MENSTRUAL-CYCLE VARIATION OF WOMENS INTEREST IN EROTICA

Female respondents were given the opportunity to choose feature films for viewing. Choices were made on the basis of synopses and promotiona l videos. These materials projected (i) a focus on erotic, sexual even ts, (ii) romantic themes, (iii) action-packed violent drama, and (iv) hilarious comedy. Additionally, respondents evaluated the appeal of th e projected films. Respondents' position in the menstrual cycle was th en determined, with placement into one of seven 4-day phases. Measured in both choices and evaluations, a postmenstrual surge in erotic inte rest was evident. Erotic interest was also pronounced prior to and dur ing menses. In contrast, it was at a minimum during the first half of the luteal phase. The choice of romantic films was not appreciably inf luenced by cycle position. However, in evaluating films with romantic themes, premenstrual women expressed particularly little interest in t his genre.