Vasocongestion 1352921 219928543 2008-06-17T14:24:14Z SmackBot 433328 Date the maintenance tags or general fixes {{Merge|Blue balls|date=June 2008}} '''Vasocongestion''' is a term for the swelling of bodily tissues caused by increased [[blood vessel|vascular]] [[blood]] flow and a localized increase in [[blood pressure]]. Typical causes of vasocongestion in humans includes [[menstruation]], [[sexual arousal]], [[REM sleep]], strong [[emotion]]s, and [[illness]]es and [[allergy|allergic reaction]]s. ==Illnesses== [[Menstrual cramp]]s are one of the most common side effects of vasocongestion in adult females. Although pain and discomfort varies among individuals, vasocongestion is an essential part of the shedding of the lining of the [[uterus]]. Abnormal vasocongestion during the menstrual cycle can lead to irregular bleeding, severe and debilitating cramps and [[anemia]] caused by increased menstrual flow. The temporary vasocongestion of the [[cheek]]s of the [[face]] is called [[blushing]]. It may be caused by the emotions of [[anger]] or [[embarrassment]]. The illness of [[rosacea]] is a chronic vasocongestion condition of the face that primarily affects the cheeks and nose, but may include other areas such as the eyes and chin. Vasocongestion of the area around the human [[anus]] can lead to the formation of [[hemorrhoids]]. ==Human sexual behavior== Vasocongestion is essential for [[sex]]ual procreation in mammals since this is the force that causes the hardening of a [[penis]] during an [[erection]]. The same force in women leads to the hardening of the [[clitoris]] and [[vaginal lubrication]] during sexual arousal. The decrease in vasocongestion in post-[[menopause|menopausal]] women may require some women to use artificial [[sexual lubricant]] to avoid pain during [[sexual intercourse]].<ref> Cindy Meston, Ph.D., [http://homepage.psy.utexas.edu/Homepage/Group/MestonLAB/Resources/articles/aging.htm Aging & Women's Sexuality ]. (Accessed [[October 10]], 2006) </ref><ref> Vern L. Bulloch, [http://www2.hu-berlin.de/sexology/GESUND/ARCHIV/LIBRO.HTM Science in the Bedroom], 1994 . (Accessed [[October 10]], 2006)</ref> Other forms of vasocongestion during human sexual activity include [[sex flush]] and the swelling of [[nipple]]s in both men and women.<ref> [http://www.soc.ucsb.edu/sexinfo/?article=activity&refid=034 e Sexual Response Cycle], Sex Info, [[University of California at Santa Barbara]]. (Accessed [[October 10]], 2006) </ref> Unpleasant side effects of sex-related vasocongestion may lead to the [[cramp]]-like pain of "[[blue balls]]"<ref> [http://health.discovery.com/centers/sex/sexpedia/blueballs.html Blue Balls], Sinclair Intimacy Institute, 2002. (Accessed [[October 10]], 2006) </ref> in males and an unpleasant [[pelvis|pelvic]] "heaviness" in women,<ref>[http://www.sogc.org/guidelines/public/171E-CONS-February2006.pdf#search=%22pelvic-heaviness%20vasocongestion%20.gov%22 Sexual Function and Estrogen], Canadian Consensus Conference on Menopause, 2006 Update. (Accessed [[October 10]], 2006)</ref> similar to the start of the menstruation cycle. == Notes == <references/> [[Category:Biology]] {{circulatory-stub}}