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The Sexual Response Cycle

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The Sexual Response Cycle
The Sexual Response Cycle

Abstract
Assignment: The Sexual Response Cycle
•Resources: pp. 445-447 in Psychology and the Challenges of Life: Adjustment in the New Millennium
•Due Date: Day 7 [Individual] forum
•Review the sexual response cycle in the text.
•Write a 1,050- to 1,400-word paper summarizing each phase of the sexual response cycle for males, females, and commonalities for both males and females.
•Include a brief description of any sexual dysfunctions which can occur and common methods of treatment.
•Post as an attachment.
•Follow APA guidelines.

The Sexual Response Cycle

While most of us are certain that we like to have and enjoy sex, nearly all of us probably have not spent much time pondering about what actually goes on physiologically while we are engaged in the act. Masters and Johnson (two groundbreaking sex therapists) devised the term "sexual-response cycle" to mean the sequence of events that occurs to the body when an individual becomes sexually aroused and takes part in sexually stimulating activities (intercourse, masturbation, foreplay, etc.). Knowing how your body reacts during each phase of the cycle can heighten your relationship and help you single out the cause of any sexual dysfunctions.

The sexual-response cycle is divided into four phases that both men and woman go through: excitement, plateau, orgasm and resolution. Keep in mind that this is a very general outline of what happens to each of us as we become sexually aroused. There is much variation among individuals as well as between different sexual events. In addition, the intensity of the response and the time spent in each phase varies from person to person. Understanding these differences may help partners better understand one another’s bodies and responses, and enhance the sexual experience.

The excitement phase can last from a few minutes to several hours. In this phase a man’s penis becomes slightly erect, testicles elevate, and scrotum tightens.

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