The Sexual Response - Stimulus and Response

The Basic Pattern: Sources of Sexual Stimulation

The Other Senses
Most people are well aware of the fact that they can become sexually aroused not only by persons or things they touch, but also by what they may see, hear, smell, or taste. The sight of a beautiful body, the sound of a musical voice, the smell of a perfume, the taste of certain foods or of a lover's glandular secretions can be powerful stimulants. However, their effect depends entirely on mental associations. A particular individual becomes excited by a particular sight, sound, smell or taste because he associates it in his mind with a previous pleasant sexual experience. (Unpleasant associations, on the other hand, produce a negative reaction. They can reduce or extinguish sexual excitement.)