Is Consumption of Ginger in Daily Life Associated with Sexual Response?

Guangju Wen, Yikang Zhang, Thomas J. Nyman, Patrick Jern, Pekka Santtila*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Sexual dysfunction, a globally widespread concern, is associated with numerous negative outcomes. While some evidence indicates the potential of ginger supplementation to enhance sexual function, comprehensive research in this area remains scarce and the potential mechanism behind is unclear. The current study aimed to explore if and how consumption of ginger as part of a daily diet is associated with sexual desire, frequency of sexual behavior, as well as sexual arousal and disgust experienced during these behaviors. Chinese participants (N = 499; 250 women) from an online sample service (Credamo) answered a cross-sectional survey regarding their consumption of ginger, sexual behavior, and sexual desire. Ginger consumption was associated with higher sexual desire, and more frequent sexual behaviors, as well as feelings of sexual arousal during them. Sexual desire and feelings of sexual arousal during specific sexual activities mediated the association between the ginger consumption and the frequency of sexual behaviors, indicating potential pathways of the effects of ginger on sexual behavior. Interestingly, while ginger consumption showed no direct relationship with feelings of disgust during sexual behavior, sexual arousal during these behaviors did positively mediate the association between ginger consumption and feelings of disgust. The findings imply that ginger shows potential as an intervention for enhancing sexual behavior, but further experimental and longitudinal research is needed to fully understand the causal mechanisms underlying the effects of ginger on sexual health.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)555-568
Number of pages14
JournalSexes
Volume4
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 28 Oct 2023

Keywords

  • ginger
  • sexual behavior
  • sexual arousal
  • disgust
  • sexual desire
  • NATURALLY MENOPAUSAL WOMEN
  • DISGUST-BASED MECHANISMS
  • TESTOSTERONE UNDECANOATE
  • POSTOPERATIVE NAUSEA
  • DESIRE
  • DYSFUNCTION
  • HYPOGONADISM
  • VAGINISMUS
  • MEN

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