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.
Keywords: aging; clitoris; extracellular matrix; stereology.
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