5.4 Male Sexual Function

Question 1

define sexual desire

Answer 1

thinking about sex positively (libido)

Question 2

Define sexual arousal

Answer 2

heightened state of sexual interest

Question 3

Define response cycle

Answer 3

physiological processes and events that occur during sexual activity

Question 4

What is teh parasympathetic role in erection?

Answer 4

loss of adrenergic tone which causes vascular smooth muscle relaxation
- arteriolar dilatation
Trabecular relaxation
sinusoids fill and expand
compression of venules in sinusoidal space and subtunical venous pressure and outflow is restricted
Contraction of ischiocavernosus muscle squeezes crura which maintains blood in the penis

Question 5

What are the phases of erection and what happens in each?

Answer 5

Tumescence - increased blood flow, pressure not increased, larger but still soft
Rigidity - contraction of isciocavernosus muscle squeezes crura and raises intracavernosal pressure, arterial flow ceases
Detumescence - sympathetically driven vascular smooth muscle contraction, slow emptying until venous outflow effective and intracavernosal pressure drops rapidly

Question 6

What causes ejaculation?

Answer 6

rhythmic contractions of the bulbospongiosus muscle with simultaneous closure of bladder neck and extrenal sphincter opens allowing for expulsion of semen

Question 7

What is orgasm

Answer 7

Ejaculation plus contraction of skeletal muscles

Question 8

What are the tree types of erections?

Answer 8

Psychogenic
Reflex
Nocturnal penile tumescence

Question 9

What is the human sexual response cycle?

Answer 9

Excitement/arousal
Plateau
Orgasm
Resolution

Question 10

What changes occur withs exual excitement/arousal?

Answer 10

Rise in pulse, RR and BP 
Flushing of skin 
Increased muscular tension 
increase in skin sensitivity 
engorgement of penis 
contraction of scrotal skin and elevation and engorgement of testicles 
most intense at plateau

Question 11

What occurs during resolution phase?

Answer 11

Erection in penis declines; acute sensitivity
Testicles and scrotum return to normal size and position
Relaxed feeling - endorphins
Refractory period - unable to achieve erection

Question 12

What are the effects of ageing on erection?

Answer 12

Longer to achieve 
more difficult to sustain 
need more direct stimulation 
pleateau phase prolonged 
less intense orgasm 
penile detumescence quicker 
longer refractory period 
ejaculatory volume less and thinner