Sexual Response Cycle Flashcards
four phases of sexual response cycle
excitement
plateau
orgasmic
resolution
sexual stimulation and foreplay
lasts from minutes to hours
excitement
“edging”
height of sexual activity
plateau
“climax”
shortest phase
orgasm
relaxation phase
resolution
what phase:
- penile erection and tumescence begin
excitement
what phase:
-clitoris tumescence
excitement
what phase:
- head of penis enlarges slightly
plateau
what phase:
- 50% of erection is lost immediately with ejaculation
resolution
what phase:
- scrotal skin thickens
excitement
what phase:
- testes elevate to maximum level
orgasm
what phase:
- clitoral head retracts under the clitoral hood
plateau
what phase:
- testes increase in size and elevate toward the body
excitement
what phase:
- vaginal lubrication occurs
excitement
what phase:
- lower 1/3 of vagina becomes engorged
plateau
what phase:
- ejaculation of semen occurs
orgasm
what phase:
- vagina lengthens and extend
excitement
what phase:
- no refractory period
resolution
what phase:
- point of “inevitability” occurs before ejaculation and an awareness of fluid appears on the head of the penis
orgasm
what phase:
- strong rhythmic contractions are felt in clitoris, vagina and uterus
orgasm
what phase:
- preorgasmic emission of 2-3 drops of fluid
plateau
what phase:
- cervix dips into seminal pool
resolution
what phase:
- sensations of warmth spread through pelvic area
orgasm
what phase:
- myotonia begins
excitement
what phase:
- external rectal sphincter contracts
orgasm
what phase:
- myotonia becomes pronounced and grimacing occurs
plateau
what phase:
- testes increase in size and elevate toward the body
excitement
what phase:
- HR, BP, RR increase to maximum levels
orgasm
what phase:
- involuntary muscle spasms occurs
orgasm
what phase:
- skin color changes occur: red flush may be observed across breast abdomen, or other surface
plateau
