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From excitement to orgasm: What do the physiological changes in sexual pleasure reveal?
The human sexual response cycle is a four-stage model describing physiological changes. The four stages are excitement, plateau, climax and resolution. This model of physiological response was first proposed by William H. Masters and Virginia E. Johnson in their 1966 book "Human Sexual Response." Since then, many scholars have proposed different perspectives and alternative theories regarding some of the inaccuracies in the model.
Excitement stage
The excitement stage (also known as the sexual desire stage or initial excitement stage) is the first stage of the human sexual response cycle, which is induced when the human body is subjected to physical or psychological sexual stimulation (such as kissing, teasing, fantasizing, or watching pornographic images) Sexual excitement. During this phase, the body prepares for sex, ultimately leading to the plateau phase.
The excitement phase is usually accompanied by an increase in heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure.
Differences in excitement between men and women
In both men and women, the excitement phase produces increases in heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure. According to a 2006 survey, about 82% of young women and 52% of young men said that their sexual arousal was increased with direct stimulation of the nipples, while only 7-8% said that such stimulation was reduced. Their level of excitement. Sexual flushing occurs in approximately 50-75% of women and 25% of men.
Platform stage
The plateau stage is the period of sexual excitement before orgasm. This stage is characterized by further enhancement of blood circulation and heart rate. The existence of this stage means an increase in sexual pleasure. If the plateau stage remains for too long without reaching a climax, it may lead to sexual frustration.
During this stage, the male's urethral sphincter contracts to prevent urine from mixing with semen, while the female's sensitivity increases significantly.
Climax stage
Orgasm is a stage experienced by both men and women that marks the end of the sexual response cycle. Orgasm is accompanied by rapid contractions of the lower pelvic muscles and may cause muscle spasms and pleasurable sensations in other parts of the body.
Male and female orgasm
Male orgasm is usually accompanied by ejaculation, an intense pulse of sexual pleasure. In contrast, a female orgasm may manifest as contractions of the uterus and vagina, accompanied by an increase in pleasure.
Resolution Phase
In the resolution phase after orgasm, the body's muscles relax and blood pressure drops. This stage also includes the reaction period, when men are often unable to climax again, while women are able to regain arousal more quickly.
According to Masters and Johnson, women can have multiple orgasms in a short period of time if they have enough stimulation.
Supplements and criticism
Although Masters and Johnson's model provides a basis for sexual response, many scholars have pointed out its limitations, such as the lack of consideration of emotional and cognitive factors. Research has found that women's sexual response is not only a physiological process, but also emotional connection and partner's intimacy can affect sexual satisfaction and pleasure.
However, existing models fail to adequately explain changes in women's sexual pleasure, and many women experience non-linearity between desire and physiological arousal.
Over time, scholars have proposed various alternative models, such as Vivian Barson's circular model, which points to the interplay of emotional intimacy and sexual stimulation. These new models challenge traditional thinking and redefine the experience of sexual pleasure.
This complex process makes us reflect on a question: How should we balance the influence of physiological models and emotional connections in understanding the physiological and psychological aspects of sexual pleasure?
