UNDERSTANDING THE SELF

NOTES-REVIEWER

Physiology of human sexual response:

Sexual response follows a pattern of sequential stages or phases when sexual activity is
continued.

1. Excitement phase = it is caused by increase in pulse and blood pressure; a sudden rise in
blood supply to the surface of the body resulting in increased skin temperature, flushing, and
swelling of all distensible body parts particularly noticeable in the male and female
reproductive system, rapid breathing, secretion of genital fluids, vaginal expansion, and a
general increase in muscle tension.

2. Plateau phase = it is generally of brief duration. If stimulation is continued, orgasm usually

occurs.

3. Sexual climax = a feeling of abrupt, intense pleasure, and rapid increase in pulse rate and
blood pressure, and spasms of the pelvic muscles causing contractions of the female reproductive
organ and ejaculation by the male that last only for few seconds normally not over ten.

4. Resolution phase = it refers to the return to a normal or subnormal physiological state.

Whereas males return to normal even if stimulation continues, but continued stimulations can
produce additional orgasms in females. Females are physically capable of repeated orgasms
without the intervening “rest period” required by males.