Terms and information relating to

Forensic Evidence is scientific information that is collected for possible use in a legal proceeding.
Related Terms: DA,DNA,Injury,Sexually Transmitted Disease,DOMESTIC VIOLENCE,Masterbation,

ENA

Emergency Nurses Association
Related Terms: ER,

AAFS

American Academy of Forensic Sciences
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BSN

Bachelors of Science Degree in Nursing
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OVC

Office of Victims and Crimes
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MLDI

MedicoLegal Death investigator
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ABMDI

American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators
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These are drugs that are sometimes used to assist a sexual assault. Sexual assault is any type of sexual activity that a person does not agree to. It can include inappropriate touching, vaginal penetration, sexual intercourse, rape, and attempted rape. Because of the effects of these drugs, victims may be physically helpless, unable to refuse sex, and can't remember what happened. The drugs often have no color, smell, or taste and are easily added to flavored drinks without the victim's knowledge.
Related Terms: GHB,Rohypnol,Ketamine,AFSA,

Rape

The definition of rape is varied from state to state, please see our Statute of limitation guide by state.
Related Terms: Date Rape Drugs,Sexual Assault,RAINN,Age of Consent,

GHB

(gamma hydroxybutyric acid)a liquid with no odor or color, white powder, and pill.
GHB GHB can cause these problems: relaxation
drowsiness
dizziness
nausea
problems seeing
unconsciousness (black out)
seizures
can't remember what happened while drugged
problems breathing
tremors
sweating
vomiting
slow heart rate
dream-like feeling
coma
death

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Rohypnol

(flunitrazepam) Rohypnol is a pill and dissolves in liquids. New pills turn blue when added to liquids. However, the old pills, with no color, are still available.
Rohypnol Rohypnol can cause these problems: can't remember what happened while drugged
lower blood pressure
sleepiness
muscle relaxation or loss of muscle control
drunk feeling
nausea
problems talking
difficulty with motor movements
loss of consciousness
confusion
problems seeing
dizziness
confusion
stomach problems

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Ketamine

(ketamine hydrochloride) Ketamine is a white powder
Ketamine
Ketamine can cause these problems:

hallucinations
lost sense of time and identity
distorted perceptions of sight and sound
feeling out of control
impaired motor function
problems breathing
convulsions
vomiting
out of body experiences
memory problems
dream-like feeling
numbness
loss of coordination
aggressive or violent behavior
slurred speech

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Sexual Assault

Sexual assault and abuse is any type of sexual activity that you do not agree to, including:

inappropriate touching
vaginal, anal, or oral penetration
sexual intercourse that you say no to
rape
attempted rape
child molestation

DFACS

Department of Family and Child Services
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Child Molestation

The ages for what a state determines a child are varied by state.
Related Terms: Child Molestation,NCMEC,

RAINN

Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network.

This national network of crisis centers helps victims of rape, incest, and Sexual Assault find the support and care that they need.

Their website is: http://www.rainn.org

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Injury

The term "injury" may be applied in medicine to damage inflicted upon oneself or by an external agent. The injury may be accidental or deliberate. common synonyms are wound & trauma.
Related Terms: Anal Fissure,Burn,Scar,Cut,

Anal Fissure

An anal fissure is a cut or tear occuring in the anus. They affect men and women equally and both the young and the old. Fissures usually cause pain during bowel movements that often is severe. Anal fissure is the most common cause of rectal bleeding in infancy. Anal fissures are caused by trauma to the anus and anal canal. When tears occur in the anoderm, therefore, they are more likely to be posterior. In women, there also is weak support for the anterior anal canal due to the presence of the vagina anterior to the anus. For this reason, 10% of fissures in women are anterior, while only 1% are anterior in men. Patients with anal fissures almost always experience anal pain that worsens with bowel movements. The pain following a bowel movement may be brief or long lasting; however, the pain usually subsides between bowel movements. The pain can be so severe that patients are unwilling to have a bowel movement, resulting in constipation and even fecal impaction.
Related Terms: Anus,

