Sexual Response Cycle

The sexual response cycle is the term used to describe the changes that occur in the body when men and women become sexually aroused. There are four stages or phases. The sexual response cycle consists of vasocongestion and myotonia. Vasocongestion causes erection in the male and swelling of the area surrounding the vaginal opening. As blood vessels dilate the testes, nipples and earlobes swell. Muscle tension is called myotonia. It consists of facial grimaces, spasms in the hands and feet, and spasms of orgasm. During the excitement phase vasocongestion can cause an erection in young men in as little as 3 to 8 seconds after sexual stimulation starts. The testes become larger and elevated, and the scrotal skin also thickens making it
During the first stage semen collects at the base of the penis. Urine is prevented from mixing with the semen by the internal sphincter of the urinary bladder. There are sensations of impending ejaculation that occur 2 to 3 seconds before the ejaculatory reflex. During the second stage semen is propelled out of the body by muscle contractions. The most intense contractions are normally the first 3 to 4 and come in 0.8- second intervals. This equates to roughly 5 contractions every 4 seconds. There can be 3 to 4 more contractions that come much slower. This varies from one man to
The nipples become their normal size. The clitoris and vaginal barrel eventually shrink to their unaroused size. Both men and women experience decreased blood pressure and heart rates. Their breathing becomes more normal as before arousal. They may both feel more relaxed and satisfied. After ejaculation men experience a refractory period where they cannot have another orgasm or ejaculate. In adolescent males the refractory period may last only minutes. For men aged 50 and above this period may last from several minutes to a day. Women do not experience a refractory period. They can become aroused again quickly. They may experience multiple orgasm if continued sexual stimulation is provided. Hypoactive sexual desire disorder is a sexual dysfunction characterized by lack of interest in sexual activity. Female sexual arousal disorder is characterized by difficulty in becoming sexually aroused. The may not be sufficient vaginal lubrication or sustainable arousal to engage in satisfying sexual relations. Male erectile disorder is characterized by repeated difficulty becoming sexually aroused therefore resulting in failure to achieve or sustain and