have an emotional component or a story, while this just isn’t the case with men. Interestingly, women are less sexually aroused during the follicular phase of their cycle, which may play a role in being selective about one’s mate. Men have a strong neural reaction when exposed to a specific sex but not to the other sex, while women respond similarly to erotic stimuli that involve either sex. This appears to be true of both homosexual and heterosexual individuals of both genders. Patterns of orgasm, on the other hand, are the same between men and women. During orgasm, the amygdala and ventromedial prefrontal cortical areas shut down immediately—similar to taking heroin. This accounts for the disinhibition that transiently occurs during orgasm. After orgasm, there is the experience of an endorphin rush and releases of oxytocin and prolactin. This differs between men and women and isn’t completely understood. It is believed that these hormones contribute to increased bonding and to post-coital cuddling behavior seen in some individuals.
MALE CIRCUMCISION As mentioned, male circumcision is the removal of the foreskin from the glans penis. There are specialized devices used in the newborn period to crimp off the foreskin. No actual stitching is involved. The blood flow to the foreskin is cut off and the remaining devitalized foreskin is removed. This is an elective procedure done for medical, social, or religious reasons. It can be done as an emergent or relatively urgent procedure if the foreskin gets trapped in the retracted position, called paraphimosis, or if there are chronic bladder infections. The elective circumcision done at birth is done for the parent’s personal preference or for religious reasons. Societal norms drive the desire to have a child circumcised. It is considered to have a modest health benefit. It will decrease the incidence of HIV disease so it is done more often in Africa, where the prevalence of HIV is higher. There are no medical organizations that have either supported or banned circumcision in modern time. It cannot be done if there are birth defects involving the penis or in known bleeding disorders.
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