Plasma testosterone level and sexual behavior of couples

Abstract

Eleven couples, ages 21–31 years and married for at least 1 year, were studied intensively over a three menstrual cycle period from both an endocrine and a sexual behavior standpoint. Each subject was interviewed individually and had a blood sample drawn twice weekly. Interviews were rated independently by two psychiatrists for degree of sexual initiation, responsivity, avoidance, couple interaction, and mood. Wives rated themselves also for degree of sexual gratification (responsivity). Plasma levels of testosterone and cortisol were determined for both husbands and wives while progesterone and estradiol levels were determined additionally for wives. Husbands' initiation scores were significantly correlated with their wives responsivity (clinically rated) scores for 10 of the 11 couples; wives' initiation scores were significantly related to their husbands' responsivity scores for 8 of the 11 couples. When either set of correlation coefficients was treated as a new variable and intercorrelated with the husbands' average testosterone levels, a significant relationship was obtained. Intercourse frequency, while not related to either partner's average testosterone levels, was related to wives' testosterone levels at their ovulatory peaks. The wives' self-rated gratification scores correlated significantly with their own plasma testosterone levels. Inspection of each wife's plasma testosterone profile across the three cycles indicated that a dichotomy occurred, with some women showing a high baseline level and others showing a low baseline level. When wives were dichotomized on this basis, it was found that high baseline testosterone level was significantly related to high self-rated gratification score and to ability to form good interpersonal relationships.