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  Anatomy of Vulva
  Neurophysiology of Vulvar Pain
  Vulvodynia & Dyspareunia
  Vulvar Diseases
  Deep Pelvic Pain
  Female Sexual Function
   
  Normal sexual function
 


Physiological changes in normal female sexual function

Normal Sexual Function

  
 
DESIRE Duration: variable.
Minimal physiological changes.
AROUSAL Duration: minutes to hours.
Heart rate (HR) & blood pressure (BP) . Breasts enlarge, nipples are erect. Pelvic blood vessels are engorged. Vagina widens & lengthens. Clitoris swells. Labia swell & separate. Vaginal lubrication occurs. Women reach this stage more slowly than men do.
PLATEAU Duration: 30 seconds to 3 minutes.
Further in HR, BP, and RR (Respiratory rate). Bartholin glands lubrication occurs. The lower vagina swells, narrows, and tightens (Orgasmic Platform).
ORGASM Duration: 4 to 10 seconds.
HR, BP, & RR peak. Generalized muscle spasm. Uterus, vagina, anus, and pelvic floor muscles contract 5-12 times at 0.8 seconds intervals. Contrary to men, Women can move back to the plateau stage and achieve multiple orgasms.
RESOLUTION Duration: variable.
HR, BP, & RR return to normal. Sweating, relaxation, & drowsiness occur. Breasts & genital organs return to pre-arousal condition. Cervix opens for 20-30 minutes to allow sperm into the uterine cavity.
 
 

 

Endocrine & neurotransmitters effects on female sexual function

  
Hormone/Neurotransmitter Sexual desire Sexual arousal Orgasm
Testosterone Up Arrow Up Arrow O
Estrogen Up Arrow Up Arrow O
Progesterone O O O
Prolactin Down Arrow   O
Oxytocin Up Arrow Up Arrow Up Arrow
Cortisol Down Arrow    
Serotonin Down Arrow Down Arrow  
Norepinephrine O Up Arrow Up Arrow
Histamine    
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