Sexual Response Cycle: Similarities and Differences between the sexes The sexual response cycle is characterized by vasocongestion, swelling of the genital tissues with blood, and myotonia, muscle tension. Vasocongestion causes erection of the penis and swelling of the clitoris, labia, testes, nipples, and even the earlobes. Myotonia causes facial grimaces, spasms in the hands and feet, and finally, the spasms of orgasm. The first phase is called the excitement phase.
For men this phase is characterized by the erection of the penis, a thickening of the scrotal skin, and the enlargement and elevation of the testes. In women the clitoris and labia swell, the breasts enlarge, and vaginal lubrication is produced. Both sexes experience a slight flushing of the skin, increased blood pressure and heart rate, and erection of the nipples. Next the body moves into the plateau phase when the level of sexual arousal remains fairly stable.Men in this phase experience the enlargement and elevation of the testes and an increase in the circumference of the head of the penis; which can often take on a purplish hue caused by the blood trapped by the swelling.
A woman’s clitoris shortens; withdrawing beneath the hood, and the vaginal muscles begin to contract in preparation to hold the penis. Breathing speeds up and sounds more like panting, heart rate, and blood pressure continue to rise in both men and women.During the orgasmic phase in males consists of two stages; first the bladder sphincter is closed as semen gathers at the base of the penis, then a series of three to seven muscle spasms cause the semen to be propelled down the shaft and out of the head of his penis. For a woman the number of pelvic muscle contractions is between three and fifteen at peak with weaker contractions as the orgasm ends.
Blood pressure peaks with heart rates up to 180 beats per minute and breathing can increase to 40 breaths per minute.Finally the body reached the resolution phase. Blood is released from engorged genitalia and swelling decreases, breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure return to normal, and both sexes may feel relaxed and satisfied. For the male partner the resolution phase is followed by a refractory phase. During this period the male cannot reach another orgasm.
This phase can be as short as a few minutes, for a healthy young man, to hours or even a day or more, for the older generation. Women do not xperience a refractory phase and may be brought to multiple orgasms if sexual stimulation continues. Sexual dysfunctions can interrupt the normal course of the sexual response cycle. Hypoactive sexual desire disorder, female sexual arousal disorder, male erectile disorder, orgasmic disorder, and premature ejaculation can have many causes and equally numerous treatments. Fatigue, mental health problems; such as depression, testosterone deficiency, and disease; such as diabetes, can all result in a lack of desire.
The consumption of alcohol and the use of drugs; especially depressants, can inhibit the normal sexual responses. Coronary artery disease, spinal injuries, surgical complications, hormone problems, and some therapeutic drugs can cause both sexes to experience problems related to reaching orgasm. Dysfunctions can also be the result of a past trauma, for instance a person that was raped may experience a fear of sexual relations and become too tense for the body to proceed with the natural course of events in the sexual response cycle.Any type of pain during a sexual encounter will usually bring the cycle to an abrupt halt, often leaving both partners frustrated and questioning what is wrong, pain signals trouble and should be investigated by a medical professional.
Pain during intercourse can have physical and psychological causes. Infections, inadequate healing of previous surgeries, abnormal positioning of sexual organs such as a retroverted uterus, inadequate lubrication, and even allergic reactions to spermicidal compounds, lubricant, or the latex used for condoms can cause pain or discomfort during intercourse.Both sexes can also inhibit the sexual response cycle due to anxieties cause by misinformation, sexual taboos, sexual inexperience, and irrational beliefs or attitudes towards sexual performance. Anyone who expects a sexual encounter to be “perfect” every time is setting up for catastrophic disappointment if the cycle is not initiated, and does not progress or conclude as they believe it should. Poor communication, or lack of communication skills, can also make the sexual experience unfulfilling for both parties.
Treatments for sexual dysfunction are even more numerous than the dysfunctions because each possible cause can have multiple treatments and not all treatments work the same for different people. Viagra, for instance, is a common treatment for erectile dysfunction. This treatment works well for some males, but those with a heart condition are not recommended to use this drug due to the increase in blood pressure and heart rate that it causes.For those men that cannot, or prefer not to, take a drug that will encourage an erection there is psychological therapy, vacuum pump apparatuses, penile implant surgery, and medications that are injected or inserted into the penis when needed.
In any case of sexual dysfunction communication with your partner and your doctor is of utmost importance. Your doctor needs to know what is happening and when, what other health issues you have, and what medications you are already taking in order to determine the best course of action to correct the dysfunction.Your partner should be aware of side effects and may be able to help with the treatment when there are things he or she could do to encourage or sustain the erection. References Rathus, S. A. , & Nevid, J.
S. (2002). Psychology and the Challenges of Life. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.. Web MD.
(2010). Erectile Dysfunction Guide. Retrieved from http://www. webmd. com/erectile-dysfunction/guide/erectile-dysfunction-treatment-care
