The Four Stages of the Male Sexual Response Cycle
Currently, there exist four stages of the male sexual response cycle that begin with excitement due to a stimulus. The four stages include: excitement, plateau, orgasm (climax), and resolution. The manner in which these stages are started, continued, and completed are completely individualized as there are many varying factors that cause the fulfillment of these stages.
Stage 1: Excitement
The excitement stage is noted as the initial stage of arousal and desire and is normally associated with foreplay. This stage is noted with the most variable time duration, varying from minutes to hours. The stage of excitement is started and completed on variable factors as well. Excitement factors are individualized and vary from person to person. This stage is usually associated with several factors including:
- Increased blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rates, and muscle tension
- Levels of sensitivity heighten
- Blood flow to the genitalia increases
- Penile Erection
- Release of pre-ejaculatory fluids is possible
Stage 2: Plateau
The plateau stage is the second stage after excitement. This stage is also known as the preparation stage. The body must be prepared for the third stage of orgasm/climax, and there are many various factors that are associated with the completion of this stage. It is typically associated with the highest amounts of sexual excitement lasting from minutes to an hour. The plateau stage is typically associated with several factors including:
- Continual increase in blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rates, and muscle tension
- Increase in penis size, especially toward the glans
- Release of pre-ejaculatory fluids: These fluids are responsible for the management of the urethral environment, specifically pH, ensuring optimum sperm survival rates.
- Testes increase in size
Stage 3: Orgasm/Climax
The orgasm stage is the peak of the plateau stage that typically lasts less than one minute. It is the release of the build up of sexual tension. The orgasm stage is associated with several factors including:
- Blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rates, and muscle tension peak at highest rates.
- Rhythmic contraction of pelvic muscles
- Ejaculation of semen
- General contractions throughout the body, hands and feet
- Loss of full erection
- Immediate decreases in penis size
Stage 4: Resolution
The fourth and final stage of the male sexual response cycle is resolution. This stage also varies greatly in duration. It is typically associated with several factors including:
- Blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rates, and muscle tension decreases
- Loss of erection
- Decrease in penis size to normal un-erect state
- Noted feelings of relaxation or drowsiness
The Stages and Your Sexual Health
The stages of the male sexual cycle are not always completed upon every sexual interaction. The definition of good sex is not equal to the completion of these four stages, as this definition is very individualized and personal based on individual preferences and factors. The maintenance of your overall sexual health is important not only for your physical well being, but your emotional well being as well. It is not possible for anybody to tell you what process of events will create the optimum achievement of sexual health except for yourself.
http://www.mckinley.uiuc.edu/Handouts/male_function_dysfunction.html
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/erectile-dysfunction/DS00162
