The pulsatile blood flow refers to the movement of blood through arteries, veins, and capillaries that occurs due to the rhythmic contraction and relaxation of the heart muscle. In general, during an erect penis, there are three distinct phases: arousal, plateau, and ejaculation. During the initial phase of arousal, the body prepares for sexual activity. This phase includes vasocongestion, which is the increase in blood volume caused by dilation of smooth muscle cells within the corpora cavernosa, resulting in increased pressure.
This cannot happen without proper neurological impulses. The neurological impulse is triggered when the brain sends signals to the spinal cord and nerves, causing the release of hormones such as nitric oxide (NO), which causes the corpus cavernosum tissue to dilate and fill with blood. When there is no longer sufficient blood supply, the blood vessels contract and expel it. At the peak of the plateau phase, the penis becomes hard enough for intercourse. After the orgasm or ejaculation, the genital blood flow decreases dramatically. Hormonal fluctuations regulate this pulsatile blood flow in genital tissues, and their impact on tactile sensitivity can be profound.
Sex hormones play a crucial role in regulating the production of other hormones, including those responsible for controlling pulsatile blood flow.
Testosterone stimulates the production of NO, which increases vasodilation. Estrogen plays a role in maintaining sexual function through its effects on various aspects of sexual behavior, including the menstrual cycle and sex drive. In females, estrogen levels are highest during ovulation and pregnancy, while progesterone levels are highest in the luteal phase. Prolactin is another hormone that helps regulate sexual behavior and facilitates lactation after childbirth.
The impact of hormonal fluctuations on tactile sensitivity depends on the specific body part being examined. In women, changes in hormone levels affect the sensory perception of touch. During menstruation, for instance, the level of oxytocin rises and reduces pain response and increases sensitivity to touch. This effect is reversed during premenstrual syndrome when estrogen levels drop. The same occurs with hormonal contraceptives such as birth control pills. Men experience similar changes depending on their age and the duration of use of certain medications like Viagra or Cialis. They may also experience decreased erections after prostate surgery due to alterations in neurological impulses related to hormonal imbalances. Tactile sensitivity can be increased by applying pressure on specific parts of the genitalia, such as the frenulum, clitoris, or labia.
Hormonal fluctuations play an essential role in regulating pulsatile blood flow in genital tissues, which has a profound impact on tactile sensitivity. It is necessary to understand these changes to optimize sexual pleasure and avoid complications caused by excessive or insufficient blood flow.
How do hormonal fluctuations regulate pulsatile blood flow in genital tissues, and what is the impact on tactile sensitivity?
Hormones are chemical messengers that help control many physiological processes in humans. During sexual arousal, specific hormones like dopamine, oxytocin, estrogen, testosterone, etc. , trigger changes in vascular function in the male and female genitals. These changes lead to an increase in blood flow to these areas, which enhances tactile sensation.