It is an unprecedented discovery that could help treat sexual disorders linked to genital mutilation. For the first time, researchers have found the part of the brain linked to the clitoris.
The study, published in the journal Journal of Neuroscience, has made it possible to precisely identify the area of the brain that reacts to stimulation of the clitoris in the brain of women. The brain area is also larger in women who have had more sex.
A mini-vibrator
Other studies have identified a region of the brain that is activated but without real accuracy about the exact location (foot, hip) because the stimulation techniques were inaccurate (stimulation by the partner and other parts of the brain). body) until this study. This time, the researchers placed a small round object on top of the underwear, at the level of the clitoris. The object propelled air and a small membrane began to vibrate.
In total, 8 clitoral stimulation were performed for 10 seconds each. To compare the results, the process was repeated on the back of the right hand. The 20 women aged 18 to 45 then had an MRI of the brain. Thus, the representation of the genitals is located near that of the hip but this may vary between women.
A key tool to help victims of sexual violence
Another finding: “We found an association between the frequency of intercourse and the thickness of the genital region mapped individually,” says Christine Heim, lead author of the research. The…