Showing papers in "Sexual and Relationship Therapy in 2004"
TL;DR: The Sexual Revolution of the 1960s and 1970s produced sweeping, far-reaching, fundamental changes in sexual behaviours, sexual desires, and sexual attitudes as mentioned in this paper. But did it?
Abstract: The Sexual Revolution of the 1960s and 1970s produced sweeping, far-reaching, fundamental changes in sexual behaviours, sexual desires, and sexual attitudes. Or did it? On closer inspection, many r...
79 citations
TL;DR: This paper found that more sexual differences exist between males and females than between women of different sexual orientations (Peplau, 2003) and that the behavior of women with other women presents an opportunity to study how women function sexually when there is no male influence.
Abstract: Beginning in the early 1980s, sex researchers and sex therapists became interested in studying same-sex sexuality and romantic relationships. In part, this grew out of efforts to address the special needs of lesbians and gay men in psychotherapy and sexual counselling. But in addition, some sexologists were motivated by the belief that comparing the behaviour of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, and heterosexuals could increase our understanding of the subtle interplay between sexuality and gender. Health professionals with a special interest in female sexuality have focused on studying lesbians and bisexual women, suspecting that more sexual differences exist between males and females than between women of different sexual orientations (Peplau, 2003). To the extent that this is true, the behaviour of women with other women presents an opportunity to study how women function sexually when there is no male influence. This research has mostly concentrated on two issues: the frequency of sex in lesbian relationships; and the plasticity of sexual orientation among women.
75 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors draw mainly upon self psychology and the affect theory literature to better understand the underlying dynamics of violent behaviour in intimate relationships, with particular reference to the role of shame as a precursor of violence.
Abstract: Perpetrators of domestic violence have traditionally been seen as an undeserving client group when considered in relation to the victims of their violence. Apart from anger management and psycho-educational groups for male perpetrators, very few other treatment options have been suggested. In treating couples, Goldner (1998) has advocated holding men accountable for their violence while at the same time utilizing concepts from attachment theory to provide treatment for them. This paper draws mainly upon self psychology and the affect theory literature to better understand the underlying dynamics of violent behaviour in intimate relationships, with particular reference to the role of shame as a precursor of violence. Qualitative data linking shame and violence were drawn from interviews with men attending a group for their violent behaviour. I argue that treatment may focus at the level of shame and its connection to violence, and that this may require working with the individual perpetrator, rather than t...
75 citations
TL;DR: The factors contributing to decline in relationship quality for new parents in the light of healthcare initiatives and socio-economic changes, including the changing roles of men, are explored, who have been largely ignored in studies of prenatal and postnatal sexuality.
Abstract: Couples with relationship problems during pregnancy and after the birth of their first child may be reluctant to seek help and, even if they want help, have to surmount many barriers, both their own and those created by health professionals. The emphasis on evidence-based practice in the NHS and current divorce statistics in the UK have led to a rash of support schemes for new parents and of trainings for health professionals in the detection of, and appropriate interventions in, relationship and sexual problems. Internationally there is a wide body of evidence that the transition to parenthood is a serious drain on the emotional, physical and material resources of a substantial number of couples and potentially a trigger of discontent for mother and father, with detrimental consequences for parents and baby. This paper explores the factors contributing to decline in relationship quality for new parents in the light of healthcare initiatives and socio-economic changes, including the changing roles of men,...
70 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present the data derived from 38 younger stroke survivors and their partners, focusing on the ways in which a traumatic event such as stroke impacts differently on the person involved and their partner, and how this may affect their subsequent relationship.
Abstract: This paper presents the data derived from 38 younger stroke survivors (aged 20-49) and their partners, focusing on the ways in which a traumatic event such as stroke impacts differently on the person involved and their partner, and how this may affect their subsequent relationship. Post-stroke recovery is a long-term proposition; 12-15 months post-discharge from hospital, some participants spoke of altered roles, additional responsibility, changed relationships, and communication problems. However, few couples had been offered any form of counselling or psychological support. There appears to be a need for family support and counselling if these families are to survive relatively unscathed.
60 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the psychological and biological impact of traumatic life events on intrapsychic and interpersonal intimacy was explored by examining two case samples of couple therapists who tackle the problems created by the impact of trauma by introducing them to new developments in the assessment and treatment of traumatic stress injuries.
