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Combining Behavioral Endocrinology and Experimental Economics: Testosterone and Social Decision Making
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Testosterone and Vaginal Function.

Elisa Maseroli1, Linda Vignozzi2

  • 1Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy.

Sexual Medicine Reviews
|May 22, 2020
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Testosterone plays a vital role in maintaining vaginal health and sexual function. Androgen deficiency contributes to genitourinary syndrome of menopause, impacting lubrication and causing pain during intercourse.

Keywords:
AndrogensArousalFemale Sexual DysfunctionGenitourinary Syndrome of MenopauseLubricationTestosterone

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Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Endocrinology
  • Gynecology
  • Sexual Medicine

Background:

  • Androgens, particularly testosterone, have beneficial effects on vaginal physiology.
  • Androgen deficiency is linked to vulvovaginal atrophy and genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM).
  • GSM symptoms include impaired arousal, lubrication, and dyspareunia.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of testosterone in modulating vaginal structure and function.
  • To summarize evidence on testosterone's impact on vaginal health and female sexual response.

Main Methods:

  • Qualitative literature review using the PubMed database.
  • Synthesis of preclinical and clinical evidence on testosterone's role in vaginal physiopathology.
  • Discussion of testosterone's involvement in female sexual response.

Main Results:

  • Testosterone is crucial for vaginal tissue integrity, including smooth muscle and collagen.
  • Testosterone supports neurovascular processes essential for arousal and lubrication.
  • Testosterone influences vaginal nociception, inflammation, and mucin secretion.

Conclusions:

  • The vagina functions as both an androgen target and synthesis organ.
  • Consistent preclinical and clinical data confirm testosterone's importance for vaginal health.
  • Testosterone is key to maintaining overall genital sexual function.