The Sexual Response Cycle free essay sample

The sexual response cycle describes the changes that occur in the body as men and women become sexually aroused, which divides into four phases: excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution. Vasocongestion and myotonia are what characterize the sexual response cycle. Vasocongestion causes erection of the penis and swelling of the area surrounding the vaginal opening. Myotonia (muscle tension) causes facial grimaces, spasms in the hands and feet, and then the spasms of orgasm. The first phase of the sexual response cycle is the excitement phase. Erection in the male, vaginal lubrication in the female (vasocongestion), muscle tension (myotonia), an increase in heart rate, and the erection of the nipples in both males and females are the characteristics of this phase. The plateau phase is the second phase of the sexual response cycle. During this phase, there are increases in vasocongestion, muscle tension, heart rate, and blood pressure in preparation for orgasm. The level of sexual arousal remains somewhat stable during this phase of the cycle. We will write a custom essay sample on The Sexual Response Cycle or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Vasocongestion causes the perimeter of the head on a penis to show some increase in size; the testes are elevated into position for ejaculation and may reach almost twice their unaroused size. In women, vasocongestion swells the outer part of the vagina, contracting the vaginal opening to prepare for grasping the penis. The inner part of the vagina expands further. The clitoris withdraws beneath the clitoral hood and shortens. Breathing becomes rapid, heart rate increases, and blood pressure continues to rise in males and females. The third phase of the sexual response cycle is the orgasm phase. Pelvic contractions occur during this phase, which are accompanied by intense pleasure. For the male, this phase involves two stages of muscular contractions. In the first stage, semen collects at the base of the penis, and the internal sphincter of the urinary bladder prevents urine from mixing with the semen. In the second stage, muscle contractions force the ejaculate out of the body, which gives a sensation of pleasure (orgasm). An orgasm in a female manifests by 3 to 15 contractions of the pelvic muscles that surround the vaginal barrel. As in the male, the contractions produce a elease of sexual tension (Meston Frohlich, 2000); followed by weaker and slower contractions. The fourth phase of the cycle is the resolution phase. During the resolution phase, the level of sexual arousal returns to the prearoused state. After a man has an orgasm, blood releases from the penis and testes. The erection disappears and the testes return to their normal size. Men also have a refractory pe riod, which follows orgasm. This would occur before the resolution. Once this period passes, this allows men to become rearoused to orgasm and return to preplateau levels. Women do not have this period; therefore, they can become quickly rearoused to the point of repeating an orgasm if they desire and receive continued sexual stimulation. Orgasms in women also trigger the release of blood from enlarged areas. The nipples return to their normal size. The clitoris and vaginal barrel gradually shrink and return to their unaroused sizes. Blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing also return to their levels before arousal. Both partners may experience feelings such as relaxed and satisfied. Know I am going to talk about sexual dysfunctions or unrelenting difficulties in sexual interest, arousal, or response that millions of Americans experience. Many people are reluctant to admit to sexual problems, so there is not a precise figure on the commonness of sexual dysfunctions. The major types of sexual dysfunction are hypoactive sexual desire disorder, female sexual arousal disorder, male erectile disorder, orgasmic disorder, and premature ejaculation. In hypoactive sexual desire disorder, a person reports a lack of interest in sexual activity, low sexual drive, and an absence of sexual fantasies. The diagnosis reflects the belief that sexual interest, drive, and fantasies fall within the normal range of human sexuality. This disorder can occur in both males and females. The vaginal lubrication that prepares the vagina for penile penetration is what portrays the sexual arousal of a female. If a woman is having difficulties in this area, or having difficulties sustaining arousal long, enough to engage in sexual satisfaction it could be because she is suffering from female sexual arousal disorder. Keep in mind that almost all women now and then have difficulty becoming or remaining lubricated. One should only be concerned if this is a reoccurring problem. An erection exemplifies the sexual arousal in males. Male erectile disorder describes a repeated difficulty of becoming sexually aroused. If a man is having repeated failure of achieving or sustaining an erection, he may be suffering from erectile disorder (ED). As I said in the above for women, the same applies for men; almost all men have occasional difficulties attaining or maintaining an erection through intercourse. One should only be concerned if this is or becomes a reoccurring problem. In the orgasmic disorder, a man or woman, although sexually excited, is determinedly delayed in reaching an orgasm or, even worst, does not reach an orgasm at all. Although, this disorder does arise in both men and women, it is more common among women than it is in men. Premature ejaculation is a disorder that causes a male to, persistently ejaculate with minimal sexual stimulation, and it happens too rapidly to allow his partner or himself to enjoy sexual relations fully. Many cases of sexual dysfunctions reflect biological problems. Lack of desire can be due to diabetes or deficient levels of testosterone. Fatigue feelings and depressants can reduce sexual desire and inhibit orgasm; it can also impair sexual responses. A lack of sexual drive and/or interest usually connects with one’s mental health problems. There are physical health problems that can affect orgasmic functioning in both men as well as in women. Drugs that can lead to erectile disorder include antidepressants, adrenergic blockers, diuretics, cholesterol-lowering drugs, anticonvulsants, anti-Parkinson drugs, and dyspepsia and ulcer-healing drugs. Marijuana is also associated with reducing one’s sexual desire and performance. Alcohol is a depressant that can impair sexual arousal or response (heavy drinking usually ends in disaster like waking up in a hotel room in Vegas, with a ring on your hand and a person you have never seen before laying next to you or something like that). Psychosocial causes can include anxiety or guilt about sex and unsuccessful stimulation by the partner. It may physically hurt the women; this can be a result of not enough lubrication. Pain during sex along with any other pain is a sign that something is wrong; go see a doctor. Physically or psychologically painful sexual experiences, such as rape, can block future sexual responses. General difficulties in communication also inhibit the expression of sexual desires. Sexual dysfunctions are often treated with sex therapy, which refers to a relatively brief and direct form of psychological treatment that generally incorporates cognitive and behavioral components. Before someone begins sex therapy, it is all most required that one obtain a thorough medical workup.