The Sexual Response Cycle
September 18th, 2011
PSY210

The sexual response cycle is important to understand, as both male and female should learn more about the opposite sex’s cycle. Men and women are very different in several ways; however, their sexual response cycles are very similar. There are four phases to the sexual response cycle, beginning with the excitement phase, then the plateau phase, on to the orgasm phase, and finally ending in the resolution phase. One may experience a sexual dysfunction in his or her life, but no fear there are several common methods of treatment to help resolve the issue. One may find it interesting after reading and understanding the sexual response cycle and how each phase works for both males and females. The first phase in the sexual response cycle is the excitement stage. The excitement stage is characterized by erection in the male, vaginal lubrication in the female, myotonia, which cause facial grimaces, spasms in the hands and feet, and then the spasms of orgasm, and increase in heart rate in both male and female. The excitement phase can cause erection in young men as soon as 3 to 8 seconds after sexual stimulation begins. The scrotal skin also thickens, becoming less baggy. The testes increase in size and become elevated. In the female, excitement is characterized by vaginal lubrication, which may start 10 to 30 seconds after sexual stimulation begins. Vasocongestion, which cause erection in the penis and swelling of the area surrounding the vaginal opening, swells the clitoris and flattens and spreads the vaginal lips. The inner part of the vagina expands. The breasts enlarge and blood vessels near the surface become more prominent. Heart rate and blood pressure then increase. The second phase in the sexual response cycle is the plateau phase. The plateau phase is characterized by increase in Vasocongestion, muscle tension, heart rate, and blood pressure in preparation for orgasm. Men show some increase in the circumference of the head of the penis, which also takes on a purplish color. The testes are elevated into position for ejaculation and may reach one and a half times their un-aroused size. In women, Vasocongestion swells the outer part of the vagina, contracting the vaginal opening in preparation for grasping the penis. The inner part of the vagina expands further. The clitoris withdraws beneath the clitoral hood and shortens. Breathing then becomes rapid, like panting. Heart rate may increase to 100 to 160 beats per minute, and blood pressure continues to rise. The third phase in the sexual response cycle is the orgasmic phase. The orgasmic phase is characterized by pelvic contractions and accompanied by intense pleasure. The orgasmic phase in the male consists of 2 stages of muscular contractions. In the first stage, semen collects at the base of the penis. The internal sphincter of the urinary bladder protects urine from mixing with the semen. In the second stage, muscle contractions propel the ejaculate out of the body. Sensations of pleasure tend to be related to the strength of the contractions and the amount of seminal fluid present. The first 3 to 4 contractions are generally most intense and occur at 0.8-second intervals, this is about 5 contractions every 4 seconds. Another 2 to 4 contractions occur at a somewhat slower pace. Rates and patterns can vary from one man to the next. Orgasm in the female is manifested by 3 to 15 contractions of the pelvic muscles that surround the vaginal barrel. The contractions first occur at 0.8- second intervals. As in the male, they produce release of sexual tension, weaker and slower contractions follow. Erection, vaginal lubrication, and orgasm are all reflexes, that is, they occur automatically in response to adequate sexual stimulation. Blood pressure and heart rate now reach a peak. The heart may be beating up to 180 beats per minute and respiration may increase to 40 breaths per minute. The final phase of sexual response cycle is the resolution phase. The resolution phase is when the body gradually returns to its pre-aroused state. After ejaculation, blood is released from engorged areas, so that the erection disappears. The testes return to their normal size. In women, orgasm also triggers the release of blood from engorged areas. The nipples return to their normal size. The clitoris and vaginal barrel gradually shrink to their un-aroused sizes. Unlike women, men enter a refractory period during which they cannot experience another orgasm or ejaculate. The refractory period of adolescence males may last only minutes, whereas that of men age 50 and above may last from several minutes to a day. Women do not undergo a refractory period and therefore can become quickly re-aroused to the point of multiple orgasm if they desire. Blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing also return to their levels before arousal. Both partners may feel relaxed and satisfied. Men and women both experience some the same commonalities in all 4 phases of the sexual response cycle. For instance, in the excitement phase, Vasocongestion of genital tissues occur. Nipples may become erect, and heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension increase. During the plateau phase, both men and women experience Vasocongestion increases and myotonia, heart rate, and blood pressure continuing to rise. In the orgasmic phase, orgasm releases sexual tension and produces intense feelings of pleasure. Muscle spasms occur throughout the body and blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing reach a peak. During the final phase both men and women, lack continued sexual stimulation, myotonia, and Vasocongestion lessen and the body gradually returns to its re-aroused state. Sexual dysfunctions may occur in both men and women. One example of a sexual dysfunction would be hypoactive sexual desire disorder, which means lack of interest in sexual activity. Fatigue could be a cause of hypoactive sexual desire. Another cause of the disorder could be connected with mental health problems, such as depression. Sexual dysfunctions are often treated by means of sex therapy. During a sex therapy session, partners are taught ways of showing each other what they like and what they dislike, this may help to improve sexual communication and give a man or woman the urge to regain interest in sex again. As one can see the sexual response cycle is pretty interesting and both men and women have many traits in common from each phase of the cycle. After learning more about each phase, one may understand how the sexual response cycle works. Sexual dysfunctions may occur in some people and others may not experience them at all. However, if one does experience such a dysfunction, there are several common methods of treatment.