Ch. 3 human sexuality
Psychological causes of erectile dysfunction
-depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions -stress -relationship problems due to stress, poor communication or other concerns
Biological process of erection
1. Unaroused state 2. Excitement phase 3. Plateau phase 4. Orgasm phase: expulsion phase 5. Resolution
Semen or "seminal fluid"
Come from prostate and seminal vesicles -milky, sticky alkaline substance that helps transport sperm through penis
Prostatitis
Inflammation of prostate gland -acute: very painful and 5-10% caused by bacterial infection, does not raise risk of prostate cancer -chronic: caused by changes in prostate other than infections
Retrograde ejaculation
No semen leaves the penis
Orgasm
Separate from ejaculation but often occurs at same time but can occur separately
Preventing erectile dysfunction
-quit smoking -exercise regularly -maintain healthy weight and diet -limit or avoid alcohol -reduce stress -get help for anxiety or depression -discontinue drugs with harmful side effects -regular checkups w/ primary care physician to monitor BP, blood sugar and cholesterol levels
Disorders of Penis
1. Priapism 2. Peyronie's disease 3. Penile fractures
Priapism
Continual, undesired and painful erection of penis
Pre-ejaculatory fluid
Cowper's glands secrets this fluid -coats the lining of urethra
Peyronie's disease
Development of fibrous tissue in spongy erectile columns within the penis. Results in: -distortion or deflection of the effect organ; causing deformity and painful erection.
Role of nitric oxide
Increases blood flow decreases blood clotting
Anejaculation
Lack of ejaculation at time of orgasm
Does penis size matter?
No demonstrated relationship between height, body size or the size of particular organs and penis size. Penis size does not matter Bc smaller penises gain more in length and girth than larger penises
Sperm
Sex cells necessary for human reproduction -produced in testes: under ideal lab conditions can live for 2 weeks
Penile fractures
Torn membrane needs to be repaired very soon after injury