title: Female sexual function and the clitoral complex using pelvic MRI assessment.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To report basic measurements of clitoral anatomy, and explore potential relationships between the clitoral complex and female sexual function using MRI assessment.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this retrospective descriptive study, 20 sexually active women (≥18 years) who had a recent pelvic MRI for various gynecologic concerns were invited to participate. Outcome measures included demographic data, medical and sexual history, quality of life questionnaires: Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Body Exposure during Sexual Activities Questionnaire (BESAQ), and Short Form Quality of Life Questionnaire (SF-12). These data were then compared to detailed clitoral MRI measurements and analyzed using the Pearson correlation and Chi square test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  FSFI domains of desire, arousal, lubrication, and orgasm were inversely correlated with clitoral size (p=0.01-0.04), as were SF-12 physical composite scores (p=0.003), suggesting improved sexual function and physical health in women with smaller clitoral structures (specifically the clitoral body and crus).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Sexual function was improved in women with a smaller-sized clitoris, specifically the clitoral body and crus.
authors.affiliation: Division of Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery, Good Samaritan Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, USA. Electronic address: vaccaro.christine@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Christine M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Vaccaro
authors.affiliation: Hatton Institute for Research & Education, Good Samaritan Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
authors.forename: Angela N
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Fellner
authors.affiliation: Division of Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery, Good Samaritan Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
authors.forename: Rachel N
authors.initials: RN
authors.lastname: Pauls
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002987:Clitoris / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007989:Libido / Q000502:physiology*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D009929:Organ Size; D009948:Orgasm / Q000502:physiology*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: Clitoral complex; Clitoris; Female sexual function; Pelvic MRI