Module 2 PPT 3: The Sexual Response

Flashcards on The Sexual Response lecture notes.

Arousal

External: Sight, Smell, Hearing, Taste, Touch; Internal: Stimuli is processed

Limbic system

Emotional center, pleasure center located in the inner brain

Cerebral cortex

Controls thinking, language, memory, and fantasy located in the forebrain

Androgens/Testosterone

Important part of sexual interest and libido, creates sexual interest and desire in men and women

Masters and Johnson’s Research: Four Phases

Excitement, Plateau, Orgasm, Resolution

Excitement Phase

Blood increase in vagina leads to lubrication; Clitoris swells and lengthens, labia tissues change to accommodate the penis; Blood increase causes penis to become erect; Testes enlarge; Nipples of both males and females become erect.

Plateau Phase

Advanced state of arousal; A few seconds to several minutes; Pulse, blood pressure, breathing increase; Engorgement of tissues continue

Orgasmic Phase

Intense, highly pleasurable; Rush of physical sensations; release of tensions buildup from vasocongestion; Involuntary muscular contractions; Shortest phase of the sexual response; Typically last longer for women (more vasocongestion); Tachycardia occurs (excessively rapid heart action)

Resolution Phase

Body returns to the unaroused state; Deep body relaxation; Without orgasm, the releasing of tension is much slower; Male “refractory” period (recovery)

Helen Kaplan’s Triphasic Model

Sexual Desire, Excitement, Orgasm; Each phase could have a number of factors either enhancing or preventing completion.

Sexual Dysfunction

A problem is only a problem when it has been defined as a problem; Lifelong, Acquired, Situational, Generalized

Disorders of Desire

Hypoactive sexual desire disorder; Sexual Aversion

Disorders of Arousal

Erectile disorder; Arousal disorder (women)

Disorders of Orgasm

Premature ejaculation

Dyspareunia

Painful intercourse

Vaginismus

Involuntary spasm of the muscles at the opening of the vagina that prevents penetration