Everybody enjoys sex but how much do we really know about it? What exactly is the human sexual response cycle?

The researchers William H. Masters and Virginia E. Johnson were the first to introduce the term “Human Sexual Response” in their book, back in 1966. In short, it refers to a certain number of phases during which emotional and physical changes occur. To reach their conclusions they observed more than 10,000 orgasms. Thanks to their study some common beliefs were dismissed such as the misconception that only men seek sexual satisfaction and that heterosexual and homosexual satisfaction are fundamentally different.

A typical human sexual response cycle consists of 4 phases:



Let’s take a closer look on what exactly takes place during those phases.

1) Excitement

This is the first stage of the cycle. Stimulating factors such as kissing, touching and viewing erotic images can provoke it. During this phase:

serotonin and adrenaline are released

the pupils dilate

the heart and breathing rate are increased

blood pressure rises causing vasocongestion

skin flush may occur resulting in red spots on the chest and back

the tension of certain muscle groups increases

blood flow to the genitals increases

during the female stimulation, the clitoris, vagina, and labia minora swell, the vaginal walls start lubricating, and her nipples become erect and hardened

in women, this phase may last several minutes or even hours

the man’s penis becomes erect, his scrotum tightens, his testicles swell, and he begins secreting a lubricating liquid

2) Plateau

During this stage, the characteristics of the first phase intensify and both the male and female body prepare for the climax. More specifically:

norepinephrine is released

the heart and breathing rate rise even more

the muscle tension continues to increase

both men and women may involuntarily produce sounds

in men, muscles at the base of the penis begin a rhythmic contraction, the testicles are withdrawn up into the scrotum and pre-ejaculatory fluids may be secreted

in women the clitoris becomes even more sensitive, the vagina becomes engorged with blood and turns a dark purple color and the lubrication increases

muscles in the face, hands and feet may begin to spasm



3) Orgasm

This is the climax of the sexual response cycle. Involuntary actions occur during orgasm and it is accompanied by the following general characteristics:

orgasm is an explosion of accumulated sexual tension

oxytocin levels rise

muscle contractions begin

the lower pelvic muscles, around the genitals, begin to contract

heart rhythm, breathing rate, and blood pressure reach their highest levels

muscles in the feet begin to spasm

in men, ejaculation of semen takes place accompanied by contractions of the lower pelvic muscles and intense sexual pleasure

in women, although orgasms may vary, they are generally associated with vaginal and uterus contractions and overall pleasure



4) Resolution

During this phase, the body gradually returns to its original state. The swelling and erection of body parts subside and the spams vanish. A sense of intimacy develops, mostly thanks to dopamine and oxytocin, as well as general fatigue. According to the observations of Masters and Johnson, some women are capable of experiencing multiple orgasms. Men, on the other hand, are generally incapable of that because of the refractory period, which is the recovery phase after orgasm. The duration of this period varies among men.

Here’s also a video about stages of the sexual response cycle.

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