Abstract: Links have already been forged between sexualized trauma and difficulties with intimacy in clinical practice. This article seeks to examine those links more closely by exploring both the psychological and biological impact of traumatic life events on intrapsychic and interpersonal intimacy. In addition, the progression of grief within couple relationships, the impact of brain injury and the adverse effects that residual disabilities can cause with intimacy are examined in detail. Two case samples highlight the real difficulties experienced in sharing emotions and the need for prior acknowledgement of the impact of trauma before attempts to reassure are made. Finally, this article aspires to increase the insight of couple therapists who tackle the problems created by the impact of trauma by introducing them to new developments in the assessment and treatment of traumatic stress injuries.
57 citations
TL;DR: The diagnosis of a lifethreatening illness such as cancer brings huge losses, both actual and potential, not only for the individual but also for the partner and family as mentioned in this paper, who adjust to the range of challenges that progressive illness brings.
Abstract: The diagnosis of a life-threatening illness such as cancer brings huge losses, both actual and potential, not only for the individual but also for the partner and family. When one person is seriously ill, the dynamics within a couple are altered. Adjustment is required as they negotiate the range of challenges that progressive illness brings. How people express themselves in close relationships is socially and culturally determined. However, it is generally accepted that human beings need to communicate and receive love and that this is done in a variety of ways. As they approach death, people's need for physical closeness, to touch and be touched, may be much more significant in terms of quality of life. Body image and bodily functions may be drastically altered for the patient with advanced disease. It is essential to regard sexuality and intimacy as fundamental, integral aspects of palliative care.
52 citations
TL;DR: Evidence is provided for the need for couples to devise coping strategies right from the initial diagnosis through rehabilitation to share the burden as much as possible, and to avoid unilateral dependency.
Abstract: Many patients given a diagnosis of a long-term illness have to make substantial adjustments to their own lives, as do their partners. There is evidence to show that partnerships are subject to intense stress throughout long-term illness, and that the ‘unaffected partner’ may paradoxically be more affected than the patient. This paper provides evidence for this and for the need for couples to devise coping strategies right from the initial diagnosis through rehabilitation to share the burden as much as possible, and to avoid unilateral dependency. The paper considers the pressures facing the couple, and the range of healthcare and community supports for the couple wishing to use their relationship as a primary source of support in chronic illness. Certain illnesses are considered in more detail, and guidelines for good practice for clinicians working with couples who are sharing the load are given. Specific focus for the sexual and relationship therapist is also suggested.
52 citations
TL;DR: Though further research is required, the initial outcomes were positive and demonstrated that online work is a viable alternative to face to face therapy, and for some clients the anonymity provided makes online therapy a preferable option.
Abstract: After much initial research and training, a pilot study involving nine clients was undertaken to investigate the efficacy of online task-based psychosexual therapy. Though further research is required, the initial outcomes were positive and demonstrated that online work is a viable alternative to face to face therapy. What's more, for some clients the anonymity provided makes online therapy a preferable option. The accessibility of the internet also provides a much needed service for the disabled, their carers and others who may find face-to-face appointments difficult due to physical, geographic or employment constraints.
40 citations
TL;DR: If women with orgasmic disorder are to be treated to attain orgasm then it is clear that the authors should be able to characterize exactly what an orgasm is so that when it occurs it will be easily recognized.
Abstract: One of the marked differences between men and women is the relative ease by which most men can achieve an orgasm compared to the greater difficulty for a considerable percentage of women. It is oft...
39 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explored the impact of sexual assault on heterosexual relationships and the experiences of male partners of women who have been assaulted, including difficulties in providing support to the female partner following an assault.
Abstract: There is a large body of literature suggesting that rape and sexual assault can have an enduring psychological impact on female victims, including an impact on their intimate relationships. The present study explores the impact of sexual assault on heterosexual relationships and the experiences of male partners of women who have been assaulted. Six men took part in semi-structured interviews about their experiences following their partner's disclosure of assault. These data were supplemented by interviews with three women who discussed the impact of their assault on their partners. Interview transcripts were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Themes arising included difficulties in providing support to the female partner following an assault; communication between the partners; the impact of the assault on the couple's sexual relationship and the male partners' issues of anger and blame in relation to the assault. Implications of the findings for service provision are discussed.
