Hormones on Sexual Arousal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Hormones on Sexual Arousal - Essay Example It is easiest to study male and female arousal in other primates because we have greater control (Carlson, 2002) . The ability to mate is not controlled by ovarian hormones. A woman can have intercourse at any time in her cycle. This makes it difficult to know exactly how much influence ovarian hormones have on arousal. Most studies show that these hormones have only a minimal effect on female arousal. It should be noted that these studies have been done on married women who are with their partner daily. It should be considered that a woman may take part in intercourse because of her husbands desire. Studies of female monkeys have shown that the menstrual cycle does have a strong effect on female arousal (Wallen, 2003). Studies of married women show that these females were, when tested through their entire cycle, more aroused when their testosterone levels were at their highest. When the adrenal glands, the gland that produces androgens, are removed from female monkeys the sexual drive of the money was greatly reduced. Adding testosterone reinstituted sexual arousal. Oxyctocin levels also seem to place a role in arousal. Higher levels start contractions of the uterus and the vagina that accompanies orgasm. It is likely that the pleasant â€Å"afterglow† that follows intercourse is also due to oxyctocin (Wallen, 2003). Pheromones are generally odors that are generally received through the olfactory portion of the brain but can also be absorbed through the skin. These pheromones tend to enhance hormone production in the female including oxyctocin. That would give a second explanation as to why touch enhances hormone production. There is also evidence that vision influences the production of oxyctocin (Wallen, 2003). Researchers are beginning to believe it is the combination of high testosterone levels and high oxyctocin levels that motivates female arousal. If both