The vestibular bulbs are small erectile tissues found near the clitoris and vagina. They become engorged during moments of sexual stimulation and pleasure. When a person becomes sexually excited, their genitals fill with blood, causing them to grow larger and more sensitive. This process can lead to an increase in pleasure intensity and duration. The vestibular bulbs also play a role in female orgasmic response. During an orgasm, they may contract strongly, sending signals to the brain that intensify feelings of euphoria. The size and strength of these contractions vary from one woman to another. In some cases, these bulbs may be absent altogether due to various factors such as age, hormones, or health issues. It is possible for a person to enjoy pleasurable sensations without fully engorged vestibular bulbs, but many women report that they enhance arousal and climax. To learn more about this topic, read "Sexual Anatomy 101" by Dr. Alex Comfort or watch the video series "Anatomy of Arousal" with Dr. Ruth Westheimer. How to Measure Vestibular Bulb Engorgement
Vestibular bulb engorgement can be measured through self-assessment or medical imaging techniques like ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). People who want to measure their own bulbs should use a mirror and finger to feel around the area between the clitoris and labia minora. If the bulbs are fully erect, they will feel firm and swollen. They may appear darker than the surrounding skin. Other signs of arousal include increased vaginal lubrication and genital swelling. Medical professionals may use a device called a photoplethysmograph to monitor blood flow to the genitals during sex or masturbation. This technology uses infrared light to detect changes in skin color and temperature. A trained professional may also examine the vulva visually to assess its size and shape during arousal. The Role of Hormones in Vestibular Bulb Engorgement
Hormones play an important role in sexual functioning and response, including the engorgement of the vestibular bulbs. Estrogen is responsible for maintaining healthy levels of elasticity and moisture in the tissues surrounding the vagina and clitoris. It also promotes vascular dilation, increasing blood flow and sensitivity. Testosterone is another hormone that affects sexual desire and responsiveness. Both men and women produce this hormone, although women have much lower levels compared to men. Low testosterone levels can result in decreased libido and diminished sexual pleasure. Different Types of Arousal and Their Effect on Vestibular Bulb Engorgement
There are many different types of arousal that can lead to increased vestibular bulb engorgement. These include physical stimulation like touching, kissing, and intercourse; visual stimuli like pornography or erotic art; auditory cues such as music or conversation; and mental imagery involving fantasies or memories. Some people experience multiple forms of arousal simultaneously. For example, a woman might watch porn while her partner caresses her body. The combination of visual and tactile stimulation may enhance genital swelling and lubrication, leading to stronger orgasmic contractions. In some cases, vestibular bulb engorgement may occur without any form of external stimulation. This is known as spontaneous orgasm or involuntary orgasm and can be experienced by both men and women.