*Sexual Response Cycle

Sexual Response Cycle Stages

Mnemonic: Every Person Orgasms Regularly (Excitement, Plateau, Orgasm, Resolution)

• Excitement Phase- Physiological arousal begins.

  • Increase in heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), and muscle tension.

  • Vasocongestion (blood flow to genitals).

• Plateau Phase- Arousal intensifies and stabilizes.

  • Continued increases in HR, breathing, and muscle tension.

  • Sexual pleasure builds.

• Orgasm Phase- Peak of sexual pleasure.

  • Involuntary muscle contractions.

  • Release of sexual tension, leading to orgasm.

• Resolution Phase- Body gradually returns to its pre-arousal state.

  • HR, BP, and breathing decline.

  • Males typically enter a refractory period.