The sexual response cycle - Assignment Example

Axia College Material Appendix B Sexual Response Cycles Use your own words to complete the table below with the experiences and changes in anatomy ofmales and females during the various sexual response phases.Stage of Masters and Johnson Sexual Response CycleMale Experienceand AnatomyFemale Experienceand AnatomyExcitement PhaseThe sexual stimuli, may it be physical or psychological, triggers a reflex in the body: general muscle tension increases, blood pressure and heart rate also increase, the urethra opening dilates, the scrotum skin tightens, and the penis becomes partially erect because of the dilated arteries that cause blood to rush into it.

At this point, the erection can still be lost and regained.The sexual stimuli, like in the males, triggers a reflex in the body: muscle tension increases, blood pressure and heart rate also increase, as well as the dilation of arteries which causes the clitoris to swell 2-3 times its size and for females to have a sex flush (pink flush all over the body as a result of vasocongestion), the sphincter may contract as well. The breasts also increase in size, the nipples get erect, the major lips get elevated and separated (to those who have not given birth) or may increase in size (to those who already gave birth), the minor lips extend outward, the vagina expands (internally) to accommodate the penis by lengthening and distending usually by 7 to 10 cm, and the uterus pulls away from the vagina vertically, as well as the cervix.

The vagina also secretes lubrication in preparation to accept the penis.Plateau PhaseThe step prior to orgasm, this triggers the urethral sphincter to contract so that semen does not mix with urine, the testes are drawn closer to the body, the penis increase in diameter (especially near the tip) and the urethral opening becomes slit-like. The tip of the penis usually darkens in color as more blood rushes, and pre-ejaculatory fluid may be secreted. The man can involuntarily make guttural sounds.

This phase is basically an extension of the excitement phase: the lips, both major and minor, continue to increase in size, the vagina secretes more lubrication, the areola increase in size as well, and if effective sexual stimulation continues, the sexual tensions increase, hence, the desire to release the tensions is intensified. The clitoris retracts under its hood and it becomes extra sensitive. In the later parts of the plateau period, the woman’s vaginal opening contracts involuntarily in order to grasp the penis (orgasmic platform).

The woman can involuntarily make guttural sounds.Orgasmic PhaseIn males, orgasm is usually synonymous with ejaculation. The muscles around the pelvic region, especially near the urethra, give out involuntary contractions, which force the semen out of the penis at a very high pressure. The rectal sphincter contracts, as well as the vas deferens, prostate and the urethra. Usually, there are three or four major bursts of semen (one in every 0.8 seconds) followed by weaker ones. The first and second ejection is the most intense, sending waves of sexual pleasure in the penis, loins and lower back.

The more intense the sexual feeling, the more semen is produced.The clitoris is still retracted under the hood and more vaginal contractions occur (orgasmic pleasure), accompanied by strong sexual pleasure and release. The rectal sphincter also contracts with the vagina. Resolution PhaseAfter ejaculation, a very rapid change in penis size occurs (almost 50%) but this stage may be extended if the penis remains inserted inside the vagina. Some men may go back to the plateau stage after the orgasm, but many men find stimulation to be painful after orgasm.

Muscle tension, blood pressure and heart rate return back to normal (usually within 30 minutes).The clitoris goes back to its normal position and size, the major and minor lips return back to normal size, as well as the vagina. The cervix and uterus return back to their original positions. The sexual flush experienced in the excitement phase may vanish. Muscle tension, blood pressure and heart rate return back to normal (usually within 30 minutes).Reference:Masters, W.H., Johnson, VE. (1981).

Human Sexual Response. New York: Bantam books.