Aging effects in the extracellular matrix of the clitoris: A scanning electron microscopic analysis.

OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY: The present work aims to observe the clitoris' extracellular matrix in young and old women with a scanning electron microscope. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After approval of the local research ethics committee, samples of the clitoris body were obtained from cadavers of women between 20 and 40 old (G1) and from cadavers over the age of 60 (G2). The samples were decellularized with NaOH to maintain the extracellular matrix framework, submitted to silver sputter coating, and observed under a scanning electron microscope. RESULTS: The mean age of the cadavers in G1 was 28 years old and 75±6 years old in G2. The groups were composed of 10 cadavers each. It was observed that the collagen was arranged in a disorganized fashion in the samples from the G2 in several regions. There was also a decrease in elastic fibers that anchored the collagen in these samples. The concentration of collagen showed an increase in the older samples in comparison to the G1 samples. Conclusions Female sexual dysfunction is a condition prevalent in a significantly large portion of women and it is more common in elderly women. It is known that the tumescence mechanism requires integrity of the extracellular matrix. The changes observed herein may alter the function of the organ and are similar to observations in studies of men with erectile dysfunction. CONCLUSION: Female sexual dysfunction is a condition prevalent in a significantly large portion of women and it is more common in elderly women. It is known that the tumescence mechanism requires integrity of the extracellular matrix. The changes observed herein may alter the function of the organ and are similar to observations in studies of men with erectile dysfunction. .

Changes in the extracellular matrix of the clitoris caused by aging: a stereological and comparative study.

INTRODUCTION: The clitoris is partially responsible for sexual arousal. The integrity of the extracellular matrix is essential for clitoral erection. Sexual dysfunction is a phenomenon associated with age. METHODS: The clitoris of cadavers of 20- to 80-year-old women was excised and histologically processed. Stereological analysis was performed to quantify the volumetric density of collagen, elastic fibers, and smooth muscle. RESULTS: A significant increase in collagen and a decrease in smooth muscle and elastic fibers were observed in older women. CONCLUSIONS: In short, these changes caused by aging could contribute to female sexual dysfunction concerning clitoral orgasm.