The healthy sexual brain
Although there is a growing appreciation of
the sheer complexity of the human sexual response, re
igning theories about how the brain governs sexual behavior are the product of experimental investigations and observations in animals. We believe that in order to fully comprehend how ourbrains bring about sexual behavior it is necessary to take a different approach. In our institution we use
cutting edge neuroimaging techniques like positron emission tomography (PET) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to systematically map in men and women the neuroanatomy of the sexual brain. In the first series of experiments we investigated genital stimulation and orgasm. We found strong evidence that blood flow in the prefrontal cortex, and especially the orbitofrontal cortex, relates to the degree of ‘sexual control’. Orbitofrontal function may therefore be crucial for a healthy sexual response, and this hypothesis will be tested over the next years. In a joint effort with the University of Melbourne we are in the process of investigating the post-orgasmic phase in men, with special reference to neural mechanisms that bring about feelings of satiety and a temporary state of sexual quiescence, and to associated consciousness processes. We are currently setting up a new project that aims to approach the sexual brain from a more psychological perspective, addressing complex issues like sexual empathy and the relationship between sexual arousal and moral judgement.
Collaborations:
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Prof. Dr. G.F. Egan, Dr. M.J. Farrell Howard Florey Institute for Brain Research,
Melbourne
,Australia
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Prof. Dr. D.A. Denton
Baker Heart Research Institute, Alfred Hospital, Prahran, Australia
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Prof. Dr. C.M. Keysers Dept. Neuroscience, Social Brain Lab, UMCG, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Dr. R.J. RenkenDept.
Neuroscience, BCN-Neuroimaging Center
, UMCG, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Dr. J.M. HoogduinUMC Utrecht, The Netherlands
The disturbed sexual brain
The brain is instrumental in normal and disturbed sexuality. The latter may take the form of s
exual dysfunction or deviant sexual behavior. Disturbed sexuality is a hidden problem, and consequently its negative impact on physical and mental health is generally underestimated. However, these disturbances have a tendency to affect other people like e.g. the affected person’s spouse. Moreover, certain types of deviant sexual behavior, like sexual abuse, pose a menace to others, and society as a whole. This project aims to understand these disturbances by investigating their underlying neural mechanisms using state of the art experimental designs and cutting edge neuroimaging techniques. At the outset the focus will be on sexual dysfunctions like premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, vaginismus, and anorgasmia. A first study, aiming to investigate the role of disgust processes in vaginismus,is currently in preparation.
Collaborations:
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Prof. Dr. W.C.M. Weijmar Schultz;Dept. Obstetrics & Gynaecology, UniversityMedical CenterGroningen, The Netherlands
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Prof. Dr. P.J. de Jong;Dept.
Experimental Psychopathology,
University
of Groningen, The Netherlands
Teaching:
- supervision undergraduate thesis: Jaap van Netten (Human Movement Sciences)
- Curricular teaching of gross anatomy for MedicalSchool and Human Movement Sciences.
- Surgical anatomy courses for surgical trainees
- Surgical anatomy courses for medical specialists
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Member of the OCG (Opleidingscommissie Geneeskunde Onderwijs)
