Name: Ahmad Rafiuddin Syahmi bin Azhan

ID : 12-5-5
Prof. Dr. Osama Sorour

Sexual Cycle

What is the sexual response cycle?

The sexual response cycle refers to the sequence of physical and emotional
changes during that a person becomes sexually aroused and participates in sexually
stimulating activities, including intercourse and masturbation. Knowing how your
body responds during each phase of the cycle can enhance your relationship and
help you pinpoint the cause of sexual dysfunction.

What are the phases of the sexual response cycle?

The sexual response cycle has four phases: excitement, plateau, orgasm and
resolution. Both men and women experience these phases, although the timing
usually is different. For example, it is unlikely that both partners will reach orgasm at
the same time. In addition, the intensity of the response and the time spent in each
phase varies from person to person. Understanding these differences may help
partners better understand one anothers bodies and responses, and enhance the
sexual experience.
 Phase 1: Excitement
General characteristics of this phase, which can last from a few minutes to several
hours, include the following:-

Increase muscle tension

Increase heart rate and breathing
Skin may become flushed (blotches of redness appear on the chest and
back).
Nipples become hardened or erect.
Blood flow to the genitals increases, resulting in erection of penis.
Testes swell, scrotum tightens, and he begins secreting a lubricating liquid.

Phase 2: Plateau
General characteristics of this phase, which extends to the brink of orgasm, include
the following:-

The changes begun in phase 1 are intensified.

Testes are withdrawn up into the scrotum.
Breathing, heart rate and blood pressure continue to increase.
Muscle spasms may begin in the feet, face and hands.
Tension in the muscles increases.

Phase 3: Orgasm
This phase is the climax of the sexual response cycle. It is the shortest of the phases
and generally lasts only a few seconds. General characteristics of this phase include
the following:

Involuntary muscle contractions begin.

Blood pressure, heart rate and breathing are at their highest rates, with a
rapid intake of oxygen.
Muscles in the feet spasm.
There is a sudden, forceful release of sexual tension.
Rhythmic contractions of the muscles at the base of the penis result in the
ejaculation of semen.
A rash or "sex flush" may appear over the entire body.

Phase 4: Resolution
During this phase, the body slowly returns to its normal level of functioning, and
swelled and erect body parts return to their previous size and color. This phase is
marked by a general sense of well-being, enhanced intimacy and, often, fatigue.
Some women are capable of a rapid return to the orgasm phase with further sexual
stimulation and may experience multiple orgasms. Men need recovery time after
orgasm, called a refractory period, during which they cannot reach orgasm again.
The duration of the refractory period varies among men and changes with age.
 Loss of Libido
Definition:- Losing interest in sexual activities.

Symptoms:-

Libido loss does not usually happen suddenly. It can be a gradual process. Though
difficult to define precisely, Laumann measures it as follows: "It is a lack of interest
in sex for several months of the past year."

Frequency of sexual activity is not the best measure of sexual interest, so many
circumstances can get in the way of an encounter, even if the desire is there. But if
someone is in a committed relationship and having sex less often than the normal,
about once a week, they have to ask if they are happy with things as they are.

1. Touching takes place only in the bedroom.

2. Sex does not give feelings of connection and sharing.

3. One partner is always the initiator and the other feels pressured.

4. No longer look forward to sex.

5. Almost never have sexual thoughts or fantasies.

6. Only once or twice a month at most.

Causes:-

Any number of things, some physical and some psychological. Sometimes its both.

Physical issues that can cause low libido include low testosterone, prescription
medicines, too little or too much exercise, and alcohol and drug use.

Psychological issues can include depression, stress, and problems in relationship.

Hormonal- about 4 out of 10 men over age 45 have low testosterone. While
testosterone replacement therapy remains somewhat controversial, its also a
common solution to the problem. Others are hypogonadism, hyperprolactinemia,
hyper or hypothyroidism, Cushing's syndrome and Addison's disease.

Treatment:-

Depending on the cause, possible treatments include:

Healthier lifestyle choices. Improve your diet, get regular exercise and enough
sleep, cut down on the alcohol, and reduce stress.

Change to a new medication, if the one youre on is affecting your libido

Testosterone replacement therapy

Counselling

Doctor may recommend therapy if the issue is psychological. In many cases, a low
libido points to a desire for a closer connection with partner, one that isnt sexual, but
still intimate. It can help to talk through these issues with a therapist, either alone or
with partner. If the issue is depression, antidepressants can help. Some of them
actually lower your sex drive, though.
Reference:-

1. http://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases_conditions/hic-the-
sexual-response-cycle

2. http://www.webmd.com/sex-relationships/guide/sexual-health-your-
guide-to-sexual-response-cycle?page=2

3. http://www.soc.ucsb.edu/sexinfo/article/sexual-response-cycle

4. https://www.google.com.eg/search?
q=sexual+cycle&biw=1366&bih=643&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ve
d=0ahUKEwigs-2ogPfQAhUKrRQKHRWuC-QQ_AUIBigB#imgrc=_