Ahmed Shafik1, Olfat El Sibai, Ali A Shafik. 1. Department of Surgery and Experimental Research, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt. shafik@ahmedshafik.com
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the hypothesis that glans clitoris (GC) penile buffeting effects contraction of the vaginal musculature and seems to increase arousal of the penis during coitus. STUDY DESIGN: The response of the vaginal wall to GC electrical and mechanical stimulation was recorded in 26 healthy women (aged 36.8 +/- 6.7 years). The test was repeated after individual anesthetization of the GC and vagina using lidocaine gel and after application of bland gel instead of lidocaine. RESULTS: The 2 vaginal electrodes recorded, at rest, slow waves followed or superimposed by action potentials. Wave parameters were similar from the 2 electrodes. Electrical or mechanical GC stimulation effected a significant increase in vaginal electromyographic (EMG) activity and pressure (p < 0.01). GC stimulation, while the vagina or GC had been separately anesthetized, produced no significant change, but there was a response following application of bland gel. CONCLUSION: GC stimulation effected an increase in vaginal EMG activity and pressure and presumably indicated vaginal wall contraction. This action seems to be a reflex and is mediated through the clitorovaginal excitatory reflex. Vaginal wall contraction during coitus appears to effect penile arousal and, consequently, female sexual stimulation.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the hypothesis that glans clitoris (GC) penile buffeting effects contraction of the vaginal musculature and seems to increase arousal of the penis during coitus. STUDY DESIGN: The response of the vaginal wall to GC electrical and mechanical stimulation was recorded in 26 healthy women (aged 36.8 +/- 6.7 years). The test was repeated after individual anesthetization of the GC and vagina using lidocaine gel and after application of bland gel instead of lidocaine. RESULTS: The 2 vaginal electrodes recorded, at rest, slow waves followed or superimposed by action potentials. Wave parameters were similar from the 2 electrodes. Electrical or mechanical GC stimulation effected a significant increase in vaginal electromyographic (EMG) activity and pressure (p < 0.01). GC stimulation, while the vagina or GC had been separately anesthetized, produced no significant change, but there was a response following application of bland gel. CONCLUSION: GC stimulation effected an increase in vaginal EMG activity and pressure and presumably indicated vaginal wall contraction. This action seems to be a reflex and is mediated through the clitorovaginal excitatory reflex. Vaginal wall contraction during coitus appears to effect penile arousal and, consequently, female sexual stimulation.