Light

Sexual Response Cycle

Definition

The sexual response cycle is a model that describes the physiological responses that occur during sexual activity. This cycle consists of four phases: excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution.

Analogy

Think of the sexual response cycle like a roller coaster ride. The excitement phase is when you're just getting on the ride and starting to climb up - your heart rate increases and you feel a sense of anticipation. The plateau phase is like reaching the top of the first hill - your body maintains high levels of arousal in preparation for what's next.

Related terms

Excitement Phase: The excitement phase refers to the first stage in the sexual response cycle where there's an initiation or increase in physical arousal such as increased heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure.

Plateau Phase: The plateau phase is part two of four stages within the human sexual response cycle where changes initiated in excitement phase are intensified. Arousal continues to increase towards a peak.

Orgasm Phase: This is typically considered as climax or peak of sexual activity where involuntary muscle contractions occur along with release of sexual tension.