Female Sexual Arousal
Master’s and Johnson’s Four Phases of Sexual Arousal is the most commonly known model describing the different stages that the body goes through during sexual excitement to orgasm and the relaxation felt afterwards. However, this model is based in a linear way of looking at sexual arousal and often fits the male experience of sexual response than it does for females.
The four phases Master and Johnson identified are: Excitement phase, Plateau phase, Orgasm phase, and Resolution phase.
In the Excitement phase, we have encounter something that excites us sexually, messages are transmitted to the portion of the brain dedicated to sexual response. The brain is flooded with endorphins making us think that whatever is causing the sexual arousal is very exciting and enjoyable and should be continued. If this physical or psychological stimulation continues our heart rate and blood flow increases resulting in swelling of the genitals – clitoris, labia, and expansion or lifting up of the vaginal walls and uterus, increased body warmth and sometimes a flush to the skin, as well as vaginal lubrication.
In the Plateau phase, there is a continuation of the excitement phase with increased sensitivity to stimulation. The tissues of the genitals become more engorged with blood, further expanding the vaginal canal and causing the clitoris to retract under its hood. This retraction of the clitoris is due to the shortening of the ligament attaching it to the pubic bone as the crura (the unseen legs of the clitoris) engorge with blood. It has been hypothesized that the retraction of the clitoris under the hood actually allows for more stimulation as the hood is moved back and forth over the glans of the clitoris during any number of different kinds of sex play.
In the Orgasm phase, sexual tension is discharged by involuntary muscular contractions, which can be isolated to the pelvis or can expand to include the whole body depending on the intensity of the build-up of tension and stimulation. The Orgasm phase is also where some differences appear between males and females. In males, once the muscular contractions of orgasm begin, they will continue even if stimulation stops. In females, if stimulation stops, the orgasmic contractions stop too cutting the experience short. However, if stimulation continues the orgasm can continue to a resolution or another plateau phase before continuing on to another orgasm. It is important to note that for some women, the clitoris may become incredibly sensitive at the point of orgasm and direct stimulation can feel uncomfortable.
In the Resolution phase, the female body floats into a state of relaxation; however, unlike the male body, she may still feel an interest in further sexual activity and does not experience sleepiness the way that many men do.
More recent revisions to this model of sexual response start with Desire. “Just because a woman is lubricating or a man has an erection doesn’t mean she or he feels like being sexual. People need to desire sex to enjoy having sex” (Good Vibrations Guide to Sex, Winks & Semans, p.30). Desire sets the stage for a sexual experience, whether it be masturbation or partner sex. From there the physiological responses can become connected to pleasure and meaning.
Our mind also plays an important part in sexual response. If we experience shame, guilt, or other distractions, it will impact our experience of sexual pleasure. If we can keep our minds from interrupting the sensations of pleasure either by setting aside distracting, shaming thoughts or using our imagination to aid in the process through fantasy, a fuller experience of our sexual arousal can be had.
Another model worth mentioning is that of sex therapist Gina Ogden. She proposes that sexual response can be seen as three spheres of energy: pleasure, orgasm, and ecstasy. We can experience one, some, or all of these energetic states. Additionally she points to our experiences of sexual arousal as linked with intimacy, lust, fantasy, full-body stimulation, satisfaction, and even our spiritual state (Women Who Love Sex, Gina Ogden).
There are many different ways to breakdown the experience of sexual arousal, yet it is and will always be a dynamic and personal experience for each person, changing over our lifetime and influenced by our health, state of mind, and level of embodiment.
