Sexual response cycle differences between males and females

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.

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 or mechanical aids can be helpful.

Women with vaginal dryness can use lubricating gels, hormone creams, or hormone replacement therapy if the woman is close to or in menopause. In a few cases, women may experience an androgen deficiency. This can be mitigated by prescribing testosterone therapy.

In the case of emotional or psychological factors, therapy is generally used. If possible both partners are involved in therapy that focuses on eliminating emotional difficulties between partners. Behavioral treatments can also include self-stimulation, among other therapies. The most important aspect of any sexual therapy, whether emotional, psychological, or medical, is an open, honest relationship between partners, and between patients and their therapists.

Sources

Ballas, Paul (2006, 25 July). Sexual Problems Overview. a.D.A.M. Inc., Medline Plus Medical Dictionary. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001951.htm

BBC News. (2003, 8 Feb). Female Sexual Dysfunction. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/medical_notes/486081.stm

Medicine.Net. (2006, 1 Feb). Sexual Problems in Men: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment. http://www.medicinenet.com/sexual_sex_problems_in_men/article.htm

Nevid, J.S., & Rathus, S.A. (2005). Psychology and the challenges of life: Adjustment in the new millennium (9th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.

Phillips, Nancy a. (2000, 1 July). Female Sexual Dysfunction: Evaluation and Treatment. American Family Physician. http://www.aafp.org/afp/20000701/127.html