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Evidence that serotonin affects female sexual functioning via peripheral mechanisms
1Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, 78712, Austin, TX, USA.
Physiology & Behavior
|January 11, 2001
Summary
Serotonin plays a key role in female sexual function, acting in the periphery to influence arousal and the sexual response cycle. Altering serotonin activity with medications can lead to sexual dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Reproductive Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Serotonin is implicated in various peripheral mechanisms affecting female sexual functioning.
- Serotonin is present in the female genital tract and influences vascular responses crucial for sexual arousal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on serotonin's role in peripheral mechanisms of female sexual functioning.
- To explore the connection between peripheral serotonergic activity and normal sexual response.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on serotonin in the female genital tract and sexual response.
- Analysis of serotonin's dual role as a neurotransmitter (CNS) and vasoactive agent (periphery).
Main Results:
- Peripheral serotonin acts as a vasoconstrictor/vasodilator, contributing to genital vasocongestion during arousal.
- Serotonin administration causes genitourinary smooth muscle contraction and is found in nerves of sexual organs.
- Exogenous substances affecting serotonin, like SSRIs, can cause sexual dysfunction, potentially via peripheral mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Peripheral serotonergic activity is likely involved in the normal female sexual response cycle.
- Sexual side effects of certain medications may stem from their impact on peripheral serotonergic pathways.