TL;DR: It is postulated that neuropeptide secretion in the human brain could account for some of the observed gender differences, such as the impact of puberty; aggressive and protective feelings; and consistency of sexual interest in committed relationships.
Abstract: This paper addresses the links between subjective experiences and physiological responses during sexual activity, by exploring the neurobiology of the feelings and emotions that are associated with peripheral bodily changes. Although women and men differ in the brain structures and chemical pathways that govern sexuality, human sexual behaviour is part of interpersonal relationships and is cognitively mediated. Nevertheless comparisons can be made with other mammals whose subcortical systems are similar. Research into the neurophysiology of attachment, love and sexual bonding in rodents is reviewed, indicating that the neuropeptides oxytocin and vasopressin, which are secreted from the pituitary gland, have a vital role in partner preference and copulation. Laboratory investigations into hormonal release during human sexual activity show that oxytocin is necessary for subjective pleasure during arousal and orgasm in both sexes, while vasopressin is released only during male arousal. Vasopressin is suggest...
TL;DR: This article used a modified form of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as a theoretical position for a longitudinal exploration (over a 6-month period) of sexual decision making in a group of young adult women.
Abstract: Research over the last 30 years has examined the way in which young people make decisions about participating in sexual behaviours. This research is limited in that theoretical developments in the area have either not been subjected to empirical scrutiny, or are not consistent with empirical findings. The current study used a modified form of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as a theoretical position for a longitudinal exploration (over a 6-month period) of sexual decision making in a group of young adult women. One hundred and fifty-six young women aged between 18 and 21 years were involved in the study. Regression analysis were used to evaluate the predictors of intention to engage in six types of sexual behaviours at time 1, as well as experiences of these behaviours at time 2. The study found that intention to engage in sexual behaviour was reasonably well predicted using the constructs of TPB. However, behaviour was not well predicted using the variables in TPB, with the most important predictors of most sexual behaviours being past experience and perceived behavioural control, but not intention to engage in the behaviours. Implications of these findings and directions for future research are discussed.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors discuss the particular problems presented by depression, schizophrenia, substance abuse, jealousy and folie-e-deux in a relationship with a partner and suggest that professionals need to increase their awareness of this issue, to treat the partner with understanding and to consider the stability of the relationship as part of their management.
Abstract: This is an underresearched area in the mental health field, despite the fact that a large number of patients suffer from psychiatric problems and many of them are in relationships with a partner. There is typically a change in the relationship involving extra responsibilities being taken by the partner. The partner may indeed become depressed as a result of the stresses experienced. The partner may in some cases be worsening the problems that the patient experiences, but may also be able to relieve them by using specific techniques. The particular problems presented by depression, schizophrenia, substance abuse, jealousy and folie E deux are discussed. Professionals need to increase their awareness of this issue, to treat the partner with understanding and to consider the stability of the relationship as part of their management.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the interrelation between the personality dimensions, according to the temperament and character theory of Cloninger, and the parenting received in childhood, of subjects who have been convicted for rape and child molestation.
Abstract: The aim of the present study was to investigate the interrelation between the personality dimensions, according to the temperament and character theory of Cloninger, and the parenting received in childhood, of subjects who have been convicted for rape and child molestation. For this purpose, 59 rapists, 37 child molesters, and 25 healthy controls completed: (1) The Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI), which measures the heritable temperament dimensions Novelty Seeking (NS), Harm Avoidance (HA), Reward Dependence (RD), and Persistence (PE), and the character dimensions Self Directedness (SD), Cooperativeness (CO), and Self Transcendence (ST). (2) The Measurement of Parental Style (MOPS), which creates the subscales ‘indifference’, ‘overcontrol’ and ‘abuse’ for each parent. We found that NS levels were significantly increased and RD, SD, and CO levels were significantly decreased in both sex offender groups, while PE levels were significantly decreased only in the rapists, and ST levels were significa...
TL;DR: Wang et al. as mentioned in this paper investigated the epidemiology of sexual behaviour of Shanghai couples during six years of marriage and explored its integrative relationship with marital satisfaction, finding that the main methods of foreplay were kissing and caressing, while the main actions of afterplay were talking and kissing.
