Female genito-pelvic reflexes: an overview

ABSTRACTThe female reproductive system includes an active and responsive genital tract that shows involuntary activity triggered by sexual arousal, genital stimulation and/or orgasm. This pelvic and perineal somatic and autonomic reflex muscle activity (“genito-pelvic reflexes”) may be an important constituent of the female sexual response. The aim of this study was to review the literature critically on female genito-pelvic reflexes. Only a small number of studies (15) have been published on this issue. More neurophysiological research is needed to search for the implications of these genito-pelvic reflexes for female sexual (dys)function.