When the body is preparing itself for sexual activities such as intercourse or masturbation, it will go through a series of stages called the sexual response cycle. The sexual response cycle is one model of physical and emotional changes that happen when you are becoming sexually aroused and participating in sexual activity.
Everyone can experience this cycle, though it may occur at different times for males and females, or can be affected by several causes such as stress, illness/medication, or communication discrepancies. Unlike the movies, it's highly unlikely that both partners will reach orgasm at the same time. Additionally, the intensity of the response and the time spent in each phase varies from person to person. One could also experience the phases out of order. Knowing how the body responds during each phase of the cycle can enhance relationship communication and help pinpoint the cause of sexual dysfunction.
The sexual response cycle was developed by researchers Masters and Johnson based on observations of sexual responsivity during partnered and solo sexual activities. Though it was created in the late 60s, it’s still used today as the go-to model. They came up with 4 phases to this cycle: Stage 1: Excitement (Motivation), Stage 2: Arousal (Plateau), Stage 3: Orgasm, and Stage 4: Resolution. In the first phase, Desire/Excitement, you may see the following changes that can last up to several hours:
- Muscle tension increases.
- Heart rate quickens and breathing gets faster.
- Skin may become flushed
- Nipples become hardened or erect.
- Blood flow to the genitals increases, resulting in swelling of the woman’s clitoris and labia minora (inner lips).
- Vaginal lubrication may begin.
- The woman’s breasts become fuller and the vaginal walls begin to swell.
In the next phase, Arousal, which extends to the brink of orgasm, can include the following:
- The changes begun in the first phase get more intense.
- The vagina continues to swell from increased blood flow, and the vaginal walls turn a darker color.
- The woman’s clitoris becomes highly sensitive (may even be painful to touch).
- Breathing, heart rate and blood pressure continue to increase.
- Muscle spasms may begin in the feet, face and hands.
- Tension in the muscles increases.
The Orgasm phase is the climax of the sexual response cycle. It's the shortest of the phases and generally lasts only a few seconds. General characteristics of this phase include the following:
- Involuntary muscle contractions begin.
- Blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing are at their highest rates, with a rapid intake of oxygen.
- Muscles in the feet spasm.
- There is a sudden, forceful release of sexual tension.
- In women, the muscles of the vagina contract. The uterus may also undergo rhythmic contractions.
- A rash or "sex flush" may appear over the entire body.
The last phase is Resolution, where the body begins the process of returning to its usual state with breathing evening out, and body parts returning to their usual size and color. Some people can be immediately restimulated while others may need a break.
Though this model is widely noted and used, there are some critiques. Mark (2012) states that
“the model is entirely linear, with one component occurring prior to the next, in the same order. This is problematic because we just don't work that way! The model completely ignores sexual desire and requires an orgasm to have occurred during sexual response (a very unrealistic expectation). Finally, the model is entirely physiological with no mention of relationship factors, cultural attitudes, or any other external contributors that may be crucial when considering sexual response.” It’s great to have models to reference, but it should be highlighted that people can have satisfying sexual experiences without “completing” the sexual response cycle.
With Pleasure,
Chanel Jaali
References:
Mark, Kristen (2012). What We Can Learn From Sexual Response Cycles. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-power-pleasure/201211/what-we-can-learn-sexual-response-cycles
NCSU Counseling (2021) The Sexual Response Cycle.pdf
Our Bodies. Ourselves. Models of Sexual Response. (https://www.ourbodiesourselves.org/book-excerpts/health-article/models-sexual-response/).