Psychology of Sexual Response Cycle

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Table of Contents

Excitement Phase
Plateau Phase
Orgasmic Phase
Resolution Phase
Sexual dysfunctions
References

This is described by the sequences of psychological and physical changes that take place when one gets sexually excited and involved in sexually arousing activities. Sexually stimulating activities may involve sexual intercourse or self-stimulation. Anthony Brown noted that the sexual response cycle depicts four major phases, the first being excitement, followed by plateau then orgasm, and the last being resolution (2003, p. 169). Both men and women experience all the above-mentioned phases. For detection of sexual dysfunction, one needs to recognize how one’s body responds during each phase.

Excitement Phase

This is the first phase of the sexual response cycle and it is depicted by various changes in both males and females. This phase involves the communication of the body to various body parts that one is about to indulge in a sexual activity so that the body can therefore prepare accordingly. The excitement phase is characterized by erection in men and may start three to eight seconds after the start of sexual stimulation (Campbell Wesley, 2007, p. 445).

Males experience an increase in muscular tension which in turn leads to the erection of the penis. Thereafter, there is swelling and elevation of the testicles as well as tightening of the scrotum which causes the skin in the scrotal area to be thicker and less baggy, and the man begins secreting a lubricating fluid.

On the other hand, Campbell Wesley noted that the excitation phase in females is characterized by lubrication and that it may start ten to thirty seconds after the start of sexual stimulation (2007, pg. 445). Changes experienced by females include; increase in the size of the breasts, swelling of the clitoris and inner lips of the vagina, the walls of the vagina also begin to swell and lubrication of the vaginal walls is experienced. Both men and women experience an increase in muscular tension and sex hormone release which cause the tightening of the nipples, heart rate increase which therefore causes increase in the breathing rates, red spots may appear on the chest and the back and increases in blood flow to the genital parts of both men and women.

Plateau Phase

This is the phase when the body prepares for orgasm and has an intensification of all the responses experienced in excitement phase. The phase leads to stabilization of sexual arousal. Similar to excitement phase, plateau phase provide both men and women with similar response to some extent and different responses for both too. Amongst the men, plateau phase is characterized by withdrawal of man’s testicles into the scrotum making them elevated and ready for ejaculation. Some men also experience some increase in the circumference of the head of the penis during plateau phase and the pennis may depict pink coloration.

During the plateau phase, women experience various changes where the inner part of the labia turns color and the lips of the vagina increase in size due to increased blood flow. The clitoris gets very sensitive it can be painful if touched and therefore it hides itself under its hood to prevent the pennis from directly stimulating it. Outer part of vagina also experience swelling which in turn contracts the vaginal opening and sets the vaginal opening ready to grasp the pennis. Both men and women experience some similarities, during plateau phase and these include; sexy feeling which may flush over the stomach, chest, face, shoulders or neck. There is increased muscle tension in the thighs, buttocks, hips and the hands which can cause muscle spasms.

Orgasmic Phase

This phase immediately follows plateau phase and it is a brief phase being the shortest of all the four phases. It is also considered as the climax of the sexual activity though it last only for a few seconds. Men attain collection of the seminal fluid in the urethral bulb with semen collecting at the base of the penis. Increased muscle contractions help to push the ejaculate out of the body. At this point the man is thereby unable to control the ejaculate from being released thus the ejaculate are propelled out through contractions which occur on the pennis.

Women experience various rhythmic contractions of the first third of the vagina. The contractions may be as fast as eight-tenth of a second. Jarson Taylor observed that the number and intensity of the contractions may vary with individuals (2004, p. 204). Women experience orgasm in 3 to 15 contractions which happen on the pelvic muscles that surround the barrel of the vagina.

There is increased blood flow to the sexual organs of both men and women and muscle contraction also increases. Both men and women speed up their breathing and pulse rate as blood pressure also continues to increase. There can be a muscular reflex on the hands and feet of both men and women which causes a grasping effect. Women may take up to 15 minutes to reach the climax of orgasm stage while men take a shorter period thus minimizing the chances of simultaneous orgasm where both reach climax at the same time.

Resolution Phase

At this stage, the body goes back to resting position and it slowly gets back to its normal functioning state. The various body parts which had previously experienced changes start regaining their normal shapes in terms of size and color. Men undergo the refractory period in which they can not attain any orgasm before it is over and this period varies with individuals and can also change with age, the level of physical fitness attained and other factors. In men the pennis returns to its normal size and color.

Contrary, some women are in a position of going back to orgasm immediately especially if they are stimulated further and this therefore may cause multiple orgasms. The clitoris and the uterus get back to their normal position. Both men and women get back the original size, shape and color of the previously swollen and tinted organs. They both experience a sense of belonging, fatigue and heightened intimacy.

Sexual dysfunctions

These are the various problems which inhibit sexual satisfaction and are experienced by both men and women in their attempt to get sexual satisfaction. Men experience sexual dysfunction which may include; erectile disorders, inhibited sexual desires as well as erectile dysfunction. There are three types of erectile disorders namely; premature, retrograde and inhibited ejaculation. Premature ejaculation occurs when ejaculation happens immediately after penetration where as inhibited ejaculation is when ejaculation do not happen at all. These two disorders call for psychological counseling and sex therapy.

Retrograde disorder is characterized by nervous problems and one should see a doctor for advice. Erectile dysfunction is the in ability to reach or sustain a suitable erection for intercourse due to various reason and this can only be treated by a doctor who will trace the root cause. Finally. Reduced sex desires is brought about by either physical or psychological disorders which therefore cause reduced levels of testosterone hormone. This need a specialized advice on the best cure.

Women experience four types of sexual dysfunction which include; problems with desire, others to do with arousal, orgasm problems or experience pain during sex. To deal with desire problems one should use different arousal techniques where as arousal disorders are treated by use of different sex styles and positions and change of venues and times of having sex. One can also use vaginal cream or sexual lubricants to prevent dryness experienced during arousal.

Orgasmic disorders depicts lack of enough stimulation and foreplay and thus it calls for extra time for stimulation and use of various other stimulation techniques like having your partner stroke the clitoris or perform masturbation to realize the most effective technique that can stimulate you. For problems with pain during sex, women should try various sex positions especially the one when they are on top which gives them control of penetration.

To sum it all, human beings aspire to have sweet moments with their partners especially during intercourse. It has been found out that both men and women take different times in the four mentioned phases and that they both can experience sexual dysfunctions. Understanding the various phases of sexual response cycle and the various sexual dysfunctions will therefore help partners to strengthen their weak points and reduce relationship problems.

References

Brown, A. (2003). Psychological Review of Challenges of Life. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University.

Taylor, J. (2004). Self Assessment of Psychological Adjustment. New York: Macmillan.

Wesley, C. (2007). Psychological Approach to Challenges of Life: Review for the Millennium. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

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