Human Sexual Response

• Two Types of Physiological Response

  1. Vasocongestion
  2. Myotonia
• Vasocongestion

  • the filling of a tissue with blood caused by increased blood flow through the arteries of that tissue.
• Myotonia

  • increased muscle tension of both skeletal and smooth muscles.
• Four Phases of Human Sexual Response

  1. Excitement
  2. Plateau
  3. Orgasm
  4. Resolution
• Excitement Phase

  • preparation of penis and vagina for coitus (sexual intercourse).
  • During this phase, vasocongestion is particularly evident in erection of the penis and clitoris; enlargement of the testes, labia, and breasts; and vaginal lubrication. Myotonia may occur, resulting in nipple erection or tension of the arms and legs.
• Plateau Phase

  • In females, the outer third of the vagina becomes vasocongested, while the inner two-thirds slightly expands. This change, coupled with the elevation of the uterus, forms a depression that receives sperm at the back of the vagina.
  • Breathing increases and heart rate rises, sometimes to 150 beats per minute.
• Orgasm Phase

  • is characterized by rhythmic, involuntary contractions of the reproductive structures in both sexes.
• Male Orgasm

  • Male orgasm has two stages. Emission is the contraction of the glands and ducts of the reproductive tract, which forces semen into the urethra. Expulsion or ejaculation, occurs when the urethra contracts and the semen is expelled.
• Female Orgasm

  • the uterus and outer vagina contract, but the inner two-thirds of the vagina do not. Orgasm is the shortest response of the sexual response cycle, usually lasting only a few seconds.
• Resolution Phase

  • completes the cycle and reverses the responses of the earlier stages.
• Contraceptives and Its Types

  A) Oral Contraceptives

  B) Condom

  C) Spermicidal jelly

  D) Vasectomy and Tubal Ligation

  E) Morning-after pill

  F) Abstinence