Depilated human vulva, not aroused (left), aroused (right)
Clitoral erection is a physiological phenomenon where the clitoris becomes enlarged and firm. Clitoral erection is the result of a complex interaction of psychological, neural, vascular and endocrine factors, and is usually, though not exclusively, associated with sexual arousal.
Physiology
Clitoral erection occurs when the corpora cavernosa, two expandable erectile structures, become engorged with venous blood. This may result from any of various physiological stimuli, including sexual stimulation and sexual arousal. The extrusion of the glans clitoridis and thinning of the skin enhances sensitivity to physical contact. After a female has orgasmed, the erection usually ends, but this may take time.
Shape and size
An erect clitoris can take on a number of different shapes and angles, ranging from small and embedded, to large and protruding. Generally, the size of an erect clitoris is fixed throughout post-pubescent life.
Priapism
A clitoral erection that does not subside is a form of priapism called clitoral priapism. It is a painful condition.
See also
References
- Gharahbaghian, L (1 November 2008). "Clitoral priapism with no known risk factors" (Free full text). The western journal of emergency medicine 9 (4): 235–7. ISSN 1936-900X. PMID 19561754. PMC 2672283. http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pubmed&pubmedid=19561754. edit
- Gragasin, S.; Michelakis, D.; Hogan, A.; Moudgil, R.; Hashimoto, K.; Wu, X.; Bonnet, S.; Haromy, A. et al. (Sep 2004). "The neurovascular mechanism of clitoral erection: nitric oxide and cGMP-stimulated activation of BKCa channels" (Free full text). The FASEB Journal 18 (12): 1382. doi:10.1096/fj.04-1978com. ISSN 0892-6638. PMID 15333581. http://www.fasebj.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=15333581. edit
- Shen, Ww; Urosevich, Z; Clayton, Do (Jun 1999). "Sildenafil in the treatment of female sexual dysfunction induced by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors" (Free full text). The Journal of reproductive medicine 44 (6): 535–42. ISSN 0024-7758. PMID 10394548. http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/search/r?dbs+hsdb:@term+@rn+54910-89-3. edit
- Park, K; Goldstein, I; Andry, C; Siroky, Mb; Krane, Rj; Azadzoi, Km (Mar 1997). "Vasculogenic female sexual dysfunction: the hemodynamic basis for vaginal engorgement insufficiency and clitoral erectile insufficiency". International journal of impotence research 9 (1): 27–37. doi:10.1038/sj.ijir.3900258. ISSN 0955-9930. PMID 9138056. edit
- Toesca, A; Stolfi, Vm; Cocchia, D (1 June 1996). "Immunohistochemical study of the corpora cavernosa of the human clitoris" (Free full text). Journal of anatomy 188 ( Pt 3) (Pt 3): 513–20. ISSN 0021-8782. PMID 8763468. PMC 1167479. http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pubmed&pubmedid=8763468. edit
- Akkus, E; Carrier, S; Turzan, C; Wang, Tn; Lue, Tf (Apr 1995). "Duplex ultrasonography after prostaglandin E1 injection of the clitoris in a case of hyperreactio luteinalis". The Journal of urology 153 (4): 1237–8. doi:10.1016/S0022-5347(01)67566-9. ISSN 0022-5347. PMID 7869513. edit
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