In the female as well, at the height of sexual and pleasurable excitement, a reflex movement occurs. It is induced by stimulation of the sensory genital nerves, and consists of a peristaltic movement in the tubes and uterus as far down as the portio vaginalis, which presses out the mucous secretions of the tubes and uterus. Inhibition of the ejaculation centre is possible as a result of cortical influence (want of desire in coitus, emotions in general; influence of the will, in a measure).
Under normal conditions, with the completion of the sexual act, libido sexualis and erection disappear, and the psychical and sexual excitement gives place to a comfortable feeling of lassitude.
III. GENERAL PATHOLOGY.[[28]]
(NEUROLOGICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL.)
Abnormality of the sexual functions proves to be especially frequent in civilized races. This fact is explained in part by the frequent abuse of the sexual organs, and in part by the circumstance that such functional anomalies are often the signs of an abnormal constitution of the central nervous system, which is, for the most part, hereditary (“functional signs of degeneration”).
Since the generative organs stand in important functional connection with the entire nervous system, and especially with its psychical and somatic functions, it is easy to understand the frequency of general neuroses and psychoses arising in sexual (functional or organic) disturbances.
| Schema of the Sexual Neuroses. | ||
|---|---|---|
| I. Peripheral.[[29]] | 1. Sensory. | a. Anæsthesia. |
| b. Hyperæsthesia. | ||
| c. Neuralgia. | ||
| 2. Secretory. | a. Aspermia. | |
| b. Polyspermia. | ||
| 3. Motor. | a. Pollutions (spasm). | |
| b. Spermatorrhœa (paralysis). | ||
| II. Spinal. | 1. Affections of the erection centre. | |
| 2. Affections of the ejaculation centre. | ||
| III. Cerebral. | 1. Paradoxia. | |
| 2. Anæsthesia. | ||
| 3. Hyperæsthesia. | ||
| 4. Paræsthesia. | ||
II. SPINAL NEUROSES.
1. Affections of the Erection Centre.
(a) Irritation (priapism) arises reflexly from peripheral sensory irritants (e.g., gonorrhœa); directly, from organic irritation of the nerve-tracts from the brain to the erection centre (spinal disease in the lower cervical and upper dorsal regions), or of the centre itself (certain poisons); or from psychical irritation. In the latter case satyriasis exists, i.e., abnormal duration of erection, with libido sexualis. In simply reflex or direct organic irritation, libido sexualis may be wanting, and the priapism be accompanied by unpleasant feelings.