What happens to our body during sex?

When most people are confident that they want intimacy, they do not even think about the very physiological process during sex. Masters and Johnson, two sex therapist innovators, invented the term "cycle of sexual reaction", which indicates the sequence of events that occur with the body during sexual arousal and sexually stimulating activities (communication, affection, masturbation, etc.).

The cycle of sexual reaction is divided into four phases: excitation, incandescence, orgasm and denouement. In general, there are no clear facets of these stages - they are all part of a long process of sexual reaction.

Keep in mind that here it is all described in general terms in comparison with what happens to each of us in moments of sexual arousal. There are many variations between people, as well as between different intimate situations.

Simultaneous orgasm

Both a man and a woman go through all four stages of a sexual reaction, only with a time difference. Typically, representatives of the stronger sex during intercourse achieve satisfaction first, as women will need up to fifteen minutes to achieve the same bliss. This fact reduces the likelihood of simultaneous orgasm, which makes it a very rare event.

Phase one: Excitation

This stage usually starts very quickly, from 10 to 30 seconds after erotic stimulation, and can last from a few minutes to an hour.

Men : The phallus is gradually aroused and erect. Male nipples can also start to rise.

Women : Vaginal lubrication begins to emerge. The vagina expands and lengthens. The outer and inner labia, the clitoris and sometimes the breasts begin to swell.

Both : Heartbeat, blood pressure and breathing become more frequent.

Second phase: Incineration

Changes that began in the first stage are pumped.

Men : The testicles descend into the scrotum. The penis is fully aroused.

Women : Vaginal lips become softer. Tissues of the genital walls of the outer third of the vagina are filled with blood and the entrance to the vagina narrows. The clitoris is hiding. Internal vaginal lips change color. In women who have not yet given birth, it changes from pink to red. In the ladies who brought the light of the child - from bright red to dark purple.

Both : Breathing and pulse are increasing. A so-called "sexy blush" can appear on the abdomen, breasts, shoulders, neck or face. Sometimes there is a muscle spasm in the thighs, buttocks or arms.

The third phase: Orgasm

This is the highest point of the cycle, it is also the shortest of the four phases and usually lasts a few seconds.

Men : First, seminal fluid accumulates in the bulb of the urethra. This is the moment when a man feels the approach of orgasm or "the inevitability of ejaculation." Then there is an eruption of semen from the penis. During this phase, contractions occur in the phallus.

Women : The first third of the vaginal walls rhythmically contract eight to ten times per second. (The number of contractions varies and depends on the individual.) The uterus muscles also pulsate imperceptibly.

Both : Breathing, pulse and pressure continue to grow. The tension of the muscles and blood vessels reaches a peak. Sometimes orgasm is accompanied by a reflex compression of the muscles of the hands and feet.

Fourth phase: Decoupling

This stage is characterized by a return to the usual state of rest. It can last from a few minutes to an hour and a half. In women, this period takes longer than men.

Men : The penis returns to its usual relaxed state. A strong state has a so-called refractory period when it can not be finished again until a certain period of time passes. The duration of this phase in men depends on age, physical condition and other factors.

Women : Vagina and clitoris return to their normal state. Some of the fair sex may be able to respond to additional stimulation and be ready for new orgasms.

Both : The swelling of the organs decreases, the "sexual blush" subsides, the general relaxation of the muscles begins.

Understanding what happens to your body and your partner's body during intercourse can help you fully enjoy this experience. Combine this knowledge with good communication skills and you will pick up the key to the secrets of sexual satisfaction and the desires of your soul.