| Sexual Health |
1. The excitement phase prepares the vagina and penis for coitus or sexual intercourse. Vasoconstriction, filling of the
erectile tissue with blood occurs because of increased flow in the arteries and constriction of the veins, especially in the
penis and clitoris, but also in the testes, ovaries, female labia minora, and female breasts, increased muscle tension, causes
erection of the nipples; tension in the arms, legs, and other skeletal muscles; and sustained or rhythmic contractions of the
smooth (and skeletal) muscles.
2. Many of these characteristics continue into the plateau phase. In the female, the outer third of the vagina becomes
vasoconstricted, while the inner two thirds becomes slightly expanded, and the uterus becomes elevated, all in preparation
for receiving sperm. Breathing and heart rates increase, not because of physical activity, but because of stimualtion from the
autonomic (sympathetic) nervous system.
3. Orgasm is rhythmic, involuntary contractions of the reproductive structures/organs in both sexes. In the male, this
occurs in two stages: emission, in which the semen is injected into the urethra; and ejaculation, in which the semen is
propelled into the woman’s vagina. A male normally has only one orgasm (and some men may fall asleep during/after the
resolution phase which follows). In the female, orgasm involves the uterus and outer vagina but not the upper two thirds of
the vagina. Typically it is harder to stimulate a woman to reach orgasm, and the man needs to take care to make sure the
woman is ready when he is. Women, however, can have multiple orgasms, and once aroused, are often not ready to “quit”
when, physiologically, the man’s body is progressing to the resolution phase. Many women appreciate continued, gentle
stimulation after coitus.
4. The resolution phase involves a return to normal. During the resolution phase, vasoconstriction returns to normal, the
muscles relax, etc. While the changes that occur in most structures occur within the first 5 min. after orgasm, loss of the
male erection often takes a little longer.
5- phases of male sexual response
Excitement phase A man's sexual response cycle begins with either physical or psychological stimulation,
or both. This excitement phase can last from minutes to hours, depending on the man and the particular
stimulation.
Physical stimulation can be anything from kissing and caressing to direct stimulation of the genitals.
Psychological stimulation may include thoughts of past sexual encounters or other erotic thoughts or
fantasies.
During this phase the pooling of blood in the extremities (this is known as "vasocongestion") produces
erection of the penis and nipples, elevation of the scrotal sac, and swelling of the testes. Just as in women,
a man's heart rate and blood pressure begin to rise, as does muscle tension throughout the entire body.
Plateau phase If stimulation continues, a man will enter the plateau phase, which varies in length,
depending on the type of stimulation and his own desires. (Many individuals like to prolong this phase with
extended "foreplay.") As arousal levels rise, blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate and muscle tension
also increase.
Increased blood flow further enlarges the penis and causes the testicles to swell to approximately 50
percent beyond their normal size. The prostate gland becomes larger. The tiny Cowper's or Bulbourtheral
glands release a few drops of pre-ejaculatory fluid, a clear, slippery substance which is secreted from the
tip of the penis. Note: pre-ejaculate may also contain some live sperm from a previous ejaculation and can
get a woman pregnant. Many men also develop a sex flush (redness of skin), predominantly on the chest.
Orgasmic phase Orgasm, the release of sexual tension, involves many bodily changes. While no one is really
sure how the nervous system or biochemical systems trigger an orgasm, what is known is that physical and
psychological factors are important. Interestingly, physical stimulation of the genitals is not required for an
orgasm; some people can have orgasms simply by thinking erotic thoughts.
The feelings of orgasm are usually centered within the penis. The onset of orgasm is accompanied by
rhythmic contractions of the seminal vesicles, vas deferens, prostate gland, and ejaculatory ducts. These
contractions push the semen into the urethra just prior to ejaculation. At the actual point of ejaculation,
contractions occur along the entire length of the urethra that force the semen out of the body. The first few
contractions are the strongest and occur less than one second apart. These powerful contractions are
followed by weaker ones that may last for several more seconds. Contractions of the anal sphincter and of
the pelvic floor also occur during this phase.
Unlike women, men have something known as the "point of imminence." A few seconds prior to ejaculation a
man knows he is going to have an orgasm no matter what. Indeed, one research team fired off a starter-
pistol at this "point of imminence" while observing a participant who, despite being extremely startled and
distracted, proceeded on course.
Resolution phase during the resolution phase, a man's body returns to an unexcited, relaxed state.
The blood drains from his genitals and his penis returns to a flaccid (soft) state. The testes descend and
return to their normal position and size. Muscle tension throughout his body decreases, his nipples become
less erect, and the sex flush (redness of skin) starts to disappear. Heart rate, breathing rate and blood
pressure return to normal resting levels.
Refractory phase the phases of the human sexual response cycle are similar in men and women, with one
exception: Just after orgasm and resolution, a man enters a refractory period.
During this time, no amount of stimulation will cause him to have another ejaculation. In younger men the
refractory period typically lasts only a few minutes; in older men it can last several hours, or even days.
Women, on the other hand, have no refractory period which is why they can have multiple orgasms.
Of course, not all sexual encounters lead to orgasm; and sexual satisfaction is not dependent upon reaching
orgasm. When couples engage in sexual activities with orgasm as the "goal," they lose sight of the pleasure
in the act itself. Good sex is about connecting with a partner and enjoying yourself. Which phases you go
through are irrelevant.
Male versus female sexual
response
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