1. Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Slideshow Pictures
2. Take the Quiz on STDs
3. A Visual Guide to Erectile Dysfunction

In this Article

• Introduction to the sexual response cycle
• What are the phases of the sexual response cycle?
• Phase 1: Excitement
• Phase 2: Plateau
• Phase 3: Orgasm
• Phase 4: Resolution
• Sexual Response Cycle (Phases of Sexual Response) Index

General characteristics of the plateau phase, which extends to the brink of orgasm, include the following:

• The changes begun in phase 1 are intensified.
  
  
• The vagina continues to swell from increased blood flow, and the vaginal walls turn a dark purple.
  
  
• The woman's clitoris becomes highly sensitive (may even be painful to touch) and retracts under the clitoral hood to avoid direct stimulation from the penis.
  
  
• The man's testicles are withdrawn up into the scrotum.
  
  
• Breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure continue to increase.
  
  
• Muscle spasms may begin in the feet, face, and hands.
  
  
• Muscle tension increases.

The orgasm is the climax of the sexual response cycle. It is the shortest of the phases and generally lasts only a few seconds. General characteristics of this phase include the following:

• Involuntary muscle contractions begin.
  
  
• Blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing are at their highest rates, with a rapid intake of oxygen.
  
  
• Muscles in the feet spasm.
  
  
• There is a sudden, forceful release of sexual tension.
  
  
• In women, the muscles of the vagina contract. The uterus also undergoes rhythmic contractions.
  
  
• In men, rhythmic contractions of the muscles at the base of the penis result in the ejaculation of semen.
  
  
• A rash, or "sex flush" may appear over the entire body.

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