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Sexual Health

Female sexual response

Masters and Johnson defined four stages of sexual response: excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution. The physical manifestations of sexual arousal involve a complex interaction of thoughts and feelings, sensory organs, nerve responses, and hormonal reactions occurring in many parts of the body.

Excitement - vaginal lubrication
Plateau - engorgement of the clitoris and labia; vagina lengthens
Orgasm - peak of engorgement and muscle tension, involuntary spasm
Resolution - the body relaxes and returns to normal

The first sign of female sexual excitement is the moistening of the vaginal walls. The clitoris and labia swell and the inner two-thirds of the vagina lengthen. Breathing and heart rate increase. The nipples harden and breasts may enlarge. As excitement increases, the clitoris contracts. The vaginal opening shrinks and the inside becomes more congested. Continued stimulation brings orgasm, rhythmic contractions of the vagina, uterus, and pelvic muscles, accompanied by very pleasurable sensations. Women are often able to be orgasmic following a previous orgasm if they continue to be stimulated. Eventually, the body returns to its unaroused state.