The plateau phase is the second stage of the sexual response cycle, occurring after the initial excitement. During this phase, individuals experience an increase in overall muscle tone. In females, the vagina swells further and blood flow to the labia minora increases. In males, the penis becomes fully erect and may secrete pre-ejaculatory fluid.

Plateau Phase

The excitement phase is the initial arousal stage of the sexual response cycle. It is physiologically marked by the erection of the penis or clitoris, alongside the lubrication and expansion of the vaginal canal.

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Based on their observational research, Masters and Johnson divided the human sexual response cycle into four distinct phases that are fairly similar for most people: the excitement phase, the plateau phase, the orgasm phase, and the resolution phase. These phases map the physiological progression of arousal over time.

Sexual Response Cycle

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

The excitement phase is the initial stage of arousal in the sexual response cycle. Key physiological markers of this phase include the erection of the penis or clitoris, along with the lubrication and expansion of the vaginal canal.

Excitement Phase in the Sexual Response Cycle

In the plateau phase, sexual arousal intensifies. Physiological changes include further swelling of the vagina, increased blood flow to the labia minora, and the penis reaching full erection. Pre-ejaculatory fluid may be released, and overall muscle tone increases during this stage.

Plateau Phase in the Sexual Response Cycle

The orgasm phase represents the climax of the sexual response cycle. In females, it is characterized by rhythmic contractions of the pelvic muscles and uterus, accompanied by heightened muscle tension. In males, it involves pelvic contractions and the ejaculation of seminal fluid, which is expelled from the urethra by contractions of the genital muscles.

Orgasm Phase in the Sexual Response Cycle

The resolution phase is the final stage of the sexual response cycle, during which the body quickly returns to its pre-arousal state. This process involves a decrease in blood pressure and the relaxation of muscles.

Resolution Phase in the Sexual Response Cycle

The refractory period is a recovery time following an orgasm where an individual is incapable of achieving another one. The length of this period varies significantly among individuals, ranging from a few minutes to as long as a day. Additionally, the duration of the refractory period tends to increase with age.

Refractory Period in the Sexual Response Cycle

The sexual response cycle can be visually represented on a graph with time on the x-axis and arousal on the y-axis, depicting four sequential phases. During the excitement phase, arousal increases from a baseline to a midpoint. In the plateau phase, arousal remains relatively stable at the midpoint before starting to rise near its end. At the orgasm phase, arousal sharply surges to its peak, followed by a decline back to the midpoint. Finally, during the resolution phase, arousal drops from the midpoint down to the baseline.

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