| This section briefly describes the physical changes the body goes through in responding to sexual stimuli. The cycle is a continuum and, as labeled by Masters and Johnson, occurs in four phases: excitement, plateau, orgasm and resolution. Males and females go through these phases in the same sequence regardless of whether the stimulus is oral, manual or coital. The duration of each phase can be different for each person and even change at different times for the same person. We may go through all or part of this cycle. Phase I. Excitement
We become sexually stimulated through our senses -- seeing, feeling, touching, smelling, tasting, hearing and through thought or fantasy. Our bodies respond through changes in blood pressure, pulse and respiration rate, swelling due to increased blood flow and an increase in muscle tension.
Female Response. In the woman, sexual arousal is usually manifested first by vaginal lubrication. Due to blood engorgement, the clitoris swells and the clitoral shaft increases in diameter. The inner lips (labia minora) increase in size and take on a darker hue. Nipple erection may also be experienced.
Male Response. In the man, the penis fills with blood and becomes erect. The tip of the penis enlarges and becomes red and extremely sensitive. The man may also experience nipple erection.
Phase II. Plateau
As we become more sexually aroused, we become much more aware of the pleasurable and exciting feelings radiating from the genitals and abdominal areas. In both sexes heart rate, breathing rate and muscle tension increase.
Female Response. As stimulation continues, the outer third of the vagina becomes further engorged with blood and decreases the diameter of the opening. The vaginal canal lengthens and begins to balloon out and back. Contraction of the PC muscle can grip the penis or a finger quite firmly. The clitoris elevates or retracts and shortens behind the clitoral hood and may become difficult to find.
Male Response. The penis reaches its fullest erection and enlargement of the coronal ridge occurs. The testicles have increased in size about fifty percent and are pulled up tightly by further shortening of the internal spermatic cords. Full elevation of the testicles is a sign that the man has reached "the point of no return" where ejaculation is imminent. A few drops of seminal fluid may appear at the opening of the penis prior to ejaculation.
Phase III. Orgasm
As orgasm approaches, both females and males experience an increase in breathing rate (about three times normal), a doubling of heart rate and further tension in the muscles. When we climax, the tension is discharged suddenly and quite pleasurably. In both female and male, the contractions after orgasm occur at approximately 0.8 second intervals.
Female Response. For the woman, orgasm begins with contractions in the outer one-third of the vagina. The entire length of the vaginal barrel may ripple with contractions that begin at the furthest end of the uterus. In order for the woman to complete orgasm, effective stimulation must be continued up to and throughout the orgasmic phase.
Male Response. Contractions in the man are differentiated into two stages. The first, which coincides with the experience of the "point of no return," is the contraction of the seminal vesicles and prostate gland. The semen is pushed out through the tube by the second stage and next wave of contractions.
Phase IV. Resolution
Following orgasm, we experience a feeling of melting pleasure and calm. Couples may feel very tender and close to each other. Sleep often follows. The body returns to the non-excited state.
Female Response. Almost immediately following orgasm, the swelling around the nipples disappears and the retracted clitoris returns to its normal state. The lips and vaginal canal return to their normal size after about five to eight minutes.
Male Response. Following ejaculation, half the erection is immediately lost. The head of the penis is extremely sensitive and further stimulation at this time can be unpleasant. All of the blood-engorged areas return to normal size.
A significant aspect of male resolution phase is the refractory period that accompanies it. This is the time following orgasm in which most men cannot again become sexually aroused or have another erection. We do not know, however, to what extent this is physiological or societal. The refractory period for men can last from five to twenty minutes or more. Women do not have a similar refractory period.
Cautions
When using any sexual aide, keep in mind that cleanliness and lubrication are vital. After each use, we suggest you gently clean your aides with ForPlay Adult Toy Cleanser. Always be sure you apply a generous amount of lubrication to reduce possibilities of skin irritation. We strongly suggest a water-soluble lubricant since oil based lubricants provide a breeding ground for bacteria and may even damage some sexual aides.Never use a vibrator or massager on your legs if you have diagnosed phlebitis or any unexplained pain in the calf or thigh. People who have reduced or absent skin sensations should be sure there is no swelling or inflammation on the skin where the vibrator is used. When using an electric vibrator, set a time limit for yourself. These vibrators may become hot enough to burn the skin after prolonged usage (20 minutes or so).
Warning: Allergic Reaction to Latex. Some people have experienced a sensitivity to latex. If you have a sensitivity, please do not come in contact with latex products. We have identified all products that we know contain latex. If this is an issue for you, please be sure to verify with our operators that the product you are buying does not contain latex.
Excerpted from the SAR Guide for a Better Sex Life and provided with the guidance and permission of the National Sex Forum.
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