title: Clitoral changes, sexuality, and body image during the menstrual cycle: a pilot study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  A relationship between sexual function and all body image variables has been reported. However, there are no studies analyzing the relationship between menstrual cycle, body image, and sexuality.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate clitoral changes, sexual behavior, and perceived body image during the menstrual cycle.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-four women underwent ultrasonographic (US) clitoral measurements, color Doppler evaluation of the clitoral artery, and hormonal testing. In addition, they were administered the McCoy Female Sexuality Questionnaire (MFSQ), the Stunkard Figure Rating Scale (FRS), and the Beck's Depression Inventory questionnaire (BDI).
  
  
  METHODS
  The main outcome measures were clitoral volume, clitoral artery pulsatility index (PI), the MFSQ, the FRS, and the BDI.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The subjects had a mean age of 29.3 ± 4.5 years and a mean body mass index (kg/m(2)  = BMI) of 21.2 ± 2.0. US and color Doppler assessments showed significant increase in clitoral body volume (P = 0.039) and a decrease in the PI (P = 0.027) of the clitoral artery during the periovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle. These changes were significantly and positively correlated with estradiol levels (P = 0.009 and P = 0.017, respectively). The two-factor Italian MFSQ for sexuality and partnership was similar in all the phases of the cycle. The number of intercourses/week slightly increased in the periovulatory phase. The mean BDI was normal in all women and did not change during the cycle. The FRS showed no difference in all examined parameters during the three phases of the menstrual cycle.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In young, lean, eumenorrheic Italian women, there is no significant change, during the menstrual cycle, in sexual function, body image perception, and symptoms of depression, as assessed by the two-factor Italian MFSQ for sexuality and partnership, the FRS, and the total BDI score. However, our results suggest that estrogens, influencing clitoral anatomic and vascular changes, may favor genital arousability.
authors: Department of Gynecology and Pathophysiology of Human Reproduction, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
authors: Elena
authors: E
authors: Morotti
authors: Bruno
authors: B
authors: Battaglia
authors: Nicola
authors: N
authors: Persico
authors: Marina
authors: M
authors: Zampieri
authors: Paolo
authors: P
authors: Busacchi
authors: Stefano
authors: S
authors: Venturoli
authors: Cesare
authors: C
authors: Battaglia
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001158:Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D001828:Body Image; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002987:Clitoris / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000502:physiology*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D019529:Sexuality / Q000502:physiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color; D055815:Young Adult