Mechanics of human sexuality

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The mechanics of human sexuality or mechanics of sex, or more formally the biomechanics of human sexuality, is the study of the mechanics related to human sexual activity. Examples of topics include the biomechanical study of the strength of vaginal tissues [1] and the biomechanics of male erectile function. [2] [3] The mechanics of sex under limit circumstances, such as sexual activity at zero-gravity in outer space, are also being studied. [4]

Pioneering researchers studied the male and female genitals during coitus (penile-vaginal penetration) with ultrasound technology in 1992 [5] and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 1999, mapping the anatomy of the activity and taking images illustrating the fit of male and female genitals. [6] In the research using MRI, researchers imaged couples performing coitus inside an MRI machine. [6] The magnetic resonance images also showed that the penis has the shape of a boomerang, that one third of its length consists of the root of the penis, and that the vaginal walls wrap snugly around it. [6] [7] Moreover, MRI during coitus indicate that the internal part of the clitoris [8] [9] is stimulated by penile-vaginal movements. [10] [5] These studies highlight the role of the clitoris and indicate that what is termed the G-spot may only exist because the highly innervated clitoris is pulled closely to the anterior wall of the vagina when the woman is sexually aroused and during vaginal penetration. [11]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Clitoris</span> Erectile female sexual organ

In amniotes, the clitoris is a female sex organ. In humans, it is the vulva's most erogenous area and generally the primary anatomical source of female sexual pleasure. The clitoris is a complex structure, and its size and sensitivity can vary. The visible portion, the glans, of the clitoris is typically roughly the size and shape of a pea and is estimated to have at least 8,000 nerve endings.

Erectile dysfunction (ED), also referred to as impotence, is a form of sexual dysfunction in males characterized by the persistent or recurring inability to achieve or maintain a penile erection with sufficient rigidity and duration for satisfactory sexual activity. It is the most common sexual problem in males and can cause psychological distress due to its impact on self-image and sexual relationships.

Orgasm or sexual climax is the sudden release of accumulated sexual excitement during the sexual response cycle, characterized by intense sexual pleasure resulting in rhythmic, involuntary muscular contractions in the pelvic region. Orgasms are controlled by the involuntary or autonomic nervous system and experienced by both males and females; the body's response includes muscular spasms, a general euphoric sensation, and, frequently, body movements and vocalizations. The period after orgasm is typically a relaxing experience after the release of the neurohormones oxytocin and prolactin, as well as endorphins.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sexual intercourse</span> Penetrative sexual activity for reproduction or sexual pleasure

Sexual intercourse is a sexual activity typically involving the insertion and thrusting of the male penis inside the female vagina for sexual pleasure, reproduction, or both. This is also known as vaginal intercourse or vaginal sex. Sexual penetration has been known by humans since the dawn of time, and has been an instinctive form of sexual behaviour and psychology among humans. Other forms of penetrative sexual intercourse include anal sex, oral sex, fingering and penetration by use of a dildo, and vibrators. These activities involve physical intimacy between two or more people and are usually used among humans solely for physical or emotional pleasure. They can contribute to human bonding.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">G-spot</span> Hypothesized anatomical detail

The G-spot, also called the Gräfenberg spot, is characterized as an erogenous area of the vagina that, when stimulated, may lead to strong sexual arousal, powerful orgasms and potential female ejaculation. It is typically reported to be located 5–8 cm (2–3 in) up the front (anterior) vaginal wall between the vaginal opening and the urethra and is a sensitive area that may be part of the female prostate.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Missionary position</span> Sex position

The missionary position or man-on-top position is a sex position in which, generally, a woman lies on her back and spreads her legs and a man lies on top of her while they face each other and engage in vaginal intercourse. The position may also be used for other sexual activity, such as anal sex. It is commonly associated with heterosexual sexual activity, but is also used by same-sex couples. It may involve sexual penetration or non-penetrative sex, and its penile-vaginal aspect is an example of ventro-ventral (front-to-front) reproductive activity. Variations of the position allow varying degrees of clitoral stimulation, depth of penetration, participation on the part of the woman, and the likelihood and speed of orgasm.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Coital alignment technique</span> Sex position designed to maximize clitoral stimulation

The coital alignment technique sex position is used primarily as a variant of the missionary position and is designed to maximize clitoral stimulation during sexual intercourse. This is achieved by combining the "riding high" variation of the missionary position with pressure-counterpressure movements performed by each partner in rhythm with coitus.

The glans is a vascular structure located at the tip of the penis in male mammals or a homologous genital structure of the clitoris in female mammals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sexual stimulation</span> Anything that causes a sexual response

Sexual stimulation is anything that leads to sexual arousal or orgasm. This thing can be physical or of other senses, and is known as a stimulus.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Penile fracture</span> Rupture of the fibrous coverings that envelop the peniss erectile tissue

Penile fracture is rupture of one or both of the tunica albuginea, the fibrous coverings that envelop the penis's corpora cavernosa. It is caused by rapid blunt force to an erect penis, usually during vaginal intercourse, or aggressive masturbation. It sometimes also involves partial or complete rupture of the urethra or injury to the dorsal nerves, veins and arteries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Genital piercing</span> Form of body piercing on a part of the genitalia

Genital piercing is a form of body piercing that involves piercing a part of the genitalia, thus creating a suitable place for wearing different types of jewellery. Nevertheless, the term may also be used pars pro toto to indicate all body piercings in the area of the anus, perineum, penis, scrotum, and vulva, including piercings such as anal, guiche, and pubic that do not involve perforation of genitalia. Genital piercings can be done regardless of sex, with various forms of piercings available. The main motive is beautification and individualization; in addition, some piercings enhance sexual pleasure by increasing stimulation. Pre-modern genital piercings is most culturally widespread in Southeast Asia, where it has been part of traditional practice since ancient times. Records of genital piercing are found in the Kama Sutra.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Metoidioplasty</span> Surgical procedure used to create a penis from the clitoris

Metoidioplasty, metaoidioplasty, or metaidoioplasty is a female-to-male gender-affirming surgery.

