Sexual Arousal and Response

© Robert J. Atkins, Ph.D.

What is the effect of sexual images? Self report = men respond more than women Physiologically = both men and women have similar responses

What can cause you to not want sex? Silence for both sexes (decreases arousal) Birth control pills Blood pressure medication Antidepressant medication Antihypertensive medication Tranquilizers High nicotine cigarettes

What are the basic physiological arousal responses? Vasocongestion Orgasmic platform Engorgement of outer third of vagina during plateau phase Erection in men Mytonia Muscular spasms during orgasm Uterine contractions

What is the equivalent of erection for women? vasocongestion Female Stage #1

Vasocongestion Female Stage #2

Vasocongestion Female Stage #3

Female external Vasocongestion Before After

Do you remember? What can cause you to not want sex? What are the two basic physical arousal responses? What is the equivalent of erection for women?

What are the models of your sexual response? Helen Kaplan’s modes Masters and Johnson’s model

What is the Helen Kaplan model? Desire Excitement Orgasm

What is the Master’s & Johnson’s model? Excitement Plateau Orgasm Resolution Refractory period Male only

Excitement

Plateau

Orgasm Male & female descriptions of orgasm are indistinguishable

Resolution

How do the sexes differ in sexual response? Greater variability in female response Male refractory period Lack of this= multiple orgasms for women Males may have pre-ejaculatory orgasms followed by final orgasm

Do you remember? What is the Helen Kaplan model? What is the Masters & Johnson model? How are descriptions of orgasm similar or different between men and women? How do the sexes differ in sexual response?

What is the Grafenberg Spot? (G-spot) Upper wall of vagina Possible remnant of prostate tissue Sometimes results in ejaculation from urethra Ejaculate fluid is similar to male prostate secretions

How does aging effect sexual response in women? Decreased vaginal lubrication KY or” Slippery Stuff” Decrease in length & width of vagina Vaginal atrophy Decrease in number of orgasmic contractions

How does aging effect sexual response in men? Longer time to get erection Erection goes away faster Reduced muscular contractions Orgasm is less intense Less ejaculate Lower force of ejaculation

Use it or lose it! The more active you are during your life, the longer you will remain sexually active.

Do you remember? What can you tell me about the Grafenberg spot? How does aging effect sexual response: For women? For men?