Sexuality is an important part of a women's life. A woman's sexual response has four stages. They include excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution. The response cycle begins with desire, also called libido, where a woman begins to want sexual intimacy.
The excitement or arousal stage describes what happens to a woman's body when the emotional and physical responses come together. In this stage, natural lubrication in the vaginal lining begins to prepare the body and may last from minutes to several hours. The heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate all increase.
During the plateau stage, the excitement is intensified and maintained. This is the highest level of sexual excitement before orgasm. The heart beats faster, blood pressure increases, breathing is heavier, and muscle tension increases. Increased blood flow causes the vagina to swell.
Orgasm is the sexual climax, the peak or discharge of pent-up sexual tension. Waves of rhythmic muscle contractions occur throughout the body. It may last only seconds. In this stage, the heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing are at the highest rate. Some women have orgasms regularly with sex and some women do not. This is normal. Multiple orgasms can occur where the woman moves back into the plateau stage and to orgasm again.
During the resolution stage, the heartbeat and breathing slow down, mental excitement fades, blood drains out of the engorged genital area, and the whole body sweats. Muscle tension yields to relaxation and drowsiness.
A woman's sexual response is complex. Many things such as a woman's physical and emotional well being influence her response. Fatigue, stress, alcohol, and drugs are all factors that can play a part in a woman's sexual response. If a woman feels uncomfortable with sex or has a lack of support from her partner, she may have a much different response than someone who enjoys sex and feels good about herself. Other women may feel pressured or have a fear of pregnancy that prevents them from enjoying sex. Women who have a history of sexual abuse have the hardest time with sex and may need strong emotional support and counseling.
Many excellent books about the emotional and physical aspects of sexuality and the sexual response are available in stores and libraries. Talking to a friend or family member with whom you feel comfortable may be helpful. If you feel you have a specific problem, make an appointment with a professional, such as a counselor or other healthcare provider. Sometimes it is hard to talk about intimate sex concerns, but try not to be embarrassed. These people are skilled at discussing these issues.
Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
HIA File WOM5280F.HTM Release 9.0/2006
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