Feminizing Gender-affirming surgery for transgender women or transfeminine non-binary people describes a variety of surgical procedures that alter the body to provide physical traits more comfortable and affirming to an individual's gender identity and overall functioning.

Pierre Foldès is a French-Hungarian urological surgeon known for developing a surgical method of repairing some of the damage caused by female genital mutilation. He has studied the clitoris after discovering that there had been little academic interest even though there were thousands of studies of the penis.

Clitoral enlargement methods are forms of body modification that have the potential to increase the size of the clitoris and enhance sexual pleasure. Clitoral enlargement can be accomplished through a variety of means, each potentially having certain side effects and risks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Human female sexuality</span> Physiology, identity and behavior

Human female sexuality encompasses a broad range of behaviors and processes, including female sexual identity and sexual behavior, the physiological, psychological, social, cultural, political, and spiritual or religious aspects of sexual activity. Various aspects and dimensions of female sexuality, as a part of human sexuality, have also been addressed by principles of ethics, morality, and theology. In almost any historical era and culture, the arts, including literary and visual arts, as well as popular culture, present a substantial portion of a given society's views on human sexuality, which includes both implicit (covert) and explicit (overt) aspects and manifestations of feminine sexuality and behavior.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Clitoral erection</span> Physiological phenomenon involving the engorgement of the clitoris

Clitoral erection is a physiological phenomenon where the clitoris becomes enlarged and firm.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Clitoral hood reduction</span> Cosmetic surgical procedure

Clitoral hood reduction, also termed clitoral hoodectomy, clitoral unhooding, clitoridotomy, or (partial) hoodectomy, is a plastic surgery procedure for reducing the size and the area of the clitoral hood in order to further expose the glans of the clitoris.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Penile-vaginal intercourse</span> Form of human sexual intercourse

Penile-vaginal intercourse or vaginal intercourse is a form of penetrative sexual intercourse in human sexuality, in which an erect penis is inserted into a vagina. Synonyms are: vaginal sex, cohabitation, coitus, intimacy, or (poetic) lovemaking. It corresponds to mating or copulation in non-human animals.

Odile Buisson born Odile Poullaouec is a French gynaecologist and writer. She was a co-researcher of sonography that revealed the internal structure of the clitoris.

References

  1. Cosson, Michel; Lambaudie, Eric; Boukerrou, Malik; Lobry, Pierre; Crépin, Gilles; Ego, Anne (2004). "A biomechanical study of the strength of vaginal tissues. Results on 16 post-menopausal patients presenting with genital prolapse". European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology. 112 (2): 201–5. doi:10.1016/S0301-2115(03)00333-6. PMID   14746960.
  2. Udelson, Daniel (2007). "Biomechanics of male erectile function". Journal of the Royal Society Interface . 4 (17): 1031–48. doi:10.1098/rsif.2007.0221. PMC   2396202 . PMID   17478408.
  3. Mohamed, Ahmed M.; Erdman, Arthur G.; Timm, Gerald W. (2010). "The Biomechanics of Erections: Two- Versus One-Compartment Pressurized Vessel Modeling of the Penis". Journal of Biomechanical Engineering . 132 (12). doi: 10.1115/1.4002794 . PMID   21142318.
  4. Boyle, Alan (July 24, 2006). "Outer-space sex carries complications". NBC News.
  5. 1 2 Buisson, O.; Foldes, P.; Jannini, E.; Mimoun, S. (2010). "Coitus as revealed by ultrasound in one volunteer couple". J. Sex. Med. 7 (8): 2750–2754. doi:10.1111/j.1743-6109.2010.01892.x. PMID   20626602.
  6. 1 2 3 Schultz, Willibrord Weijmar; van Andel, Pek; Sabelis, Ida; Mooyaart, Eduard (1999). "Magnetic resonance imaging of male and female genitals during coitus and female sexual arousal". BMJ . 319 (7225): 1596–600. doi:10.1136/bmj.319.7225.1596. PMC   28302 . PMID   10600954.
  7. Stuttaford, Thomas; Godson, Suzi (October 6, 2007). "Taking the first steps". The Times .[ dead link ]
  8. O'Connell, H.E.; Hutson, J.M.; Anderson, C.R.; Plenter, R.J. (1998). "Anatomical relationship between urethra and clitoris". The Journal of Urology. 159 (6): 1892–1897. doi:10.1016/s0022-5347(01)63188-4. PMID   9598482.
  9. O'Connell, H.E.; DeLancey, J.O. (2005). "Clitoral anatomy in nulliparous, healthy, premenopausal volunteers using unenhanced magnetic resonance imaging". The Journal of Urology. 173 (6): 2060–2063. doi:10.1097/01.ju.0000158446.21396.c0. PMC   1283096 . PMID   15879834.
  10. Foldes, P.; Buisson, O. (2009). "The clitoral complex: a dynamic sonographic study". J. Sex. Med. 6 (5): 1223–1231. doi:10.1111/j.1743-6109.2009.01231.x. PMID   19453931. S2CID   5096396.
  11. Buisson, O.; Jannini, E.A. (2013). "Pilot echographic study of the differences in clitoral involvement following clitoral or vaginal sexual stimulation". J. Sex. Med. 10 (11): 2734–2740. doi:10.1111/jsm.12279. PMID   23937167.

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