, as well as HIV prevention programs targeted at adolescents, are discussed.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Effects of naloxone on the acquisition and expression of appetitive and consummatory sexual behavior in male Japanese quail.

Previous studies in Japanese quail indicate that central administration of the opioid antagonist naloxone enhances consummatory sexual behavior (CSB). This effect could be related either to a decrease in sexual satiety or to previously documented stimulatory effects of naloxone on GnRH. The present studies were performed to investigate these two possibilities and to explore for the first time opioid involvement in the expression and acquisition of appetitive aspects of sexual behavior (ASB) in castrated, testosterone-treated Japanese quail. Although no effects on either ASB or CSB were observed in response to peripheral naloxone injections, a significant increase in CSB was observed in males receiving central injections of naloxone. Central injections of naloxone had no effect on the acquisition of a social proximity response used to measure ASB. However, compared to controls a greater number of naloxone-treated birds copulated in the test arena on the first day. Overall, these results indicate an inhibitory role for opioids in CSB, and suggest that opioids are differentially involved in different aspects of sexual behavior.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed1996

Sexual behavior and vaginal colonization by group B streptococcus among minority women.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that sexual behaviors predict colonization of the vagina by group B streptococcus among minority women. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, descriptive study of 192 consecutive African-American (37%) and Hispanic women (63%). Each woman underwent a detailed interview concerning sexual behavior. Separate specimens were taken from the endocervix, upper vagina, lower vagina, and anorectum and placed in selective broth media for isolation of group B streptococcus. Significant behavioral predictors of vaginal group B streptococcus colonization and heavy (3-4+) colonization were identified using stepwise logistic regression. RESULTS: The incidence of vaginal colonization was 39% and heavy colonization was 35%. Nineteen percent reported anal intercourse, 46% reported sex at least two times per week, and 21% reported more than one partner in the previous 30 days. The significant predictors of vaginal group B streptococcal infection were: African-American ethnicity, adjusted odds ratio (OR) 6.1 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.5-15.1); presence of rectal group B streptococcus, adjusted OR 100.6 (95% CI 26.7-379.3); nulliparous, adjusted OR 3.6 (95% CI 1.4-9.5); and nonpregnant status, adjusted OR 3.9 (95% CI 1.3-12.2). The significant predictors of heavy colonization were: more than one partner in the last 30 days, adjusted OR 2.6 (95% CI 1.2-5.6); and African-American ethnicity, adjusted OR 2.3 (95% CI 1.2-4.5). Anal intercourse was associated with a reduced likelihood of vaginal group B streptococcal infection, adjusted OR 0.34 (95% CI 0.12-0.91). CONCLUSION: Sexual behavior, especially anal intercourse, does not predict vaginal colonization by group B streptococcus. African-American women are more likely to have vaginal and heavy group B streptococcus colonization. Heavy vaginal colonization is associated with multiple partners in African-American women.

Adult↗