Anus

The anus (anal canal) is the opening through which stool passes when it is being eliminated from the body. Together, the colon, rectum, and anus form a long (several feet in length), muscular tube that also is known as the large intestine, large bowel, or the lower gastrointestinal tract.
Related Terms: Sodomy,anogenital,anogenital distance,

Sperm

A sperm is the male "gamete" or sex cell. It is excreted by a male during ejaculation.
Related Terms: Semen,Ejaculation,

Semen

The fluid that is released through the penis during orgasm. Semen is made up of fluid and of sperm. The fluid comes from the prostate, seminal vesicle and other sex glands. The sperm are manufactured in the testicles. The seminal fluid helps transport the sperm during orgasm. Seminal fluid contains sugar as an energy source for sperm.
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Ejaculation

Ejection of sperm and seminal fluid
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Burn

The categories of burns and their treatment very much depend on the depth, area and location of the burn. Burn depth is generally categorized as first, second or third degree. A first degree burn is superficial and has similar characteristics to a typical sun burn. The skin is red in color and sensation is intact. In fact, it is usually somewhat painful. Second degree burns look similar to the first degree burns; however, the damage is now severe enough to cause blistering of the skin and the pain is usually somewhat more intense. In third degree burns the damage has progressed to the point of skin death. The skin is white and without sensation. Regardless of the type of burn, the result is fluid accumulation and inflammation in and around the wound. Moreover, it should be noted that the skin is the body's first defense against infection by microorganisms. Damage to the skin can predispose the burn victim to both infection at the site of the wound as well as internally.
Related Terms: Contracture scars,

Scar

permanently damaged tissue
Related Terms: Keloid Scar,

Keloid Scar

These scars are the result of an overly aggressive healing process. These scars extend beyond the original injury. Over time, a keloid scar may affect mobility. Possible treatments include surgical removal, or injections with steroids. Smaller keloids can be treated using cryotherapy (freezing therapy using liquid nitrogen). You can also prevent keloid formation by using pressure treatment or gel pads with silicone when you sustain an injury. Keloid scars most often occur in Blacks.
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Contracture scars

If your skin has been burned, you may have a contracture scar, which causes tightening of skin that can impair your ability to move; additionally, this type of scar may go deeper to affect muscles and nerves.
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Sexually Transmitted Disease

STD's or Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Related Terms: Human Papilloma Vruses (HPVs),Syphilis,Chlamydia,STI (Sexually Transmitted Infections),

Human Papilloma Vruses (HPVs)

There are over 100 types of papillomaviruses (HPVs) that infect humans. Of these, more than 40 types can infect the anogenital tract (genital tract and anus) of men and women and cause genital warts (known as condylomata acuminata or venereal warts). A subgroup of the HPVs that infect the anogenital tract (genital tract and anus) can lead to precancerous changes in the uterine cervix and cause uterine, cervical cancer. HPV infection also is associated with the development of other anogenital cancers in women. The HPV types that cause cervical cancer also have been linked with both anal and penile cancer in men as well as a subgroup of head and neck cancers in both women and men.
Related Terms: CDC,

Syphilis

Syphilis is an STD that has been around for centuries. It is caused by a microscopic bacterial organism called a spirochete. The scientific name for the organism is Treponema pallidum. The spirochete is a wormlike, spiral-shaped organism that wiggles vigorously when viewed under a microscope. It infects the person by burrowing into the moist, mucous-covered lining of the mouth or genitals. The spirochete produces a classic, painless ulcer known as a chancre There are three stages of syphilis, along with an inactive (latent) stage. Formation of an ulcer (chancre) is the first stage. The chancre develops any time from 10 to 90 days after infection, with an average time of 21 days following infection until the first symptoms develop. Syphilis is highly contagious when the ulcer is present. The infection can be transmitted from contact with the ulcer which teems with spirochetes. If the ulcer is outside of the vagina or on the male's scrotum, condoms may not prevent transmission of the infection by contact. Similarly, if the ulcer is in the mouth, merely kissing the infected individual can spread the infection. The ulcer can go away on its own after 3 to 6 weeks, but the disease can recur months later as secondary syphilis if the primary stage is not treated.
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Chlamydia

Chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis) is a bacterium that causes an infection that is very similar to gonorrhea in the way that it is spread and the symptoms it produces. It is common and affects approximately 4 million women annually. Like gonorrhea, the chlamydia bacterium is found in the cervix and urethra and can live in the throat or rectum. Both infected men and infected women frequently lack symptoms of chlamydia infection. Thus, these individuals can unknowingly spread the infection to others. Another strain (type) of Chlamydia trachomatis, which can be distinguished in specialized laboratories, causes the STD known as lymphogranuloma venereum The majority of women with chlamydia do not have symptoms. Cervicitis (infection of the uterine cervix) is the most common manifestation of the infection. While about half of women with chlamydial cervicitis have no symptoms, others may experience vaginal discharge or abdominal pain. Infection of the urethra is often associated with chlamydial infection of the cervix. Women with infection of the urethra (urethritis) have the typical symptoms of a urinary tract infection, including pain upon urination and the frequent and urgent need to urinate. Chlamydia is very destructive to the Fallopian tubes. It can also cause severe pelvic infection. If untreated, about 30% of women with chlamydia will develop pelvic inflammatory disease (PID; see above). Because it is common for infected women to have no symptoms, chlamydial infection is often untreated and results in extensive destruction of the Fallopian tubes, fertility problems and tubal pregnancy. Chlamydial infection, like gonorrhea, is associated with an increased incidence of premature births. In addition, the infant can acquire the infection during passage through the infected birth canal, leading to serious eye damage or pneumonia. For this reason, all newborns are treated with eye drops containing an antibiotic that kills chlamydia. Treatment of all newborns is routine because of the large number of infected women without symptoms and the dire consequences of chlamydial eye infection to the newborn.
Related Terms: STD,

Colposcope

A lighted magnifying instrument used by a gynecologist to examine the tissues of the vagina and the cervix. The procedure is called colposcopy.
Related Terms: Vaginal Odor,

Cut

A lighted magnifying instrument used by a gynecologist to examine the tissues of the vagina and the cervix. The procedure is called colposcopy.
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Vaginal Odor

Vaginal odor is typically from inflammation of the vaginal area. Inflammation of the vaginal area is often a result of infection in or around the vagina.
Related Terms: Vagina,

Vagina

The muscular canal extending from the cervix to the outside of the body. It is usually six to seven inches in length, and its walls are lined with mucus membrane. It includes two vaultlike structures, the anterior (front) vaginal fornix and the posterior (rear) vaginal fornix. The cervix protrudes slightly into the vagina, and it is through a tiny hole in the cervix (the os) that sperm make their way toward the internal reproductive organs. The vagina also includes numerous tiny glands that make vaginal secretions.
Related Terms: Penis,Vaginitis,Cervix,Vaginismus,Dyspareunia,Tanner Staging,Pubococcygeus muscle,

Penis

The external male sex organ used to copulate and ejaculate semen and to convey urine outside the body.
Related Terms: Seminal Vesicles,Kegal excercises,

Vaginitis

Vaginitis is a medical term that is used to refer to any infection or inflammation of the vagina. The symptoms of vaginitis are common and most women will have at least one form of vaginitis in their lifetime. Even though vaginitis is so common, many women know little about it. The term "yeast infection" is what most women think of when they hear the word vaginitis. However, a yeast infection is only one kind of vaginal infection. Vaginitis can be caused by several different organisms, sometimes at the same time, as well as by hormonal changes, allergies, or irritations. Because vaginitis can have many causes, it is important to see your doctor or other health care professional so that the proper cause can be identified and the correct treatment can be prescribed. Once started, the medication should be used exactly according to your doctor's instructions in order to cure the vaginitis. The symptoms may go away before you finish the medication. Even so, you should complete the therapy to help ensure a cure. Vaginitis can sometimes be a sign of other health problems. Knowing more about the signs and symptoms of this common will help you and your health care provider make a proper diagnosis.
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Child Sexual Abuse

