Menstrual cycle and work schedule: effects on women's sexuality

Sexual interest and coital frequency reportedly fluctuate according to phases of the menstrual cycle, but attention has not been paid to factors such as wishes or fears regarding pregnancy or to the daily schedule of work vs. leisure time. With a view to simultaneous evaluation of the effects both of hormonal and social factors on sexual interest and activity, a group of women rated their level of sexual interest and frequency of coitus. Some variation in sexual interest and in the incidence of coitus during different menstrual phases was found. The incidence of coitus, however, was also affected by the work schedule with time off as a positive determinant. Present results are compared with those from a similar study of hysterectomized women in which the work schedule but not hormonal fluctuations of the ovarian cycle, influenced the likelihood of coitus.