Meditation has become increasingly popular in both its practice and in the press over recent years. There have been numerous articles, studies and research papers released that examine the effects of meditation on our health and wellbeing. Stress and anxiety are often at the forefront of this research as it addresses the symptoms of one of the most prevalent health concerns throughout the modern world.
However one area that has been often overlooked is the role meditation can play in its affect on female sexual arousal and desire. While there are numerous studies on the relationship between stress, meditation and male performance, similar data or insights into its affect on women’s sexual desire have been rare.
It’s therefore encouraging to hear that research by the University of British Columbia (1) has taken a look at how meditation can help women suffering from sexual arousal disorders.
According to a study by Chicago University (2), 43% of women experience sexual dysfunction at some point in their lives when compared with 31% of men. Leading to problems within relationships and a diminishing an sense of overall happiness and wellbeing. While the “little blue pill” has done much to help sexual disorders among men, the same options are arguably not as prevalent for women.
The loss of a woman’s’ libido can stem from a wide variety of reasons. Poor hormonal production (caused by stress), a history of sexual abuse and depression are all catalysts that can affect a woman’s sexual appetite. Sexual arousal disorder symptoms can include sexual disinterest, difficulties with lubrication and pain during sex.
The study by the University of British Columbia examined the effects of meditation on a group of twenty-six women with an average age of 37. Upon completion of their two week course both their physiological and subjective sexual arousal were assessed. Participants were shown erotic stimuli and completed a self-assessment questionnaire on their mental sexual excitement, throbbing, arousal, overall sexual function and their satisfaction within their own relationships.
The results showed that meditation provided a beneficial effect on sexual desire in both subjective and self-reported physical arousal during erotic stimulus. The greatest improvement was found in women with a history of sexual abuse with improvements in genital tingling, sexual excitement, overall sexual function and a reduction in negative emotions when viewing erotic films.
While sexual arousal is difficult to quantify due to the huge number of variables associated with desire, anecdotal and self-reported results seem do see a positive correlation between meditation and an increase in libido.
One possible hypothesis is that the more commonly reported benefits of meditation on increased compassion, focusing on the here and now and a reduction of self-judgment all play their part in improving our sex lives.
A further study by Rhode Island University examined the relationship between sexual arousal and women’s levels of self-judgment and criticism. They found that women who judged themselves the harshest took longer to experience feelings of sexual arousal and desire. By using meditation to improve the overall sense of happiness, mental wellbeing and acceptance of themselves, negative thoughts and emotions can be reduced during sexual activity helping intimacy and any underlying sexual arousal disorders.
About the author: Nick Huxsted is an independent writer who’s interested in meditation research and the effects in has on the human body. He currently works at Will Williams meditation in London, and is a regular contributor to Hip & Healthy.
1 – Lori A. Brotto, PhD,* Rosemary Basson, MD,* and Mijal Luria, MD†
University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; †Hadassah University Hospital, Mt. Scopus, Israel DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2008.00850
2 – Department of Sociology, University of Chicago, Ill 60637, USA. [email protected]