There is no universal definition of child sexual abuse. However, a central characteristic of any abuse is the dominant position of an adult that allows him or her to force or coerce a child into sexual activity. Child sexual abuse may include fondling a child's genitals, masturbation, oral-genital contact, digital penetration, and vaginal and anal intercourse. Child sexual abuse is not solely restricted to physical contact; such abuse could include noncontact abuse, such as exposure, voyeurism, and child pornography.
Related Terms: Pedophilia,NNDEV,

Pedophilia

is a preferential or exclusive sexual attraction by adults to prepubescent youths. A person with this attraction is called a pedophile or paedophile.[1] The ICD-10 and DSM IV, which are standard medical diagnosis manuals, currently describe pedophilia as a paraphilia and mental disorder of adults or older youths, if it causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. The term pedophile is also used colloquially to denote an adult who is sexually attracted to adolescents or youths below the local age of consent,[2] as well as those accused or convicted of child sexual abuse or child pornography related offences.
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Sodomy

Generally defined as any type of anal penetration or anal intercourse
Related Terms: Deviant sexual intercourse,

Deviant sexual intercourse

is a legal term for any act of sexual gratification involving the sex organs of one person and the mouth or anus of another, or involving invasion of the anus or vagina of one person by a foreign object manipulated by another person. Typically, the act itself is not a crime, but the term is used to describe forcible or otherwise involuntary acts that differ from the crime of rape. The term has generally replaced sodomy in the criminal codes of the United States.
Related Terms: Oral sodomy,

Oral sodomy

contact between the mouth and the penis, the mouth and the vulva, or the mouth and the anus.
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Age of Consent

While the phrase age of consent typically does not appear in legal statutes, when used with reference to criminal law the age of consent is the minimum age at which a person is considered to be capable of legally giving informed consent to any contract or behaviour regulated by law with another person
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CDC

Center for Disease Control. Headquartered in Atlanta Georgia, the CDC is one of the leading authorities in disease research including STD's.
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STD

acronym for Sexually Transmitted Disease. There are many diseases spread by sexual intercourse like HIV, Syphilis, Chlamydia, Herpes,
Related Terms: HPV -human papillomavirus ,

Vaginal Tearing

Occasionally during sexual intercourse, both consentual and non consentual injuries (cuts and tearing) may occur. This may be due to rough sex, the lack of lubrication, and/or due to the size of the penis in relation to the vagina. This type of vaginal tearing only occurs in a minority of sexual assault cases.
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Sex Offender

Person who has commited an unwanted or illegal sexual act.
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anogenital

relating to the region of the anus and the genitalia, especially the external genitalia.
Related Terms: anogenital warts,

anogenital distance

physical distance between anus and the genitalia
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anogenital warts

papillomas transmitted venereally. Caused by the papilloma virus. Esthetically unattractive but generally cause little inconvenience.
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Cervix

the narrow lower end of the uterus, between the isthmus and the opening of the uterus into the vagina.
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TPO

Temporary Protective Order. A court ordered ruling stating that a person must maintain a certain distance from another person
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NNDEV

National Network to End Domestic Violence
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VAWA

Violence Against Womens Act
Related Terms: IVAWA,NCVC,

IVAWA

International Violence Against Womens Act. I-vawa details.
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NCVC

National Center for Victims of Crime. This agency deals with stalking crimes and such.
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Vaginismus

a condition which affects a woman's ability to engage in any form of vaginal penetration, including sexual penetration, insertion of tampons, and the penetration involved in gynecological examinations. This is the result of a conditioned reflex of the pubococcygeus muscle, which is sometimes referred to as the 'PC muscle'. The reflex causes the muscles in the vagina to tense suddenly, which makes any kind of vaginal penetration -- including sexual penetration -- either painful or impossible.
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Dyspareunia

Dyspareunia is painful sexual intercourse, due to medical or psychological causes
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Female genital mutilation

FGM
Related Terms: FGM,

LNC

A Legal Nurse Consultant (LNC) is a registered nurse who uses existing expertise as a healthcare professional plus specialized training to consult on medical-related cases
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HPV -human papillomavirus

Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). The virus infects the skin and mucous membranes. There are more than 40 HPV types that can infect the genital areas of men and women, including the skin of the penis, vulva (area outside the vagina), and anus, and the linings of the vagina, cervix, and rectum. You cannot see HPV. Most people who become infected with HPV do not even know they have it.
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DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Domestic Violence (sometimes referred to as domestic abuse or spousal abuse) occurs when a family member, partner or ex-partner attempts to physically or psychologically dominate another.
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Virginia Lynch

One of the original group who pioneered the beginning days of forensic nursing. She has also published several books
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NFNI

National Forensic Nursing Institute
Related Terms: T-Blue Swab,

T-Blue Swab

The T-Blue Swab consists of a soft foam tipped swab with a shaft that contains 1% Toluidine Blue Dye Aqueous Solution.
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Toluidine Blue Dye

When placed on an area of skin where the epidermal layer (non-nucleated cells) has been removed, the underlying cells will uptake dye. This provides the forensic nurse the ability to see abrasion injury that the naked eye, and sometimes even by magnified examination will fail to identify
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Forensics

Forensics, or forensic science is the application of sciences into the legal system. Sometimes in criminal courts, and sometimes in civil court as well. This methodical collection of evidence and information for use in trials is becoming increasingly in demand in all facets of forensics including, nursing, accounting, computers, death investigation.
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foreign object insertion

The penetration of an object into the oral, vaginal, or rectal cavity.
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acquaintance rape

Acquaintance rape is using physical force, emotional bargaining, blackmail or mind games to force sexual intercourse, or any sexual contact forced on you by someone you know.
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COVAW

Coalition on Violence against women. An african based organization trying to prevent violence against women. www.covaw.or.ke
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FGM

acronym for Female Genital mutilation.
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Medico Legal

a term used to describe the applications of the legal system as part of the medical process.
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STI (Sexually Transmitted Infections)

Infections and diseases that are spread thru sexual contact.
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SVRI

Sexual Violence Research Inititive. This african based organization is dedicated to the collection of statistics and information pertaining to sexual violence around the globe.
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AFSA

alcohol-facilitated sexual assault acronym. Studies have shown that Alcohol is used in over 75% of sexual assaults. This can make prosecution very difficult since jurors often view victims who injested the alcohol voluntarily with skeptism or disdain for placing themselves into the situation.
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Toxicology

It is the study of symptoms, mechanisms, treatments and detection of poisoning, especially the poisoning of people, or in a broader sense, it is the study of the adverse effects of chemicals on living organisms.
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FNCB

Forensic Nursing Certification Board is the certification arm of the IAFN
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Seminal Vesicles

Two glands which provides about two-thirds of the fluid which makes up the semen. These are located to the left and right of the prostate. Output of the seminal vesicle mixes with the sperm from the vas deferens and flows through a duct which then passes the fluid through the prostate to the urethra.
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NCMEC

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. This non profit organization provides information , training, and community education about missing and exploited children.
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Tanner Staging

Five stage system of sexual development. Used to help differenciate levels of sexual maturity in patients.
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Elder Abuse

Physical, sexual, emotional, psychological abuse, or neglect of an elder person
Related Terms: NCEA,

NCEA

National Center for Elder Abuse. http://www.ncea.aoa.gov
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Masterbation

The sexual stimulation of ones own body. This includes manual stimulation as well as foreign object use. Sometimes also called autoeroticism.
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Pubococcygeus muscle

Sometimes referred to as the PC muscle. This muscle is found in both male and females and stretches from teh pubic bone to the coccyx and supports the pelvic organs. It controls urine flow and contracts during orgasm. This is the muscle worked during Kegal Exercises.
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Kegal excercises

a set of exercises designed to strengthen and give voluntary control over the pubococcygeus muscles. They are often referred to simply as "kegels." These exercises also serve to contract the cremaster muscle in men, as voluntary contraction of the pubococcygeus muscle also engages the cremasteric reflex, which also has sexual benefits. This will make the penis rise, and control can be achieved with practice[citation needed]. Kegel exercises appear to enable some men to have multiple orgasms and can help with premature ejaculation.
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Coccyx

also known as the tailbone. This bone is the final segment of the vertebra
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Perineum

s generally defined as the surface region in both males and females between the pubic symphysis and the coccyx
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