Introduction
Normal sexual function involves mind (thoughts and emotions) and body (including the nervous, circulatory, and endocrine systems), leading to a sexual response. Sexual response consists of desire, arousal, orgasm, and resolution.
Desire is the wish to engage in sexual activity. Desire may be triggered by thoughts, words, sights, smells, or touch.
Arousal is sexual excitement. It involves an increase in blood flow to the genital area. In women, arousal leads to enlargement of the clitoris, engorgement of the vaginal walls, and an increase in vaginal secretions.
Orgasm is the peak or climax of sexual excitement. In women, orgasm involves rhythmic contraction of the muscles surrounding the vagina. At orgasm, muscle tension throughout the body increases, and the pelvic muscles contract.
Resolution is a sense of well-being and widespread muscular relaxation that follow orgasm. Many women can respond to additional stimulation almost immediately after resolution.
Sexual function is affected by physical and psychologic factors. It may be affected by culture, emotions, age, previous sexual experiences, use of drugs, and the presence of disorders. Sexual dysfunction may involve pain during intercourse or a disturbance in sexual response, affecting desire, arousal, or orgasm. About 30 to 50% of women experience sexual dysfunction at some time during their life.
|
