OPTIMAL HEALTH |
Male Sexual Function |
| Sexual activity requires structural integrity of the endocrine,
neurological, and musculo-skeletal systems. Sexual activity occurs within a supportive
social setting and depends, amongst other things, on the availability of a partner and
opportunity.
Functionally, sexual activity involves anticipation, arousal, and orgasm, and is followed in men by a refractory period when no sexual activity can take place. Sexual interest, or libido, provides the drive which leads to sexual activity being sought out. Physiology of the Sexual Response in Men In men, penile tumescence is an early sign of sexual excitement. Erection results from dilatation of the arterial vasculature of the penis, so that more blood flows into the penis, and closure of the venous valves so that less blood flows out. The size of the non-erect penis does not relate to its size when erect and in the obese it appears smaller than it is, due to a prepubic pad of fat making it less visible. In later stages of arousal, increased excitement is accompanied by further engorgement of the tip of the penis (the glans). Secretions from the paraurethral glands lubricate the urethral opening. The duration of this phase is under voluntary control, but is brief if the individual is anxious and may lead to premature ejaculation. |
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