Tumescence
702484
225936015
2008-07-16T02:37:18Z
Una Smith
3349439
word choice
'''Tumescence''' is the quality or state of being tumescent or swollen. Tumescence usually refers to the normal engorgement with [[blood]] ([[vascular congestion]]) of the [[erectile tissue]]s, marking sexual excitation and possible readiness for [[sexual activity]]. The tumescent sexual organ in [[men]] is the [[penis]] and in [[women]] is the [[clitoris]].
Regularly, men who experience [[erectile dysfunction]] are given a [[nocturnal penile tumescence]] (NPT) test, usually over a three day period. Such a test detects the presence of an [[erection]] occurring during [[sleep]] using either (1) a small, portable [[computer]] connected to two bands placed around the shaft of the [[penis]] which records penile tumescence, or (2) a band of paper tape with perforations (like [[postage stamp]]s) that is fit snugly around the shaft of the penis and will break at the perforations during penile tumescence.
The goal of nocturnal penile tumescence testing is to determine whether a man can experience an [[erection]] while sleeping after reporting he is unable to experience an erection while awake. If a man does obtain an erection while [[sleep|sleeping]], but cannot obtain one while awake, a [[psychology|psychological]] cause is usually suspected. Else, if a man does not obtain an erection in either state, a [[physiology|physiological]] cause is usually suspected.
== External links ==
* [http://www2.rz.hu-berlin.de/sexology/ECE1/tumescence.html ''The Female Response''] – ''Humboldt Universität zu [[Berlin]]''
* [http://www2.rz.hu-berlin.de/sexology/ECE1/excitement1.html ''The Male Response''] – ''Humboldt Universität zu [[Berlin]]''
[[Category:Andrology]]
[[Category:Gynecology]]