While most of us are sure that we like to have $ex,
most of us also haven't spent much time thinking about what happens
physiologically while we are engaged in the act. The $exual-response cycle is
divided into four phases: excitement, plateau, orgasm and resolution. There is
no distinct beginning or end to each phase -- they're actually all part of a
continuous process of $exual response.
Keep in mind that this is a very general outline of
what happens to each of us as we become $exually aroused. There is much
variation among individuals, as well as between different $exual events.
Simultaneous Orgasms
Both men and women go through all four phases,
except the timing is different. Men typically reach orgasm first during
intercourse, while women may take up to 15 minutes to get to the same place.
This makes the likelihood of simultaneous orgasm during intercourse a rare
event.
Phase One: Excitement
This phase usually begins within 10 to 30 seconds
after erotic stimulation, and can last anywhere from a few minutes to many
hours.
Men: The penis becomes slightly erect. A man's
nipples may also become erect.
Women: Vaginal lubrication begins. The vagina
expands and lengthens. The outer lips, inner lips, clitoris and sometimes breasts
begin to swell.
Both: Heart rate, blood pressure and breathing are
all accelerated.
Phase Two: Plateau
The changes that started in the excitement phase
continue to progress.
Men: The testes are drawn up into the scrotum. The
penis becomes fully erect.
Women: The vaginal lips become puffier. The tissues
of the walls of the outer third of the vagina swell with blood, and the opening
to the vagina narrows. The clitoris disappears into its hood. The inner labia
(lips) change color (although it's a bit hard to notice). For women who've
never had children, the lips turn from pink to bright red. In women who've had
children, the color turns from bright red to deep purple.
Both: Breathing and pulse rates quicken. A
"$ex flush" may appear on the stomach, chest, shoulders, neck or
face. Muscles tense in the thighs, hips, hands and buttocks, and spasms may
begin.
Phase Three: Orgasm
This is the climax of the cycle. It is also the
shortest of the four phases, usually only lasting a few seconds.
Men: First, seminal fluid collects in the urethral
bulb. This is when a man may have the sensation that orgasm is certain, or
"ejaculatory inevitability." Next, semen is ejaculated from the
penis. Contractionsoccur in the penis during the orgasmic phase.
Women: The first third of the vaginal walls
contract rhythmically every eight-tenths of a second. (The number and intensity
of the contractions vary depending on the individual orgasm.) The muscles of the
uterus also contract barely noticeably.
Both: Breathing, pulse rate and blood pressure
continue to rise. Muscle tension and blood-vessel engorgement reach a peak.
Sometimes orgasm comes with a grasping-type muscular reflex of the hands and
feet.
Phase Four: Resolution
This phase is a return to the normal resting state.
It can last from a few minutes to a half-hour or longer. This stage is
generally longer for women than men.
Men: The penis returns to its normal flaccid state.
There is usually a refractory period, where it's impossible to orgasm again
until a certain amount of time has passed. The amount of time varies among men
by age, physical fitness and other factors.
Women: The uterus and clitoris return to their
normal positions. Some women may be able to respond to additional stimulation
with additional orgasms.
Both: Swelling recedes, any $ex flush disappears,
and there is a general relaxation of muscle tension.
Understanding what's happening to you and your
partner's bodies during $ex can only aid in the full enjoyment of the
experience. Combine this with some good communication skills, and you've found
the key to unlock $exual pleasure and your heart's desires.
