Sexual Response Cycle 1

The Sexual Response Cycle

Axia College of University of Phoenix

Betty Brown
 Sexual Response Cycle 2

The Sexual-Response Cycle

Physiologically, what takes place in the body while engaged in sex? Most of us have not

given much thought to how the body responds during the act of sex. Two groundbreaking sex

therapists, Masters and Johnson, lay claim to the term, "sexual-response cycle." The sexual-

response cycle refers to a series of events that occur in the body while participating in foreplay,

masturbation, intercourse, or other sexually stimulating activities.

Moreover, a variety of stimuli causes our minds and bodies to respond sexually. Some

variables include sight, smell, sound, touch, taste, fantasy, movement, and memory. Sexual

desire may cause one to seek sexual satisfaction created by one or more of these variables. The

brain is essential in developing a sexual desire and without this connection. Touching someone

would result in just being a plain touch. Thus, the brain is essential in the creation and

development of sexual fantasies.

Additionally, Each phase is a continuation of the four-part process. Moreover, the timing is

different for men and women. However, they both go through all four phases. Typically, men

reach orgasm first. Women generally take longer to reach a climax. Sometimes, as much as 15

minutes more, to reach the same place. Thus, simultaneous orgasm likelihood may be rare.

Notably, vasocongestion and myotonia distinguishes the excitement phase. According to our

text, “Vasocongestion is characterized by the swelling of the genital tissues with blood. It causes

erection of the penis and swelling of the area surrounding the vaginal opening. The testes, the

nipples, and the earlobes swell in response to dilated blood vessels” (Nevid & Rathus, 2005).
 Sexual Response Cycle 3

Furthermore, vasocongestion can cause erection in the male, within as

little as three to eight seconds after the commencement of sexual

stimulation. The skin thickens on the scrotal and becomes less baggy. The

testes become elevated and increases in size.

Consequently, females’ vaginal lubrication may start approximately 10 to

30 seconds after sexual stimulation begins. The length of this phase may

vary from one individual to another, approximately lasting from a few

minutes up to many hours. The vaginal lips flatten and spread, due to clitoris

swelling. Next, the inner vagina expands.

Moreover, the blood vessels near the surface become more prominent, as

the breasts enlarge. In addition, the skin may appear rosy, sometimes

referred to as ‘sex flush.’ Both men and women experience nipple erection.

The blood pressure increases and the heart rate accelerate as well.

In addition, the level of sexual arousal stabilizes during the plateau phase.

The area of circumference of the penis’ head increases. Moreover, the penis’

head may turn purplish in color. The penis becomes fully erect, as the testes drawn up

into the scrotum. The testes can increase an additional one and a half times their normal

size when they are in position for ejaculation.

What is more, vasocongestion swells the women’s outer part of the

vagina. The vaginal contractions open in preparation for grasping the penis.

The inner vagina expands further, as the clitoris withdraws beneath the
 Sexual Response Cycle 4

clitoral hood. Additionally, as the blood pressure increases, the heart rate

may accelerate up to as many as approximately 160 beats per minute.

Commonality, the orgasm produces a passionate level of pleasure for both partners. In

addition, sexual tension releases in both parties. The orgasm usually lasts only a few second,

making it the shortest of the four phases. Consequently, muscle spasms continue throughout the

bodies if both, the male, and the female. Rapid, panting-like breathing, pulse, blood pressure, and

the heart rate reaches the highest point, caused by Myotonia.

Subsequently, the male experiences two stages of muscular contractions,

in the orgasmic phase. During the first stage of orgasm, semen gathers

toward the base of the penis.

Muscle contractions propel the ejaculate out of the body, in the second

stage. The strength of the contractions and the amount of seminal fluid

present relates to sensations of pleasure.

Conversely, the female’s orgasm is evident by three to 15 contractions

that surround the vaginal barrel of the pelvic muscles. Contractions occur at

intervals of 0.8 seconds, releasing sexual tension. Erection, vaginal

lubrication, and orgasm are all reflexes. The reflexes that occur

automatically due to sexual stimulation are erection, vaginal lubrication, and

orgasm.
 Sexual Response Cycle 5

Additionally, the muscle tension of Myotonia causes a sequence of

spasms in the face, feet, hands, and finally the orgasm. The woman’s vaginal lips

become puffier. The opening to the vagina narrows as the tissues of the walls of the outer vagina

swell with blood. The inner lips begin to change color, as the opening to the vagina narrows.

Pulse rates and breathing quickens for both men and women. The "sex flush" may spread to the

neck, shoulders, chest, or stomach. Spasms may begin, as muscles tense in the hips, thighs,

buttocks, and hands.

Notably, breathing, blood pressure, and pulse rate continues to elevate in both the male and

the female. Blood vessel and muscle tension engorgement reach a peak. Sometimes, an orgasm

causes the hands and feet to produce a grasping type muscular reflex.

Moreover, everything returns to normal in the resolution phase. The erection

disappears, and the testes return to their normal size, after ejaculation.

Furthermore, in women, the orgasm releases the blood from engorged areas.

Additionally, the vaginal barrel, clitoris, and nipples gradually shrink back to

their normal size. Both the male and female may feel satisfied and relaxed

as their heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure returns to normal.

Furthermore, during the refractory period, men cannot have another

ejaculation. Variables such as age, health, and physical fitness may

determine the amount of time. Conversely, Women do not experience a

refractory period. Hence, women can become re-aroused quickly and

experience multiple orgasms with continued sexual stimulation.

 Sexual Response Cycle 6

Commonality, the swelling recedes for both the male and the female, the restoration of the

natural color appear, and the sex flush disappears. Additionally, both experience a general

relaxation of muscle tension.

Conclusively, understanding what is happening to the body during sex can only add to the full

enjoyment of the experience. If couples combine this with good communication skills, they may

have found the key to unlock sexual pleasure and their heart's desires.

References

Nevid, J. S., & Rathus, S. A. (2005). Psychology and the challenges of life: Adjustment in the
new millennium (9th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.
Sexual Response Cycle 7
Sexual Response Cycle 8
Sexual Response Cycle 9
Sexual Response Cycle 10