Sexual_Responce_Cycle

The Sexual Response Cycle Sara Milam University of Phoenix Online The Sexual Response Cycle Sex is a word that many people would like to keep unspoken, even though people engage in the activity every day. Keeping it hidden only seems cowardly since it is part of human nature. Fortunately it is no longer seen as something taboo or something women should not enjoy as it was centuries ago. The more people know about sex, the healthier they will be. Everyone’s body responds to physically and emotionally to sexual activity. Sexual responses for males and females are different yet similar and science has identified four phases of the cycle with each person experiencing the phases differently with the length and intensity varying among individuals. The desire to feel and experience the feelings of love and being loved includes the response to physical, verbal, and/or visual stimulation. Both males and females may also have sexual fantasies. There are certain biological factors involved during sexual intercourse. This includes the sexual response cycle which is used to describe the changes that occurs in both men and women as they become sexually aroused. There are four stages to the sexual response cycle: excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution. According to a study performed in 1984 it was estimated that 24 percent of the U.S. population will experience some sort of sexual dysfunction at some point in their lives. Many people experience certain types of sexual dysfunction. There are four general categories of sexual disorders. Studies have indicated that there is a high relationship between hormones and libido as well as certain types of medications that may be the culprit of these disorders. There are also medical conditions, such as diabetes that may be a cause as well. This paper will explore the four phases of the sexual response cycle and also four major types of sexual dysfunctions. Excitement This phase describes the different physiological changes that occur in men and women. Erection occurs in males, and vaginal lubrication happens in females (vasocongestion). There is an increase in muscle tension (myotonia) and an increase in heart rate. Both males and females experience erection of the nipples. Flushing of the, upper back, or chest can also occur. This phase can last for hours or only a few minutes. Plateau This phase extends to orgasm. The second phase in the sexual response cycle is called plateau. The changes that began in the first phase continue to progress in this phase. Plateau describes the increase in intensity of the physiological changes that occur during excitation. A man and woman’s genitalia become highly sensitive as they are both engorged with blood. The vagina continues to swell and the vaginal opening constricts in readiness to grasp the penis. The clitoris becomes very sensitive. In the male, the urinary bladder closes which blocks the expulsion of urine during ejaculation.  The penis shows an increase in circumference at the head. The muscles in the base of the penis begin pulsing in a rhythmic fashion. Orgasm The organasmic stage is generally the shortest in the sexual response cycle. Orgasm is the intense peak of the sexual experience and is intensely pleasurable for both male and female. During this intense sensation there is a forceful release of sexual tension and the perineal muscles and reproductive organs contract intensely. In both sexes there is an increase of blood pressure and heart rate, a higher need for oxygen and involuntary sphincter muscle contractions. A woman’s uterus, lower third of vagina and anal sphincter contract rhythmically. In the man millions of male reproductive cells, called sperm, eject from the penis. Prior to ejaculation, the seminal fluid collects in a certain region of the prostate gland. As it builds, the male’s orgasm is usually considered to be inevitable or uncontrollable. Resolution This phase is described as the recuperation of the physiological changes that occurred during the excitation phase. In both sexes, flushing disappears, breathing and heart rate return to normal. Genitalia become disengorged, and there is a sense of well-being and intimacy. There is an increased feeling of relaxation. After orgasm, men experience a period of time in which time they cannot achieve another orgasm which may last from several minutes to hours. However, women experience no refractory period and may be able to achieve multiple orgasms in response to additional stimuli. Sexual Desire Disorders / Sexual Arousal Disorders Anyone who watches TV knows that many people experience sexual problems at one time or another in their lives. Hypoactive Sexual Desire disorder occurs when one partner may want to have more sexual relations than the other partner. The complaint occurs more with women than men. Sexual Aversion Disorder is not gender specific. Sexual Aversion disorder is characterized by extreme avoidance of genital sexual contact with a partner. Sexual aversion usually implies anxiety, fear, and or disgust with all sexual situations. Male Erectile Disorder is common among men. It is characterized by the inability to acquire or maintain an adequate erection. Often times this disorder is a result of an underlying health condition or a side effect of a prescription medication. Orgasmic / Ejaculation Disorders The Female Orgasmic Disorder is described as a persistent or recurrent delay in, or absence of, orgasm following a normal excitation phase. Some women report decreased orgasm ability post hysterectomy. Hormone replacement therapy has also showed to be a cause. The Male Orgasmic Disorder is commonly referred to as retarded ejaculation which is characterized by recurrent and persistent delay in, or absence of, orgasm. The man is unable to ejaculate even with a firm erection and proper stimulation. It is common among young men, and in men that have an infection of the prostate. Sexual Pain Disorders Dyspareunia is persistent genital pain associated with intercourse in either a man or woman. This disorder can make sexual intercourse highly unpleasurable and may lead to abstinence. In both men in women, the nature of this disorder is commonly organic in that it is usually caused by physical characteristics of genitalia. Sexual Dysfunction Related to Medical Conditions or Substances This sexual dysfunction is caused by external factors or direct physiological effects of a medical condition, the side effects of prescription medication or use of a substance. This may involve pain, impaired desire, impaired arousal, or impaired orgasm. Alcohol, amphetamines, cocaine, opioids, sedatives, hypnotics, anxiolytics, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and antihypertensive may cause sexual dysfunction. It is important that people talk to their physicians about these problems because the issue could be resolved by something as simple as switching to a different medication Conclusion This paper has explored the four phases of the sexual response cycle and the four major types of sexual dysfunctions. In each of the four stages it goes over what happens to a male and a female according to the stage. Some of the things may have been a well known fact and some may not have been. There are so many different things that go on with a person’s body that it is a good idea to know your body and what goes on with your body. Even though there are four major sexual dysfunctions there are also many other ones out there. References Discovery Communications, LLC., (2008). Discovery Health: Sexual Response. Retrieved January 3, 2009, from Discovery Health Web site: http://health.discovery.com/centers/sex/sexpedia/sexresponse.html Metcalfe, L. (2005). Nationmaster Encyclopedia. Retrieved January 3, 2009, from nationmaster.com Web site: http://www.nationmaster.com/encyclopedia/Cowper%27s-gland Spencer, R. (2004). Psychology: concepts and connections. Boston, MA: Thompson Wadsworth Publishing. Townsend, M.C. (2006). Psychiatric mental health nursing: concepts of care in evidence-based practice. Philadelphia, PA: E.A. Davis Company.