The Human Sexual Response

The human sexual response involves four main stages: excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution. During excitement, blood flows to the genitals, causing swelling and lubrication. The plateau phase sustains heightened arousal, with muscle tension and increased heart rate. Orgasm is a peak of intense pleasure with rhythmic muscle contractions and release of sexual tension. The resolution phase allows the body to return to normal, often with a refractory period where further arousal is temporarily difficult. These stages can vary in duration and experience between individuals but collectively describe how the body responds to sexual stimulation.