Central control and inhibitory mechanisms in male sexual response

At this present time there is a serious gap in our understanding of how psychological difficulties result in specific sexual dysfunction. In this paper, a theoretical model of sexual response is proposed which involves the parallel existence of excitatory and inhibitory mechanisms in the central nervous system. Evidence for both specifically sexual and non-specific inhibitory mechanisms are discussed; at this stage either or both may be relevant to the model. It is postulated that the propensity for neurophysiological inhibition of sexual response varies across individuals; in the majority of cases it is assumed that this mechanism has adaptive value. However, in those individuals for whom the propensity is lacking, high risk sexual behavior may be more likely. In contrast, those individuals with high propensity for central inhibition may be more vulnerable to sexual dysfunction. If valid, this model opens a new research agenda for both male sexual dysfunction and high risk sexual behavior.