Macdowall, W.G. et al. (2022) Salivary testosterone and sexual function and behaviour in men and women: findings from the third British National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (Natsal-3). Journal of Sex Research, 59(2), pp. 135-149. (doi: 10.1080/00224499.2021.1968327) (PMID:34634954)
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Abstract
Using data from the third British National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (Natsal-3) we examined associations between salivary testosterone (Sal-T) and sexual function and behavior. Single morning saliva samples were self-collected from a subsample of participants aged 18–74 years and analyzed using mass spectrometry. 1,599 men and 2,123 women were included in the analysis (40.6% of those invited to provide a sample). We adjusted for confounders in a stepwise manner: in model 1 we adjusted for age only; model 2 for age, season and relationship status, and model 3 we added BMI and self-reported health. In the fully adjusted models, among men, Sal-T was positively associated with both partnered sex (vaginal sex and concurrent partners) and masturbation. Among women, Sal-T was positively associated with masturbation, the only association with partnered sex was with ever experience of same-sex sex. We found no clear association between Sal-T and sexual function. Our study contributes toward addressing the sparsity of data outside the laboratory on the differences between men and women in the relationship between T and sexual function and behavior. To our knowledge, this is the first population study, among men and women, using a mass spectrometry Sal-T assay to do so.
| Item Type: | Articles |
|---|---|
| Additional Information: | The study was supported by grants from the Medical Research Council [G0701757]; and the Wellcome Trust [084840]; with contributions from the Economic and Social Research Council and Department of Health. Since September 2015, KRM has been supported by the UK Medical Research Council (grant MC_UU_12017/11) and the Chief Scientist Office (grant SPHSU11). |
| Status: | Published |
| Refereed: | Yes |
| Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Mitchell, Professor Kirstin |
| Authors: | Macdowall, W.G., Clifton, S., Palmer, M.J., Tanton, C., Copas, A.J., Lee, D.M., Mitchell, K.R., Mercer, C.H., Sonnenberg, P., Johnson, A.M., and Wellings, K. |
| College/School: | College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU |
| Journal Name: | Journal of Sex Research |
| Publisher: | Taylor and Francis |
| ISSN: | 0022-4499 |
| ISSN (Online): | 1559-8519 |
| Published Online: | 11 October 2021 |
| Copyright Holders: | Copyright © 2021 The Authors |
| First Published: | First published in Journal of Sex Research 59(2): 135-149 |
| Publisher Policy: | Reproduced under a Creative Commons licence |
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