Stages of Arousal

There are a few stages to our sexual response.

Understanding them can increase pleasure, intimacy, and creativity.

Stage 1: Tumescense

  • Tissue engorgement & arousal

  • Begins within seconds

  • Slow burn that increases with stimulation

  • Heart rate, blood pressure, & breathing increases

  • The limbic system starts a cascade of chemicals including nitric oxide which engorge the labia & clitoris

Stage 2: Orgasmic Plateau

  • Increased blood flow causes full body flush, including changing the color of your labia

  • The upper vagina expands while the vaginal opening narrows

  • Sexual arousal fluid is released from the vestibular glands around the vaginal opening

  • Epinephrine and dopamine rise.

  • The clitoris starts to retract under the clitoral hood.

  • Pleasure increases.

  • You will maximize your pleasure to elongate this phase of arousal instead of speeding toward climax.

  • Another reason to elongate the orgasmic plateau is that you receive health benefits of orgasm from generating more oxytocin & nitric oxide, which flush cortisol.

  • Orgasms provide positive effects on your menstruation, fertility, and mental wellness.

  • To elongate the orgasmic plateau, either playing by yourself or have a partner pull back on direct stimulation or heavy pressure once you are fully aroused (edging)

Stage 3: Climax

  • Climax only lasts a few seconds

  • Oxytocin, serotonin, DHEA spike and suspend cortisol release, resulting in you feeling blissful

  • Includes rhythmic muscle contractions, and sometimes ejaculation (squirting) from the paraurethral glands and urethra

Stage 4: Refractory Period

  • This is the come down from orgasm

  • Heart rate and breathing goes back to normal

  • Muscles relax

  • Good time for aftercare and bonding