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Response of the internal reproductive organs to clitoral stimulation: The clitorouterine reflex

International Journal of Impotence Research volume 17, pages 121–126 (2005)Cite this article

Abstract

We investigated hypothesis that uterine erection, elevation and enlargement during sexual response are reflex and result from penis buffeting the glans clitoris (GC). In 23 healthy women, two recording electrodes were applied to the uterine mucosa and one to cervix uteri (CU). GC was stimulated electrically and mechanically by pencil electrode. The uterine and CU pressures were measured. Tests were repeated after anesthetization of the uterus or GC. Uterine electrodes recorded slow waves, followed by random bursts of action potentials (APs). No waves registered from CU. Electrical or mechanical GC stimulation eliminated uterine electric waves, but anesthetized GC did not, nor did GC stimulation while the uterus anesthetized. Uterine pressure declined on electrical or mechanical stimulation. Results suggest presence of reproducible reflex relationship between GC and the uterus, we call ‘clitorouterine reflex’. GC buffeting seems to evoke reflex and initiate uterine responses. Reflex may prove of diagnostic significance in sexual disorders.

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Acknowledgements

Margot Yehia assisted in preparing the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery and Experimental Research, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt

    A Shafik, A A Shafik & I Ahmed

  2. Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin-el-Kom, Egypt

    O El-Sibai

  3. Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Benha, Egypt

    R Mostafa

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  1. A Shafik
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  2. O El-Sibai
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  3. R Mostafa
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  4. A A Shafik
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  5. I Ahmed
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Correspondence to A Shafik.

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Shafik, A., El-Sibai, O., Mostafa, R. et al. Response of the internal reproductive organs to clitoral stimulation: The clitorouterine reflex. Int J Impot Res 17, 121–126 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijir.3901278

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