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Vasocongestion,vascular congestion orvascular engorgement is the swelling of bodily tissues caused by increasedvascularblood flow and a localized increase inblood pressure. Typical causes of vasocongestion in humans includesmenstruation,sexual arousal,REM sleep, strongemotions,illnesses,deep venous thrombosis (DVT) andallergic reactions.
Menstrual cramps are one of the most common side effects of vasocongestion in adult females. Although pain and discomfort varies among individuals, vasocongestion is an essential part of the shedding of the lining of theuterus. Abnormal vasocongestion during the menstrual cycle can lead to irregular bleeding, severe and debilitating cramps andanemia caused by increased menstrual flow.
The temporary vasocongestion of thecheeks of theface is calledblushing. It may be caused by the emotions ofanger orembarrassment. The illness ofrosacea is a chronic vasocongestion condition of the face that primarily affects the cheeks and nose, but may include other areas such as the eyes and chin.
Vasocongestion of the area around thehuman anus can lead to the formation ofhemorrhoids.[medical citation needed]
Vasocongestion is essential forsexual procreation in mammals since this is the force that causes the hardening of apenis during anerection. The same force leads to thehardening of the clitoris andvaginal lubrication during sexual arousal.[1] The decrease in vasocongestion in post-menopausal women may require some women to use artificialsexual lubricant to avoid pain duringsexual intercourse. If there is pain however, sexual drive is typically diminished or absent.
Other forms of vasocongestion during human sexual activity includesex flush and the swelling ofnipples in both men and women.[2]
Unpleasant side effects of sex-related vasocongestion accompanied by sexual inactivity may lead to thecramp-like pain of "blue balls"[3] in males and an unpleasantpelvic "heaviness" in women,[4] similar to the start of the menstruation cycle.