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THE SEXUAL RESPONSE IN FEMALES
In modern times, the sexual response cycle was first analyzed and described by Albert Moll, who also proposed its division into four major phases: 1. the onset of voluptuousness, 2. the equable voluptuous sensation, 3. the voluptuous acme, and 4. the sudden decline (A. Moll, The Sexual Life of the Child, 1909). Wilhelm Reich, in a later book, offered a different description: 1. mechanical tension, 2. bio-electric charge, 3. bio-electric discharge, and 4. mechanical relaxation. (W. Reich, The Function of the Orgasm [1927] 1942).
More recently, Masters and Johnson have relabeled these phases as 1. excitement, 2. plateau, 3. orgasm, and 4. resolution. In addition, they have introduced the concept of a fifth phase, the refractory period.
Shown here is the sexual response in the female sex organs as described by Masters and Johnson. It must be remembered, however, that the response actually involves the whole body. (For details see preceding text.)
CHANGES IN EXTERNAL SEX ORGANS
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1. EXCITEMENT
2. PLATEAU
3. ORGASM
4. RESOLUTION
(5. REFRACTORY PERIOD)
There is some evidence that females may also experience a so-called refractory period, i.e. a time after orgasm in which they do not respond to renewed sexual stimulation. However, this phenomenon is not always easily noticed, since many females are capable of several orgasms in quick succession.
CHANGES IN INTERNAL SEX ORGANS
1. EXCITEMENT
2. PLATEAU
3. ORGASM
4. RESOLUTION
(5. REFRACTORY PERIOD)
There is some evidence that females may also experience a so-called refractory period, i.e. a time after orgasm in which they do not respond to renewed sexual stimulation. However, this phenomenon is not always easily noticed, since many females are capable of several orgasms in quick succession.
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