The experiences that occur in the human body when faced with sexual stimulation are called "sexual reactions". The most valid model explaining human sexual responses is the 4-stage model described by Masters and Johnson. Accordingly, human sexual reactions occur in 4 stages. These are:
Arousal stage
Plato stage
Orgasm
Dissolution phase.
Now let's examine what happens in men and women at each stage.
1. Arousal phase:
This is the phase where the body shows the first signs of sexual arousal. Blood flow concentrates towards the genital area and changes begin in the sexual organs.
For women: The first signs of arousal are seen in the vagina. As blood flow increases, the vaginal walls become thicker and darker in color. Wetting, also known as lubrication, occurs. Thus, the vagina begins to become ready for sexual intercourse. The first third of the vagina is slightly lengthened and widened. The uterus begins to move upwards. The labia majora and minora located in the woman's genital area begin to swell and open slightly. Nipples become hard and erect. Likewise, the clitoris begins to harden. Rashes begin to appear on the skin of the neck, breasts and abdomen. Heart rate increases, blood pressure rises.
In men: As blood flow concentrates in the sexual area, the penis becomes erect, that is, it becomes hard and erect. The diameter of the canal called urethra, which passes through the penis and carries urine and semen (white liquid containing sperm cells), doubles. The tissue of the bag-like structure called the scrotum, which contains the testicles, becomes thinner and the testicles move upward. Although not as common as in women, hardening of the nipple and sexual flushing can also be seen in men. A colorless liquid is secreted from a structure called Cowper's gland. This liquid is also called "pleasure liquid" among the public. This fluid neutralizes the urethra, regulates the Ph balance and thus ensures that sperm pass through the urethra in a healthy way. Muscles tense, pulse and respiration increase, blood pressure rises.
2. Plateau stage:
This is the stage where arousal reaches its highest level.
For women: The first third of the vagina fills with blood and swells. The inner two-thirds also lengthen and widen. The labia majora begin to protrude. Breasts enlarge slightly. Sexual rash begins to spread towards the shoulders, back and hips. Muscles tense, breathing, pulse and blood pressure continue to increase.
In men: There is no change in the penis, it maintains its hardness. The head of the penis swells and turns purplish. The testicles grow by approximately 50% and move upwards. More Cowper's secretion is produced. As the man approaches orgasm, grip-like contractions may be observed in the hands. Pulse, blood pressure and respiration continue to increase.
3. Orgasm:
It is the stage where sexual arousal occurs with a high feeling of pleasure and ejaculation occurs. It is a very pleasurable and intense experience.
In women: Pulse reaches its peak. The clitoris becomes very sensitive, red and swollen, and protrudes. Many women experience throbbing in the lower pelvic area. Contractions occur in the first third of the vagina and the anus. The uterus (womb) contracts in a ripple-like motion. Contractions and involuntary movements occur throughout the body. During orgasm, the woman has difficulty breathing, may scream, moan, and shout some words.
In men: Ejaculation occurs with orgasm in men. Men even experience a feeling that ejaculation is coming right before ejaculation. This is called “the inevitability of ejaculation”. When this feeling occurs, the man realizes that orgasm cannot be stopped anymore. It is of great importance to learn to recognize this feeling, especially in the treatment of premature ejaculation. The most important part of orgasm is ejaculation, that is, the discharge of semen. The muscles under the penis and in the anus contract rhythmically, allowing the semen to be expelled. Learning to control these muscles is also important in the treatment of premature ejaculation. It is a moist spot. The testicles move upwards. Severe muscle contractions occur and the man's waist movements become stiff. The body bends backwards. Men can also moan, scream and scream during orgasm. Their faces become wrinkled. Pulse, respiration and blood pressure reach peak values and sweating occurs.
4. Dissociation phase:
This is the phase in which the body returns to its state before sexual arousal.
For women: The body quickly returns to its position before stimulation. Blood flow begins to leave the sexual area, so the vagina and clitoris return to their previous state. Likewise, the labia majora and minora also lose their swelling. The uterus descends and assumes its usual position. Breasts shrink and nipples lose their hardness. Sexual rashes disappear. Breathing, pulse and blood pressure return to normal levels. The body sweats and the muscles relax. A feeling of drowsiness and drowsiness may occur. Unlike men, women can experience multiple orgasms during the dissolution phase. This means they can orgasm repeatedly.
In men: Half of the erection disappears immediately after orgasm. The rest continues a little further. However, walking and urinating can accelerate the loss of erection. The diameter of the urethra returns to normal. As blood flow decreases, the scrotum (the bag that carries the testicles) relaxes and the testicles return to their previous places. Nipples lose their hardness, sexual rashes disappear. The muscles relax and a state of sleep occurs. Some men may even fall asleep. Sweating may occur in the body, pulse, respiration and blood pressure return to normal levels. Unlike women, men cannot experience multiple orgasms. A certain period of time must pass before the man becomes ready for sexual intercourse again. This period is called the “refractory period”.
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