The sexual response cycle has to do with the progression of physical and emotional changes that take place as a person becomes sexually stimulated and partake in sexual activities. There are four phases of the sexual response cycle: excitement, plateau, orgasm and resolution. Both Men and women go through each phase; the only difference is timing. For example, depending on the time spent on each phase varies from person to person which influences the intensity and response time of the body reaching orgasm; it’s unlikely that both partners will orgasm simultaneously. Learning how the body reacts to the phases can help increase the amount of stimulation among partners which can improve situations within relationships; communication through physical expression opens doors to better understanding of one’s likes and dislikes. Many people struggle with sexual dysfunction; the sexual cycle can help pinpoint where the problem exists. The level of stimulation each person experiences are different depending on the circumstances; age and knowledge play a factor in the ease of arousal for young adults. Older individuals might require more mental and physical stimulation and intimacy to reach arousal. Behaviors also act as stimulants; watching, feeling and listening to a partner reach a higher peak of excitement causes emotional and mental pleasure.
The first phase of the sexual response cycle is excitement; this phase can last for minutes or for hours. Some of the characteristics included during this are increases of muscle tension, accelerated breathing and heart rate, redness of the skin (blotches may appear on the back, face or chest), hardened nipples, increase in blood flow to the genitals (swelling of the woman’s labia and clitoris and erection of the penis), women’s breasts become fuller, vaginal walls swell and begin to form lubrication and testicles swell and secrete liquid. Nipples becoming erect, heart rate and blood pressure increase and muscle tension increase are all commonalities for both men and women during the excitement phase.
The second phase is the plateau; this brings the body to the verge of orgasm. All characteristics of phase one become stronger, in addition the vaginal walls turn dark purple, the clitoris is very sensitive (could possibly feel painful while touched) and pulls back under the clitoral hood to prevent further physical stimulation, the face, hands and feet might form muscle spasms and the men’s testicles retract up into the scrotum. Both, men and woman experience muscle spasms, intense breathing and blotchiness of the skin while in the plateau phase.
The third phase is the orgasm; this brings the body to climax and only lasts for a few seconds it is the shortest of the phases. During this phase the body experiences uncontrolled muscle contractions, a rapid release of sexual tension, fast oxygen intake, rhythmic contractions of the uterus and vagina, a full body rash might appear (“sex flush”) and muscle tightening at the base of the penis in men cause the ejaculation of semen. Men and women go through a grasping-type muscular reflex of the hands and feet while the orgasm takes place.
The fourth phase is the resolution; the body slowly starts to function at its normal state and everything on the body returns to their regular color and size. During this phase men and women differ; men’s response capabilities after orgasm vary with age they need to go through a “refractory period” which allows the body to recover from the orgasm. Women on the other hand can continue with sexual arousal and possibly experience multiple orgasms.
As much as people experience a high level of enjoyment with all four stages of the sexual response cycle, many others find themselves dealing with sexual disorders. Hypoactive sexual desire disorder also known as HSDD is a sexual dysfunction that can occur in both men and women. HSDD is a common form of sexual dysfunction among females; it affects their sexual desire minimizing them from initiating sex or wanting stimulation. There are three main types of HSDD: Lifelong or Generalized HSDD (the person has never had desire for sexual stimulation with or without a partner), Acquired/Situational HSDD (the person was sexually interested in their partner, but now that desire doesn’t exist but still has desire for sexual stimulation with a different partner or alone), and Acquired/Generalized HSDD (the person had sexual interest in their partner, but now doesn’t have any desire for sexual activity partnered or alone). Treatments for this disorder usually differ according to each patient’s situation. Women who have suffered sexual abuse often seek therapy; women who suffer from a hormonal imbalance would have to speak with a physician to find out what options of treatment are available to them. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a sexual dysfunction that occurs in men. ED is when a man has trouble getting or maintaining an erection. Erectile dysfunction can form from any physical problem that involves the brain, emotions, hormones, blood vessels, muscles and nerves. Psychological issues like depression, fatigue and stress can also cause ED and when combined with a physical issue it can worsen the problem and make it more complex. There are many treatments for erectile dysfunction; depending on the man’s underlying problem will determine what medication is needed to correct the disorder. Female sexual arousal disorder is a condition some women face; this is when women don’t produce enough lubrication and genital swelling or inability to maintain lubrication and genital swelling during intercourse. Women who go through menopause often suffer from female arousal disorder because of hormonal changes.
Men and women suffer from certain sexual conditions that can often affect them psychologically and physically; these can open doors to many other circumstances that might escalate to severe health issues. Whether the cause of sexual dysfunction is physical, psychological or the combination of both it can trigger emotional and mental stress and depression. Every individual deals with stress and depression in their own way. Feeling inadequate due to not being able to satisfy a partner ultimately challenges the relationship and that person’s willingness to overcome those obstacles. Pressures of this caliber aren’t easily conquered; the body begins to feel fatigued and strain consumes the mind. Mentally, physically and emotionally the partner feels drained.
As much as we enjoy sexual excitement we all have to be aware of how important it is to maintain healthy communication with our partners; educating ourselves with what we like is the best preventative medication we could ever use.