Vaginal photoplethysmograph
Encyclopedia
The Vaginal photoplethysmograph (VPG) is a type of plethysmograph
. It consists of a clear acrylic, rod-shaped device that contains a light source, and a light detector. The light source illuminates the capillary bed of the vaginal wall and the blood circulating within it. The amount of light that is backscatter
ed is thought to be directly related to the transparency of engorged and unengorged tissue and, hence, serves as an indirect measure of vasoengorgement, an indication of sexual arousal
. However, there are many problems with the instrument including (1) lack of validation of its direct relationship with vasocongestion
, (2) lack of an absolute scale precluding between-participant comparisons in research, and (3) its perceived invasiveness by some research participants.
The device was first introduced in 1967 by Palti and Berovici and refined in 1975 by Sintchak and Geer. It was the first practical and reliable device for the measurement of vaginal blood flow. The vaginal probe was designed to be easily inserted by the subject. Its introduction spurred great (research) interest in the area of female sexual arousal throughout the late 70s and early 80s. Research in this area has increased significantly recently, particularly since the introduction of Viagra
for men.
Plethysmograph
A plethysmograph is an instrument for measuring changes in volume within an organ or whole body .-Lungs:...
. It consists of a clear acrylic, rod-shaped device that contains a light source, and a light detector. The light source illuminates the capillary bed of the vaginal wall and the blood circulating within it. The amount of light that is backscatter
Backscatter
In physics, backscatter is the reflection of waves, particles, or signals back to the direction they came from. It is a diffuse reflection due to scattering, as opposed to specular reflection like a mirror...
ed is thought to be directly related to the transparency of engorged and unengorged tissue and, hence, serves as an indirect measure of vasoengorgement, an indication of sexual arousal
Sexual arousal
Sexual arousal, or sexual excitement, is the arousal of sexual desire, during or in anticipation of sexual activity. Things that precipitate human sexual arousal are called erotic stimuli, or colloquially known as turn-ons. There are many potential stimuli, both physical or mental, which can cause...
. However, there are many problems with the instrument including (1) lack of validation of its direct relationship with vasocongestion
Vasocongestion
Vasocongestion is the swelling of bodily tissues caused by increased vascular blood flow and a localized increase in blood pressure.Typical causes of vasocongestion in humans includes menstruation, sexual arousal, REM sleep, strong emotions, and illnesses and allergic reactions.-Illnesses:Menstrual...
, (2) lack of an absolute scale precluding between-participant comparisons in research, and (3) its perceived invasiveness by some research participants.
The device was first introduced in 1967 by Palti and Berovici and refined in 1975 by Sintchak and Geer. It was the first practical and reliable device for the measurement of vaginal blood flow. The vaginal probe was designed to be easily inserted by the subject. Its introduction spurred great (research) interest in the area of female sexual arousal throughout the late 70s and early 80s. Research in this area has increased significantly recently, particularly since the introduction of Viagra
Sildenafil
Sildenafil citrate, sold as Viagra, Revatio and under various other trade names, is a drug used to treat erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension . It was originally developed by British scientists and then brought to market by the US-based pharmaceutical company Pfizer...
for men.
External links
- http://homepage.psy.utexas.edu/homepage/group/MestonLAB/HTML%20files/Lab_vagpleth.htm