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