Abstract: To investigate the epidemiology of sexual behaviour of Shanghai couples during six years of marriage and exploring its integrative relationship with marital satisfaction. A cohort of 7,697 couples was followed-up. About 4% of wives and 2% of husbands said they had no foreplay and 16% of wives and 11% of husbands admitted they had no after-play. About 5% of wives and 2% of husbands said they had no orgasm. The main methods of foreplay were kissing and caressing. The main actions of after-play were talking and kissing. The signs of orgasm (vaginal secretion/pleasant feeling at ejaculation) occurred for 60% of wives and 73% of husbands. Logistic regression models shows they affected the marital satisfaction of both spouses by having an integrative relationship with sexual satisfaction indirectly. Husbands who used breast stroking or talking seemed to have wives with less marital satisfaction.
TL;DR: Methods of assessing and measuring female genital functions are reviewed and their roles in research and current clinical evaluation of dysfunction discussed.
Abstract: Methods of assessing and measuring female genital functions are reviewed and their roles in research and current clinical evaluation of dysfunction discussed.
TL;DR: A review of studies on activation of the vomeronasal organ, female genital odours, axillary odour, menstrual synchronicity, odour and mate selection and tastes of body fluids in a critical light examines these studies on chemical signalling between humans possibly influencing aspects of sexual activity.
Abstract: Over the past few years a number of studies have been published on chemical signalling between humans possibly influencing aspects of sexual activity. Some authors propose, from their experimental studies, that human pheromones exist and that they act through the vomeronasal organ, while others are more cautious and regard their data as showing chemical communication but not necessarily pheromonal. The review examines these studies on activation of the vomeronasal organ, female genital odours, axillary odours, menstrual synchronicity, odour and mate selection and tastes of body fluids in a critical light. A brief survey of the various body fluids/secretions that male and female sexual partners allow or prohibit tongue contact with is included.
TL;DR: It is estimated that, retrospectively, 20 – 37% of women who have undergone hysterectomy report a deterioration in some qualitative aspect of their sexuality, while 22 – 52% report improvements, which may more generally reflect the patterns of sexual outcomes after any major surgery.
Abstract: The extent to which hysterectomy impacts sexual function is unclear. The estimated prevalence of sexual dysfunction among women who have undergone hysterectomy varies widely among studies and is influenced by methodological factors and characteristics of the study samples. Because pre-operative sexual dysfunction is a strong predictor of post-operative sexual dysfunction (Helström et al., 1993; Rhodes et al., 1999), it is perhaps more useful to examine the numbers of hysterectomized women who report an onset of new sexual problems post-hysterectomy. Few studies have made this distinction in evaluating sexual outcomes after hysterectomy. Among women who had not experienced symptoms prior to hysterectomy, estimated postoperative rates of new sexual dysfunction are 2 – 7% for dyspareunia, 9 – 21% for vaginal dryness, 5 – 11% for decreased sexual desire, and 2 – 11% for problems with orgasm (Carlson et al., 1994; Rhodes et al., 1999; Roovers et al., 2003; Schofield et al., 1991; Weber et al., 1999). Several prospective studies have found either no change or improvements in mean scores on measures of sexual function after hysterectomy (Bernhard, 1992; Farquhar et al., 2002; Gütl et al., 2002). Others have shown that mean frequencies of negative sexual symptoms are either unchanged or reduced one year or more after hysterectomy (Carlson et al., 1994; Rhodes et al., 1999; Virtanen et al., 1993). Prospective studies of this nature are confounded by the fact that sexual behaviour is likely to be altered just prior to any major surgery, particularly one that is associated with sexual consequences. Reports on the numbers of women who show improvements or declines in sexual function after hysterectomy have also been published. It is estimated that, retrospectively, 20 – 37% of women who have undergone hysterectomy report a deterioration in some qualitative aspect of their sexuality, while 22 – 52% report improvements (Dennerstein et al., 1977; Helström, 1994; Nathorst-Böös & von Schoultz, 1992; Weber et al., 1999). These data are not associated with features particular to hysterectomy, however, and may more generally reflect the patterns of sexual outcomes after any major surgery. Two studies using non-gynaecological surgery comparison groups have reported similar sexual outcomes among women Sexual and Relationship Therapy Vol 19, No. 1, February 2004
TL;DR: A comprehensive review of the literature relating to the impact of studying sexuality and sexual issues on the researcher is presented in this article, where the consequences for the researcher both personally and professionally are outlined incorporating ethical implications.
