>Regarding sex and breasts--while I agree with much of your post on this
>subject (27 Feb), where does breast stimulation causing uterine contractions
>and the like come in?

This is a very complex topic! Obviously cultural factors and social learning
will affect women's response to breast stimulation. However, in my mind,
there is a link between breasts and sexuality.

I have a reference that says that "the clitoris and nipple appear to be
interlinked somewhere in the central nervous system, perhaps in Cajals
nucleus. Stimulation of one arouses the other." (Cauthery P, Psychosexuality
and Breast Feeding, J. Inst. Health Educ. vol 18, No 1, 10-13, 1980) - but
he doesn't reference this. We need a neuroanatomist to check this (any out
there?).

Oxytocin links the breast and genital tract in both directions. The link we
usually think of is nipple stimulation leading to oxytocin release and then
uterine contraction. But it also works in reverse: vaginal stimulation leads
to oxytocin release and let-down (eg cows, Riordan J, A Practical Guide to
Breastfeeding, p338).

Such a pity Niles Newton is no longer with us to participate in this topic!

Lisa Amir,
GP/LC in Melbourne, Australia.
P.S. I think Carolyn Lawlor-Smith will comment on vasospasm, as she has
written up some cases with her sister.