Sexual Response Cycle

• Sexual response cycle is a pattern or physiologic events occurring during sexual arousal and intercourse.
• plateau phase of sexual response is not a leveling off of sexual excitement; it actually continues to grow and this phase may last several seconds to minutes.
• Sexual Human Response Cycle


  1. Desire

  2. Excitement

  3. Plateau

  4. Orgasm

  5. Resolution

  
• Sexual desire


  A desire or want to experience sexual feelings and/or activities, intimacy or gratification with or without a partner
• Excitement/Arousal


  • Sexually arousal usually begins in the brain, which sends messages throughout the body to prepare for sex. It can be stimulated by thought, fantasy, conversation, smell, touch, taste, sound, sight, etc. There is huge diversity in what a person finds sexually exciting and this may vary from person to person as it is influenced by culture, age, stages, relationships, cycles, etc. Sexual arousal may occur suddenly and intensely or it may be a slower progression. Each person is unique in their experiences of sexual arousal.

  
• Excitement/Arousal (physiological changes)


  • In all people: Heart rate increases, Blood pressure increases, Muscles throughout the body become more tense, Nipples become erect, Skin may become flushed

  Male: Erection of the penis, Testicles is drawn upward, Scrotum thickens

  Female: Vagina relaxes and becomes lubricated, The clitoris becomes larger and more erect, The inner labia swells and outer labia separate, The uterus and cervix retracts slightly
• Plateau


  • A person may feel physical and emotional excitement and have physically sensations of sensitivity, warmth and even appear flushed. This phase can take a person to a level of altered consciousness – it's often referred to as "the heat of the moment or the throes of passion." It can feel incredibly intoxicating and be difficult to make intentional decisions at this point in the response cycle.

  Female: Darkening of the wall of the vagina, which expands, elevating the uterus, Increasing sensitivity in the clitoris, Increasing lubrication of the vagina

  Male: The male urethral sphincter contracts, Muscles at the base of the penis begin a steady rhythmic contraction, Males may start to secrete seminal fluid, Testicles rise closer to the body
• Orgasm


  • An intense, pleasurable feeling that occurs at the end of the Plateau phase. It is the peak of sexual arousal, and is also called the climax. The experience of orgasm differs from person to person and experience to experience. It can feel quick and intense or slow and relaxed.

  Male: Ejaculation, Each ejection is accompanied with continuous sexual pulses, Other sensations may be felt strongly among the lower spine or lower back.

  Female: Uterine and vaginal contraction, Increase in vaginal lubrication, a tightening of the vaginal walls and overall pleasure, Possibility of female ejaculation.
• Resolution


  • The end stage of sexual arousal. During the resolution period, a relaxation of the muscles as well as psychological function will occur. The blood that has moved into the genitals will drain out slowly. The body returns to the way it was before sexual arousal. Resolution happens whether or not someone experiences an orgasm.
• Sexual differentiation


  The process by which a person develops into either a male or a female. During development, the body and the brain undergo either feminization and de-masculinization or masculinization and de-feminization. In most cases, the differentiated brain will lead to behaviors that correspond appropriately to the differentiated gonads.
• Chromosomal sex


  In humans, DNA is organized into 46 chromosomes. Twenty-two pairs are called autosomal chromosomes, which are similar in length and have the same genes present at the same location regardless of if they are received from the mother or father. The last pair of chromosomes is responsible for determining if an individual becomes a male or female; these are called the sex chromosomes. In humans the sex chromosomes are named either X or Y.
• Neurotransmitters like dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and norepinephrine have a role in sexual pleasure
• Factors that can affect sexual pleasure across all genders and sexual orientations include insufficient lubrication, a history of trauma or abuse, lack of arousal, boredom with sex or one's partner, sexual interactions that do not conform to a person's specific sexual desires or interests, and sexually transmitted infections