The Role of Genital Nerve Afferents in the Physiology of the Sexual Response and Pelvic Floor Function

There is expanding support for the critical role of genital afferent neurophysiology in the mechanisms of erectile function and micturition. Genital afferent stimulation is a safe and natural modality that can be harnessed to amplify autonomic and somatic activity within the penis, female genitalia, spinal cord, and higher centers via established neurological principles. Such physiological adaptive processes may be beneficial in improving sexual response, erectile function, and micturition in many disease states, including in men after radical pelvic surgery. Well-designed and -executed studies in each specific population are needed to authenticate such prospects. Tajkarimi K and Burnett AL. The role of genital nerve afferents in the physiology of the sexual response and pelvic floor function.