Dynamic MR imaging of the sexual arousal response in women

The purpose of our studies was to evaluate whether MR imaging could be used to noninvasively observe and measure the sexual arousal response in normal women. We tested the feasibility as well as the reproducibility of rapid, dynamic, serial high-resolution MR imaging of the genital structures during presentation of neutral and sexually stimulating video material. Results show that these MRI techniques can visualize significant changes in clitoral volume during the stimulus segment of the video presentation. Quantitative measurements made of these changes were robust and reproducible. These studies suggest that MRI techniques may be a useful tool to improve our understanding of the physiology involved with the sexual arousal response in women. These MRI techniques may also prove useful as a surrogate end point marker for testing efficacy of future new treatments for women with sexual arousal disorder.