Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Science/2022 May 5

= May 5 =

Paralyzed individuals
Curious: if a person is paralyzed, do they maintain functioning of the genitals / sex organs? Specifically, penis/testicles, vagina, anus, etc. In other words, can/do they have sex (in the traditional way we think about sex) ... and can/do they maintain bathroom / excretory functions (urine, defecation, etc.)? Can they get erections, ejaculate, have orgasms, etc.? Menstruate? I assume each individual is different ... as each injury is different. But, generally speaking, I refer to patients paralyzed "entirely" or paralyzed "from the waist down". Thanks. 32.209.55.38 (talk) 17:43, 5 May 2022 (UTC)
 * It really depends on the type and nature of paralysis. Some such individuals may retain partial or total control over some or all of those functions, and others may not.  This paper, for example, describes the impact of spinal cord injury on sexual function in men.  That's just one cause of paralysis, and one function you are asking about.  It's really an extremely varied question you are asking, so general that it is impossible to speak in general terms.  There are many causes, many types, and many effects of paralysis.  It's just too broad of a topic. -- Jayron 32 18:19, 5 May 2022 (UTC)
 * We do, however, have Sexuality after spinal cord injury as a Wikipedia article. WP:WHAAOE it seems.  -- Jayron 32 18:21, 5 May 2022 (UTC)
 * Note that the menstrual cycle is governed by the estrogen and progesterone levels in the blood, not the nervous system, so spinal cord injuries don't have any significant impact on it. Hormonal contraceptives work by "overriding" this with exogenous hormones, and with the onset of menopause this hormonal cycle stops, which is why menstruation ceases. (Hmm, pregnancy after spinal cord injury might be an article worth having.) --47.147.118.55 (talk) 03:36, 7 May 2022 (UTC)

The animal with the fastest hair growing rate
Hi, we know that human hair usually grows about 1/2 inch a month. My question is what is the species with the fastest hair growing rate? (including fur for example).

Thanks — Preceding unsigned comment added by 77.124.10.130 (talk) 22:07, 5 May 2022 (UTC)


 * there is very little usable information I can find, but I would look for literature on the rodent whiskers growth rate. Dr Dima (talk) 22:28, 5 May 2022 (UTC)
 * aha! found it. "whisker growth  was  linear  and  occurred  at  1  mm  a  day  in   the   mouse   and   1.5   mm   a   day   in   the   rat"  . That's about 1 3/4 inches per month for a rat whisker Dr Dima (talk) 22:38, 5 May 2022 (UTC)
 * still doesn't mean that's the fastest growth rate across all animals though Dr Dima (talk) 22:45, 5 May 2022 (UTC)