Abstract: A comprehensive review of the literature relating to the impact of studying sexuality and sexual issues on the researcher is presented here. Consequences for the researcher, both personally and professionally are outlined incorporating ethical implications. Strategies identified as alleviating negative impact are also discussed.
TL;DR: In this paper, an outpatient group treatment model for problematic sexual behaviours, including those that are Internet related, is described, and a rationale for the integration of systemic and cognitive behavioural frameworks and describes the components of the group treatment process.
Abstract: Problematic Internet related sexual behaviours do not reflect a discrete disorder but, rather, a new range of behaviours made increasingly possible and accessible by the advent of Internet technology. Men seeking treatment for sexual compulsivity, impulsivity or hypersexuality often report Internet related behaviours. For some the Internet is the primary venue for problematic behaviour; for others it is one of many venues. In either case, treatment efforts need to include an emphasis on identifying and modifying the role of the Internet in the development and maintenance of problematic sexual functioning. This article describes an outpatient group treatment model for problematic sexual behaviours, including those that are Internet related. The author presents a rationale for the integration of systemic and cognitive behavioural frameworks and describes the components of the group treatment process.
TL;DR: A follow-up study conducted among 39 implanted patients and 30 partners showed that subject's satisfaction towards prosthetic-sexuality depends on their representation of male erotic value as mentioned in this paper, and that less satisfied patients are sensitive to a normative representation that associates erotic value to criteria of'spontaneity', 'naturalness', 'tall and nonassisted erections'.
Abstract: A follow-up study conducted among 39 implanted patients and 30 partners shows that subject's satisfaction towards prosthetic-sexuality depends on their representation of male erotic value. The less satisfied patients are sensitive to a normative representation that associates erotic value to criteria of 'spontaneity', 'naturalness', 'tall and non-assisted erections'. Their main dissatisfaction likely derives from the insufficiency of a prosthetic solution to restore a male self-image based on such criteria. This induces a more important impact on satisfaction rates than do functional problems (e.g. difficulties in manipulating the device, unwanted deflations, uncomfortable sensations). These patients also show an attribution bias consisting in attributing erroneously the same dissatisfaction and negative attitude towards prosthetic sexuality to their partner. Therefore, in addition to surgery, a psychosexual support is necessary to modify erotic representations and to improve the communication between the...
TL;DR: It is concluded that a joint psychosexual/sexual dysfunction clinic provides a comprehensive assessment that clients with sexual dysfunction can participate in as partners in care if successful treatment is to be provided.
Abstract: This paper describes the initiation and development of a culturally sensitive sexual dysfunction clinic by a urology specialist nurse and a medical social worker trained in psychosexual therapy. This development was in response to the large number of clients presenting in the urological outpatient clinics who had waited many months for an initial appointment and for whom the delay in treatment exacerbated sexual dysfunction. Factors, including gender stereotyping, religious and cultural taboos, that challenged the traditional style of this clinic (as a consequence of professional training), will be described along with how these were overcome. We conclude that a joint psychosexual/sexual dysfunction clinic provides a comprehensive assessment that clients with sexual dysfunction can participate in as partners in care if successful treatment is to be provided.
TL;DR: Analysis of the clients presenting problems showed that the sexual problem was considered to be the womans in half the cases, the mans in just over a quarter and joint in just under a quarter of cases.
Abstract: A survey of Relate psychosexual therapy clients was conducted between January and March 2002. Relates sex therapists filled in a questionnaire about their current clients. The response rate was 66% and covered 592 client hours. Analysis of the clients presenting problems showed that the sexual problem was considered to be the womans in half the cases, the mans in just over a quarter and joint in just under a quarter of cases. The most common female sexual problem was lack of desire followed by vaginismus. For men the most common problem was erectile dysfunction, present in nearly a third of cases. For men almost half of the remaining cases were split evenly between loss of desire for sex and the presence of more than one sexual problem. When both partners were admitting they had a sexual problem the most common combination was a shared loss of sexual desire. Overall a third of cases involved more than one sexual dysfunction. In nearly 50% of cases there were medical problems present which were contributin...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors suggest that a therapist with insights and skills in couple work and relationship issues, and an awareness of the value of a supportive supervisory relationship as an integral part of professional development, might consider offering similar support to clinicians.
