Marsha Guess, MD, Assistant Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Services, Yale University, discusses altered genital sensation in women with pelvic organ prolapse, in particular altered blood flow and arousal problems.

Summary
1. Arousal dysfunction is caused by the parasympathetic nervous system and orgasmic dysfunction is caused by the sympathetic nervous system.
2. It is known that women with pelvic organ dysfunction have blood flow and arousal problems which will lead to the identification of new treatment options in the future.

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References and Resources
Kammerer-Doak D. Assessment of sexual function in women with pelvic floor dysfunction. Int Urogynecol J Pelvic Floor Dysfunct. 2009 May;20 Suppl 1:S45-50.

Espuña Pons M. Sexual health in women with pelvic floor disorders: measuring the sexual activity and function with questionnaires–a summary. Int Urogynecol J Pelvic Floor Dysfunct. 2009 May;20 Suppl 1:S65-71. PMID: 19440785 [PubMed – in process]