 |
 Purpose
of This Module
 It
is important for health care providers to have a good working knowledge
of the sexual response cycle, as well as the range of sexual practices
clients may engage in.
The effect of medications,
contraception, and other factors on sexual response is an important part
of informed decision making for clients. In addition, an understanding
of sexual response can enhance clients’ sexual relations and prevent
unnecessary frustration in the relationship. An understanding of the range
and implications of clients’ sexual practices can help providers
explore clients’ needs and concerns, identify risks, and teach clients
how to engage in sexual practices safely.
In this module, we will:
- Describe and compare the
sexual response cycle in women and men
- Describe the medical conditions
and social factors that affect sexual function and the changes in sexual
response over the life cycle
- Describe the range of sexual
practices clients may engage in and explain the health implications
of selected practices
Patterns
of Sexual Response
In adults, sexual response
follows generally predictable patterns that have been documented by a
number of researchers. However,
there is some variation in the ways in which these patterns have been
formalized. In this module, we will describe the sexual response cycle
in five key stages, on the basis of a combination of models.
Although both men and women
experience the same general stages of response, the amount of time needed
to achieve each stage and the progression between stages may vary. In
addition, psychological and emotional responses may vary greatly from
person to person. Progression from one stage to the next is not inevitable:
several of the stages can be achieved, lost, and regained many times without
progression. The next page describes the five-stage sexual response cycle
and examines each stage in more detail.
Before we present this information,
it is important to note two important physiological factors that may influence
sexual response:
- Female genital cutting
(FGC). Sexual response in women who have undergone various forms
of FGC has not been well studied. Clinical considerations and the majority
of studies on women’s enjoyment of sex suggest that genital cutting
impairs a woman’s enjoyment. However, at least one study found
that 90% of infibulated women interviewed reported experiencing orgasm.
- Effect of hormones in
women. Hormones play a significant role in influencing sexual response.
In women, the ways in which sexual response is affected by the menstrual
cycle, lactation, pregnancy, the postpartum period, the use of hormonal
contraception, and menopause have not been adequately studied. Research
to establish a baseline of information on the intricacies of sexual
response in women has yet to be completed.
© 2007 EngenderHealth
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