Human Sexual Response Cycle

For most of us, our teenage years are filled with schoolwork, pimples and sexual discovery. Trying to figure out our own personal sexual response cycle is something that takes years, sometimes even decades to nail down. So you can imagine how overwhelming and scary it can be for most men when they first encounter the sexual response cycle of the fairer sex. While the two cycles may have many things in common, they are still quite different. Knowing what to look for and understanding how our partners feel in bed can lead to a much happier and more frequent sex life.

The human sexual response cycle, as studied by sexual researchers Masters & Johnson in the mid-1960’s, is broken up into four main sections: the excitement phase, the plateau phase, the orgasm phase and the resolution phase.

The excitement phase is pretty much what it sounds like: the first stage of human sexual response that is marked by signs of arousal from both men and women. In men, the formation of an erection is common, as well as the testicles being drawn up towards the body. Breathing usually increases and the pupils can dilate somewhat.

In women, the excitement phase is marked by a slight increase in the size of the breasts and the beginning of production of lubrication in the vaginal area to accommodate intercourse.

Some signs of arousal are shared by both men and women. A recent study shows that over 80 percent of women and about 40 percent of men experience erect nipples during periods of sexual excitement and both sexes can experience a “sex flush:” a reddening of the skin around the face and body that comes with sexual excitement.

The plateau phase is the period that occurs during sexual intercourse, but before orgasm. For those people that have trouble achieving orgasm, this is the highest arousal period they will have. During the plateau period, men will begin to “pre-come” and women will begin to secrete a large amount of lubrication and the vaginal opening will slightly dilate to allow for easier entry by the male.

The orgasm phase for men is almost always accompanied by ejaculation and a series of convulsions and extreme pleasure. A similar sensation occurs in women accompanied by spasms in the cervix to help allow for the entry of semen.

The final stage is resolution, or, as most men know it, the overwhelmingly sleepy period that immediately follows an orgasm. The resolution period is also marked by a complete relaxation of the body and an extreme sensitivity to the sexual organs. It is possible to return quickly back to the excitement phase, but most men need a rest here. The rest period for men can last anywhere from a few minutes to two days.