Transmucosal oxygen tension of the clitoris: a new parameter for future investigations of the sexual, metabolic, and cardiovascular health of women

Abstract

Background

Several studies suggested that abnormalities in tissue perfusion of external genitalia and vagina can lead to female sexual dysfunctions (FSDs) and can be associated to metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors. However, there are some technical difficulties in assessing these abnormalities. The measurement of oxygen partial pressure is a noninvasive method to measure oxygen partial pressure (pO₂) at the skin surface to assess tissue perfusion. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether transmucosal oxygen tension (TmPO₂) can be measured at the mucosal surface of clitoris and whether the measurements are reliable.

Methods

TmPO₂ was measured in six young healthy women by using a device to measure transcutaneous pO₂ on the skin and by choosing a small sensor, usually used for newborns. The identical procedure for the detection of pO₂ at the skin surface was used.

Results

The mean value of TmPO₂ was 42.3 mmHg (range: 24.1–53.4 mmHg). All the trend curves of the TmPO₂ showed the same behavior: after a stabilization time, there was a stable pO₂ (plateau phase) that corresponds to the TmPO₂ of the clitoris. These curves had a similar trend to those recorded at the skin surface.

Conclusions

TmPO₂ can be easily measured at the mucosal surface of clitoris. Large epidemiological studies in healthy and unhealthy women and in women with FSD are needed to establish both the normal range of TmPO₂ and the meaning that different values of TmPO₂ can have on sexual and general health of the women.

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