Sex 101 - Sexual Response Cycle
This section briefly describes the physical changes the body
goes through in responding to sexual stimuli. The cycle is
a continuum and, as labeled by Masters and Johnson, occurs in
four phases: excitement, plateau, orgasm and resolution. Males
and females go through these phases in the same sequence
regardless of whether the stimulus is oral, manual or coital.
The duration of each phase can be different for each person and
even change at different times for the same person. We may go
through all or part of this cycle.
Phase I. Excitement
We become sexually stimulated through our senses -- seeing, feeling,
touching, smelling, tasting, hearing and through thought or fantasy.
Our bodies respond through changes in blood pressure, pulse and
respiration rate, swelling due to increased blood flow and an increase
in muscle tension.
Female Response:
In the woman, sexual arousal is usually manifested first by vaginal
lubrication. Due to blood engorgement, the clitoris swells and the
clitoral shaft increases in diameter. The inner lips (labia minora)
increase in size and take on a darker hue. Nipple erection may also
be experienced.
Male Response:
In the man, the penis fills with blood and becomes erect. The tip of
the penis enlarges and becomes red and extremely sensitive. The man
may also experience nipple erection.
Phase II. Plateau
As we become more sexually aroused, we become much more aware of the
pleasurable and exciting feelings radiating from the genitals and
abdominal areas. In both sexes heart rate, breathing rate and muscle
tension increase.
Female Response:
As stimulation continues, the outer third of the vagina becomes further
engorged with blood and decreases the diameter of the opening. The
vaginal canal lengthens and begins to balloon out and back. Contraction
of the PC muscle can grip the penis or a finger quite firmly. The
clitoris elevates or retracts and shortens behind the clitoral hood
and may become difficult to find.
Male Response:
The penis reaches its fullest erection and enlargement of the coronal
ridge occurs. The testicles have increased in size about fifty percent
and are pulled up tightly by further shortening of the internal
spermatic cords. Full elevation of the testicles is a sign that the
man has reached "the point of no return" where ejaculation
is imminent. A few drops of seminal fluid may appear at the opening
of the penis prior to ejaculation.
Phase III. Orgasm
As orgasm approaches,
both females and males experience an increase in breathing rate (about
three times normal), a doubling of heart rate and further tension in
the muscles. When we climax, the tension is discharged suddenly and
quite pleasurably. In both female and male, the contractions after
orgasm occur at approximately 0.8 second intervals.
Female Response:
For the woman, orgasm begins with contractions in the outer one-third
of the vagina. The entire length of the vaginal barrel may ripple
with contractions that begin at the furthest end of the uterus. In
order for the woman to complete orgasm, effective stimulation must
be continued up to and throughout the orgasmic phase.
Male Response:
Contractions in the man are differentiated into two stages. The first,
which coincides with the experience of the "point of no return,"
is the contraction of the seminal vesicles and prostate gland. The
semen is pushed out through the tube by the second stage and next wave
of contractions.
Phase IV. Resolution
Following orgasm, we experience a feeling of melting pleasure and calm.
Couples may feel very tender and close to each other. Sleep often
follows. The body returns to the non-excited state.
Female Response:
Almost immediately following orgasm, the swelling around the nipples
disappears and the retracted clitoris returns to its normal state.
The lips and vaginal canal return to their normal size after about
five to eight minutes.
Male Response:
Following ejaculation, half the erection is immediately lost. The
head of the penis is extremely sensitive and further stimulation at
this time can be unpleasant. All of the blood-engorged areas return
to normal size.
A significant aspect of male resolution phase is the refractory period
that accompanies it. This is the time following orgasm in which most
men cannot again become sexually aroused or have another erection. We
do not know, however, to what extent this is physiological or societal.
The refractory period for men can last from five to twenty minutes
or more. Women do not have a similar refractory period.
Cautions
When using any sexual aide, keep in mind that cleanliness and lubrication
are vital. After each use, we suggest you gently clean your aides with
ForPlay Adult Toy Cleanser. Always be sure you apply a generous
amount of lubrication to reduce possibilities of skin irritation. We
strongly suggest a water-soluble lubricant since oil based lubricants
provide a breeding ground for bacteria and may even damage some sexual
aides.Never use a vibrator or massager on your legs if you have diagnosed
phlebitis or any unexplained pain in the calf or thigh. People who have
reduced or absent skin sensations should be sure there is no swelling
or inflammation on the skin where the vibrator is used. When using
an electric vibrator, set a time limit for yourself. These vibrators
may become hot enough to burn the skin after prolonged usage (20 minutes
or so).
Warning: Allergic Reaction to Latex. Some people have
experienced a sensitivity to latex. If you have a sensitivity, please
do not come in contact with latex products. We have identified all
products that we know contain latex. If this is an issue for you,
please be sure to verify with our operators that the product you
are buying does not contain latex.
Excerpted from the SAR Guide for a Better Sex Life and provided with
the guidance and permission of the National Sex Forum.