| Phase |
Body
changes
|
| Both
Sexes |
Women |
Men |
Desire
(Duration: anywhere
from a moment to many years) |
Not
applicable |
Not
applicable |
Not
applicable |
Excitement
(Duration: anywhere
from a few minutes to several hours)
|
Heart
rate and blood pressure increase, body muscles tense, sexual flush
occurs, nipples become erect, genital and pelvic blood vessels become
engorged, and involuntary and voluntary muscles contract. |
The
vagina lengthens and widens, the clitoris swells and enlarges, breasts
increase in size, the labia swell and separate, the vagina becomes
lubricated, and the uterus rises slightly. Vaginal lubrication is
the key indicator of sexual excitement.
Note: Women generally
reach this stage more slowly than men do.
|
The
penis becomes erect, the scrotum thickens, and the testes rise closer
to the body. Erection of the penis is the key indicator of sexual
excitement.
Note: Men generally
reach this stage faster stage than women do.
|
Plateau
(Duration: between
30 seconds and 3 minutes) |
Breathing
rate, heart rate, and blood pressure further increase, sexual flush
deepens, and muscle tension increases. There is a sense of impending
orgasm. |
The
clitoris withdraws, the Bartholin’s glands lubricate, the areolae
around nipples become larger, the labia continue to swell, the uterus
tips to stand high in the abdomen, and the “orgasmic platform”
develops (the lower vagina swells, narrows, and tightens). |
The
ridge of the glans penis becomes more prominent, the Cowper’s
glands secrete preejaculatory fluid, and the testes rise closer to
the body. |
Orgasm
(Duration: less than 1 minute)
|
Heart
rate, breathing, and blood pressure reach their peak, sexual flush
spreads over the body, and there is a loss of muscle control (spasms). |
The
uterus, vagina, anus, and muscles of the pelvic floor contract 5 to
12 times at 0.8-second intervals.
Note: Women can
have orgasm, move back into plateau stage, and achieve another orgasm
(called “multiple orgasms”).
|
Ejaculation
occurs (contractions of the ejaculatory duct in the prostate gland
cause semen to be ejected through the urethra and penis), and the
urethra, anus, and muscles of pelvic floor contract 3 to 6 times at
0.8-second intervals. |
Resolution
(Duration: varies
greatly) |
Heart
rate and blood pressure dip below normal, returning to normal soon
afterward; the whole body, including the palms of hands and soles
of feet, sweats; there is a loss of muscle tension, increased relaxation,
and drowsiness. |
Blood
vessels dilate to drain the pelvic tissues and decrease engorgement;
the breasts and areolae decrease in size; nipples lose their erection;
the clitoris resumes its prearousal position and shrinks slightly;
the labia return to normal size and position; the vagina relaxes;
the cervix opens to help semen travel up into the uterus—closing
20–30 minutes after orgasm; and the uterus lowers into the upper
vagina (location of semen after male orgasm during penile–vaginal
intercourse). |
Nipples
lose their erection; the penis becomes softer and smaller; the scrotum
relaxes, and the testes drop farther away from the body. Depending
on a number of factors (including age), the refractory period in men,
during which erection cannot be achieved, may last anywhere from 5
minutes to 24 hours or more.
|
Special
Notes:
- Penetration is not
necessary for sexual gratification to occur. Sexual stimulation
and orgasm can take place for both sexual partners without penetration.
- Completing the five
phases of the sexual response cycle is not necessary for sexual
fulfillment.
- Orgasm may vary in
intensity from one person to another and from one sexual encounter
to another. For some, it may involve intense spasm and loss of
awareness; for others, it may be signaled by as little as a sigh
or subtle relaxation.
|
