Reduction of genital sensory input and sexual behavior of female guinea pigs

The role of the pelvic, pudendal and genitofemoral nerves in governing the display of lordosis and in determining the duration of estrus was examined in the female guinea pig. The effect of transection of these nerves was to increase the amount of time lordosis was held during intromission as reflected by increased time from the first intromissive thrust to termination of lordosis and increased thrusts per intromission by the male. Although lordosis was held for a longer time, lordosis was terminated by neurectomized females before the male broke contact with the female, as is the case with intact female guinea pig. Abbreviation of the duration of estrus as a result of mating was not prevented by transection of the pelvic, pudendal, and genitofemoral nerves. The results suggest that sensory input transmitted via the pelvic, pudendal and genitofemoral nerves is capable of molding the character of the lordosis response of the female guinea pig, but is not responsible for the inhibition of the display of lordosis following copulation.