Sexual Response Cycle Flashcards, test questions and answers

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What is Sexual Response Cycle?

The Sexual Response Cycle is a four-phase cycle that occurs during sexual activity. It is generally accepted as the biological process that occurs when people become aroused and reach orgasm. The Sexual Response Cycle consists of excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution. During the excitement phase, heart rate increases, breathing becomes faster and deeper, muscles tense, nipples become erect, and blood flow to the genitals increases. This is often referred to as being in the mood or having an increased libido. The body responds to sexual stimuli whether it be physical touch or fantasy images.The plateau phase follows where arousal intensifies but does not reach its peak yet. During this time breathing may become shallow with rapid gasps as arousal continues building towards its peak in the next stage of orgasm. Muscles contract involuntarily throughout this stage which can result in spasms or rhythmic muscular movements in some cases such as during intercourse or oral sex. This can be further enhanced by focusing on pleasurable sensations or fantasies at this point to allow for a more intense release at orgasmic climax. After reaching climax during the orgasm phase there will be a series of involuntary muscle contractions throughout the body which are accompanied with strong feelings of pleasure and sometimes accompanied by ejaculation in males and vaginal contractions in females that signify completion of this stage of the sexual response cycle. The final stage is resolution where body functions return back to normal levels with decreased heart rate and breathing rate returning back to pre-arousal levels as well as reduced sensitivity in genital areas due to post-orgasmic refractory period for both sexes typically experienced after orgasm but may vary from person to person depending on age and other factors such as hormone levels or medications taken priorly before engaging sexually. With proper understanding one can always look into ways these stages can be enhanced through various methods such as foreplay , use certain toys/aids , fantasy inducing visuals etc .