Sexual Response Cycle for Males

Sexual response cycle for males and females is similar with regard to the phases that each partner experiences. The four phases for example include excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution (Nevid & Rathus, 2005). While the experience basically includes similar conditions for each partner, the way in which these elements are experienced specifically vary between male and female, and also from person to person in the same gender. Males The excitement phase for males is characterized by vasocongestion, which causes erection.

In young men, this can occur between three to eight seconds after beginning stimulation. In addition to the erection, the scrotal skin thickens and the testes become larger and elevated. The orgasmic phase consists of muscular contractions, which are distinguished in two phases: during the first, semen collects at the base of the penis, while it is ejaculated from the body in the second phase. The first muscle contractions during the second phase are the most intense, and occur at about 0.8-second intervals.

This is followed by two to four additional contractions, which occur at a slower and less intense rate. After orgasm, the sexual organs return to their pre-arousal state in a phase that is known as resolution. The blood is released from engorged areas. For men, there is also a refractory period after orgasm, during which men cannot be rearoused. This also varies from individual to individual, and according to age. Females The excitement phase in females manifests itself in vaginal lubrication. This occurs 10 to 30 seconds after stimulation.

Vasocongestion in females result in clitoris swelling, and the spread and flattening of the vaginal lips. The breasts as well as the inner part of the vagina enlarge, while the blood vessels near the surface of the breasts become more prominent. In contrast to males, females may reach the plateau phase, and then move on to the resolution phase without having achieved orgasm. The extent of the plateau phase also varies highly from woman to woman, and may be very brief for a highly aroused woman before she achieves orgasm.

The orgasm phase is characterized by three to fifteen contractions of the pelvic muscles. As in males, the first few contractions occur at 0.8-second intervals, followed by less intense, slower ones. After orgasm, blood is again released from engorged areas, and all body parts return to their normal size during the resolution phase. Commonalities for Males and Females There are several common elements in the sexual response cycle for males and females. Both for example experience vasocongestion during the excitement phase.

Sexual areas enlarge, the nipples harden, and in some cases the skin may become flushed and rosy. Areas such as the earlobes, hands and feet also become sensitive to the touch, while the heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure increase. Blood pressure and heart rate reach a peak during orgasm. The heart beat may increase to up to 180 beats per minute, while respiration could reach up to 40 breaths per minute. During orgasm, muscle contractions release sexual tension.

With the resolution phase, both partners may experience a sense of relaxation and satisfaction. When done on a basis of mutual harmony and choice, sex can be a highly satisfying and emotional activity that brings partners in closer connection to each other. Unfortunately this is not always the case. Sexual Dysfunction Being connected to human interaction, emotion, freedom of choice, and individual body function, an unfortunate possibility is sexual dysfunction. This manifests itself in particular ways in men and women.

Generally, problems can be treated by therapy, as many cases of dysfunction relate to how people experience sex psychologically and emotionally. When the basis of problems are addressed by the therapist, dysfunction can also be resolved. In more serious cases, dysfunction can also be resolved by medication. Examples of sexual dysfunction (Ballas, 2006) that might be experienced by both men and women include 1) a loss of libido, 2) inability to feel aroused, 3) painful intercourse. The third is much more common in women than men.

Men might experience sexual dysfunction symptoms such as 1) the inability to attain erection, 2) inability to maintain erection, 3) inability to control ejaculation. Examples of sexual dysfunction in women might include 1) an inability to relax vaginal muscles for intercourse, 2) vaginal dryness during intercourse, 3) inability to reach orgasm, 4) burning sensation in the vaginal area. The causes of sexual dysfunction vary. According to Paul Ballas (2006), sexual dysfunction might be caused by emotional, psychological, or medical factors.

In the case of medical factors, treatment occurs via either medication, such as Viagra for men experiencing difficulty with arousal. Viagra increases the blood flow to the penis, and may therefore facilitate erection and erection maintenance. In extreme cases, surgery might be required. If dysfunction occurs as a result of physical illness or disability, physical therapy.