Abstract: It is well known that a sick child has a profound impact upon the family involved. What remains less clear is how that stress affects the partnership of the parents—their intimacy, health and wellbeing and who is responsible for supporting the couple? Clinicians working with sick children in a wide range of settings, are regularly faced with distressed couples in need of support or skilled help. Many work without the benefit of good support or supervision for themselves, or a counselling service that would be acceptable to couples. Added to these difficulties are a number of barriers to referral. It seems legitimate to suggest that a therapist with insights and skills in couple work and relationship issues, and an awareness of the value of a supportive supervisory relationship as an integral part of professional development, might consider offering similar support to clinicians.
TL;DR: The relationships between mood and sexual satisfaction and other psychosocial factors is a relatively under researched area and some of the themes followed include the role of mood, culture, age and quality of couple relationships.
Abstract: Sexual relationships, are related to couple relationships as well as quality of the communication in that relationship. If the individual is not in a relationship the treatment paradigms can be applied although the outcome may well be difficult to assess. Sexual functioning may be one aspect of the sexual relationship and yet the satisfaction with it may lead to a number of problems especially if the vicious cycle in the relationship is set up. Within the couple/sexual relationship satisfaction with the relationship, love, stability and commitment are important components. It has been shown that the stability within the relationship is related to sexual satisfaction (Sprecher, 2002). Interestingly, sexual satisfaction had stronger links with relationship quality for men than for women. The relationships between mood and sexual satisfaction and other psychosocial factors is a relatively under researched area. The sexual dysfunction per se will also affect quality of life and other co-morbid factors. In this review some of the themes followed include the role of mood, culture, age and quality of couple relationships. Not only physiological and psychological causes of sexual dysfunction will lead to different stresses but varying stressors may influence one more than the other.
TL;DR: This research seems to suggest a relationship between lower urinary tract symptoms (which are commonly due to BPH) and erectile dysfunction, although the mechanism is unclear.
Abstract: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and sexual dysfunction are both features of ageing. In recent years there has been considerable research into the question of whether there is any direct pathophysiological relationship between the two conditions. This research seems to suggest a relationship between lower urinary tract symptoms (which are commonly due to BPH) and erectile dysfunction, although the mechanism is unclear. What is clear is that any therapy for BPH will have an effect upon differing aspects of sexual dysfunction. Traditional surgery (Transurethral prostatectomy) will cause retrograde ejaculation and may cause erectile dysfunction, while the different drugs used to treat BPH have varying effects.
TL;DR: In this article, it has been acknowledged through sociobiological research that women seek men who will provide good genes to produce strong healthy offspring, and men seek women who are attractive, because these women are seen to be most suitable for producing fit children.
Abstract: It has been acknowledged through sociobiological research that women seek men who will provide good genes to produce strong healthy offspring, and men seek women who are attractive, because these women are seen to be most suitable for producing fit children. According to the author in last two centuries, in western societies, mate selection has also frequently led to marriage. If the man fails to meet these genetic standards, women may be driven to have extramarital affairs so that they can obtain good genetic stock, but will still keep their husband if he provides good support resources for her and her children.
TL;DR: This is the first report that sexual intercourse reduces specifically allergen-induced responses in allergic patients, and may have some implications for the pathophysiological effect of sexual intercourse on allergic diseases.
Abstract: Effect of sexual intercourse on allergen- and histamine-induced skin weal responses was studied. In normal subjects, house dust mite or Japanese cedar pollen allergen did not induce skin weal responses, while histamine induced skin weal responses. In contrast, in patients with allergic rhinitis or atopic dermatitis, who were allergic to Japanese cedar pollen and house dust mite, these allergens as well as histamine induced skin weal responses. Sexual intercourse had no effect on skin weal responses induced by histamine in normal subjects. In contrast, sexual intercourse significantly reduced skin weal responses induced by Japanese cedar pollen or house dust mite, while it did not reduce skin weal responses induced by histamine in allergic patients. This is the first report that sexual intercourse reduces specifically allergen-induced responses in allergic patients. These finding may have some implications for the pathophysiological effect of sexual intercourse on allergic diseases.