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

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.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.A significant increase in collagen and a...