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The role of functional MRI in neural assessment of female sexual dysfunction

  • Women’s Sexual Health
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Abstract

Female sexual arousal results from a complex series of psychological, neurologic, and cardiovascular events. Various sexual stimulations lead to central nervous system activation, resulting in engorgement of genital structure and vaginal lubrication. Functional MRI (fMRI) technique can clarify brain function associated with sexual arousal and response. fMRI studies have revealed the functional neuroanatomy of the brain associated with sexual arousal by visual sexual stimulation, and fMRI looks very promising for investigating the effects of hormonal therapy or other medication on central nervous system arousal. Further intensive studies are needed to verify fMRI findings and to obtain additional information on the neural mechanism of sexual function in women. This article reviews the basic principle of fMRI and its clinical applications, for the study of female sexual function.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. 8 Hak-dong, Dong-gu, 501-757, Gwangju, Republic of Korea

    Kwangsung Park MD, PhD

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  1. Kwangsung Park MD, PhD
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  2. Gwang-Woo Jeong PhD
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Correspondence to Kwangsung Park MD, PhD.

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Park, K., Jeong, GW. The role of functional MRI in neural assessment of female sexual dysfunction. Curr Sex Health Rep 4, 33–40 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02938329

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