Sexual function hormones

FSH and hCG also find application in the treatment of male subfertility or related conditions. Both are administered to males exhibiting hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism to stimulate sperm synthesis and normal sexual function. hCG has found limited application in the treatment of prepubertal cryptorchidism (a condition characterized by failure of the testes to descend fully into the scrotum from the abdomen). The ability of this hormone to stimulate testosterone production also caught the attention of some athletes, and, as a result, the International Olympic Committee has banned its use. 

Table 2. Possible hormonal effects on sexual function...

While these steroids directly regulate sexual function, their synthesis and release are, in turn, controlled by gonadotropins — polypeptide hormones produced by the pituitary gland. The biology and medical applications of the gonadotropins are outlined in Chapter 8. Sex hormones produced naturally may be classified into one of three groups ... 

FIGURE 14-30. Psychopharmacology is beginning to identify new therapies that are sex-specific and related to sexual functioning. These include treatments for the human sexual response, especially for erectile dysfunction in men, as well as a better appreciation of the role of hormones in managing mood and cognitive disorders in women. 

Isojarvi JI, Repo M, Pakarinen AJ, Lukkarinen O, Myllyla VV. Carbamazepine, phenytoin, sex hormones, and sexual function in men with epilepsy. Epilepsia... 

G. Hinz, F. DBcke and G. DOrner, Long-term changes of sexual functions in rats treated neonatally with psychotrophic drugs, in G. DOrner and M. Kawakami (Eds.), Hormones and Brain Development, Elsevier/North-Holland Biomedical Press, 1978, pp. 121-127. 

The glands that produce sperm are the testes. Prior to copulation, the sperm are stored and undergo further development in the epididymis, located on the testicles. For delivery, sperm are incorporated into seminal fluid produced by seminal vesicles, the prostate gland, and the bulbourethral gland, and ejaculated through the urethra of the penis. The process of forming sperm and other male sexual functions and characteristics are promoted by testosterone, the male sex hormone. 

Suzuki H, Tominaga T, Kumagai H, Saruta T. Effects of first-line antihypertensive agents on sexual function and sex hormones. J Hypertens Suppl 1988 6(4) S649-51. 

Other neurotransmitter systems, as well as various hormones, have been shown to modulate sexual function among these are progesterone and prolactin (which inhibit centrally mediated arousal) and testosterone (which stimulates centrally mediated arousal). 

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