The Sexual Response Cycle

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According to Masters and Johnson (1966) there are four phases for females and males in the sexual response cycle. Excitement, plateau, organism and resolution are the changes that occur when being sexually aroused. There are two characteristics of the sexual response cycle which are called vasocongestion and myotonia. Vasocongestion is when the penis of the male and the area surrounding the vaginal walls swell. Facial grimaces, spasms of the hands and feet happen when there is muscle tension, which is called myotonia. There are similarities and differences in males and females in each phase of the sexual response cycle. In the first phase, the excitement phase, there are many physical changes that happen with our bodies. In males an erection can occur when sexual stimulation begins within three to eight seconds, sometimes longer. When an erection occurs, blood rushes into the caverns of the penis causing engorgement and creates an erection. In women the clitoris swells, flattens and spreads the vaginal lips when the excitement stage begins. The clitoris is the only organ known specifically for sexually pleasure. This is also when the expansion of the inner part of the vagina happens. The vaginal walls are what produce the lubrication for sexual intercourse, which without the lubrication can be painful. Females also experience the enlargement of breasts during the excitement phase. During the excitement phase, both males and females experience rosy flesh color, nipple erection, as well as an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. The plateau phase is the second part of the sexual response cycle. In females and males the level of arousal stabilizes. People should experience more rapid breathing, with heart rate and blood pressure increasing. In males during this stage, there is some increase in the circumference of the head of the penis and

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