The physiological basis of human sexual arousal: neuroendocrine sexual asymmetry

Abstract

Normal sexual arousal and response suppose an integrated process involving both physiological and psychological processes. However, the current understanding of sexual arousal does not provide a coherent model that accounts for the integration of multiple physiological systems that subsequently generate a coordinated sexual response at both the spinal peripheral and cerebral central levels. Herein we suggest a model that involves both sympathetic and parasympathetic activation during sexual arousal via the two classes of gonadal hormones, androgens and oestrogens. We discuss the manner in which gonadal hormones may activate such a system, transforming pre-pubertal (non-erotic) genital stimulation to post-pubertal erogenization of stimulation and subsequent sexual arousal. Finally, we indicate that the different balance of androgens and oestrogens in men and women may generate asymmetric effects on each of the components of the autonomic nervous system, thereby explaining some of the differences in patterns of sexual arousal and the responses cycle across the sexes.

Not Only the Lonely—How Men Explicitly and Implicitly Evaluate the Attractiveness of Sex Robots in Comparison to the Attractiveness of Women, and Personal Characteristics Influencing This Evaluation

“…Studies have demonstrated that, for men, there are different positive psychological and physiological effects of sexual experiences, caused, for instance, by masturbation (e.g., [12]) or by sexual intercourse in short-term relationships (e.g., [13]). Despite the lack of consensus regarding whether sex drive is based on psychological or physiological processes or an integrated process, every human experiences sexual tension [14][15][16]. In this respect, research has shown that men have a higher need for sex compared to women, who tend to have a stronger need for affiliation [17].…”

Genital and heart rate response to erotic stimulation in men with and without premature ejaculation

“…Although erectile and latency phases have traditionally been associated with parasympathetic and sympathetic activation, respectively, both systems are undoubtedly activated simultaneously. 4 Perhaps less understood is the manner in which these systems might interact with one another or with cholinergic or non-adrenergic non-cholinergic (NANC) systems. 12,13 If, indeed, sympathetic and parasympathetic activation differentiates PE from non-PE men, 14 these differences should be apparent in autonomically sensitive genital and non-genital physiological response patterns manifested during sexual arousal.…”

“…1 This reflex is modulated by centrally mediated cognitive, affective and behavioral processes; therefore, it is not surprising that most men report some degree of control over its timing. [2][3][4] Men who ejaculate 'prematurely'-before or shortly after vaginal intromission-may do so in part because they reach high levels of sexual arousal very quickly or because their threshold to ejaculation is extraordinarily low. [5][6] If short ejaculatory latencies result from high levels of sexual arousal, then we might also expect short erectile latencies in these men-that is, the interval of time required to achieve an erection beginning from a flaccid penile state.…”

Effects of Visual Erotic Stimulation on Vibrotactile Detection Thresholds in Men

“…It requires the coordinated interplay of central and peripheral mechanisms (Motofei & Rowland, 2005;Steers, 2000). A number of models have been developed to describe the process of arousal.…”