The human sexual response is a four-stage model of physiological responses to sexual

stimulation which, in order of their occurrence, are the excitement phase, plateau phase, orgasmic
phase and resolution phase. This physiological response model was first formulated by William H.
Masters and Virginia E. Johnson in their 1966 book Human Sexual Response. Since then, other human
sexual response models have been formulated.

4 stages
 The Excitement phase or also known as (AROUSAL PHASE) is the first stage of the human sexual
response cycle, which occurs as a result of physical or mental erotic stimuli, such as kissing,
petting or viewing erotic images that leads to sexual arousal.
 The Plateau phase is the period of sexual excitement prior to orgasm. The phase is characterized
by an increased circulation and heart rate in both sexes, increased sexual pleasure with
increased stimulation and further increased muscle tension. Both men and women may also
begin to vocalize involuntarily at this stage. Prolonged time in the plateau phase without
progression to the orgasmic phase may result in sexual frustration.
 The Orgasm phase is the conclusion of the plateau phase of the sexual response cycle and is
experienced by both males and females. It is accompanied by quick cycles of muscle contraction
in the lower pelvic muscles, which surround both the anus and the primary sexual organs.
Orgasms are often associated with other involuntary actions, including vocalizations and
muscular spasms in other areas of the body and generally euphoric sensation. Heart rate
increase even further.
 The Resolution phase occurs after orgasm and allows the muscle to relax, blood pressure to
drop and the body to slow down from its excited state. The refractory period, which is part of
the resolution phase, is the time frame in which usually a man is unable to orgasm again, though
women can also experience a refractory period.

The Chemistry of Lust, Love and Attachment

 The sex drive or lust evolved to encourage you to seek a range of partners. By
figuring out what type you like and don’t like, you are better able to know
when the ‘right’ one enters your life.

 Romantic love evolved to enable you to focus your mating energy on just one
at a time. It’s a refinement of lust. That may be why it is eas y to confuse lust
and love. Through her research, Dr. Fisher concluded that it is a fundamental
human drive, “like the craving for food and water, and maternal instinct, it is a
physiological need, a profound urge.” (The Sex Contract and Anatomy of Love)
Romantic love comes from the primitive emotional centers of your brain and
involves the brain’s self -reward system, which is why we like being in love.
  Since romantic love by itself is not sufficiently anchoring for long -term,
cooperative child -rearing, attachment evolved to enable you to feel a deep
sense of union. When you have reached the attachment phase, you tend to feel
calm, secure, and comfortable. It’s quieter than love and lust but no less
powerful.

Physiological Aspects

 Sexual Response follows a pattern of sequential stages or phases when sexual activity is
continued. First, there is the excitement phase marked by increase in pulse and blood pressure,
an increase in blood supply to the surface of the body resulting in increased skin temperature,
flushing, and swelling of all distensible body parts (particularly noticeable in the penis and
female breasts), more rapid breathing, the secretion of genital fluids, vaginal expansion, and a
general increase in muscle tension. These symptoms of arousal eventually increase to a near
maximal physiological level, the plateau phase, which is generally of brief duration. If
stimulation is continued, orgasm usually occurs. Orgasm is marked by a feeling of sudden
intense pleasure, an abrupt increase in pulse rate and blood pressure, and spasms of the pelvic
muscles causing vaginal contractions in the female and ejaculation by the male. Involuntary
vocalization may also occur. Orgasm lasts for a few seconds (normally not over ten), after which
the individual enters the resolution phase, the return to a normal or subnormal physiological
state. Up to the resolution phase, males and females are the same in their response sequence,
but, whereas males return to normal even if stimulation continues, continued stimulation can
produce additional orgasms in females. In brief, after one orgasm a male becomes unresponsive
to sexual stimulation and cannot begin to build up another excitement phase until some period
of time has elapsed, but females are physically capable of repeated orgasms without the
intervening “rest period” required by males.

The Diversity of Sexual Behavior

 Human sexual behavior any activity—solitary, between two persons, or in a group—that induces
sexual arousal. There are two major determinants of human sexual behavior the inherited
sexual response patterns that have evolved as a means of ensuring reproduction and that are a
part of each individual’s genetic inheritance, and the degree of restraint or other types of
influence exerted on the individual by society in the expression of his sexuality.
 Solitary behavior or self masturbation self-stimulation with the intention of causing sexual
arousal and generally orgasm. Most masturbation done in private as end in itself but is
sometimes practiced to facilitate a socio sexual relationship. Masturbation generally begin at or
before puberty, is very common among males, particularly young males, but become less
frequent or is abandoned when socio sexual activity is available
Heterosexuality is romantic attraction, sexual attractions or sexual behavior between persons of
the opposite sex or gender. As a sexual orientation, heterosexuality is "an enduring pattern of
emotional, romantic, and/or sexual attractions" to persons of the opposite sex; it "also refers to
a person's sense of identity based on those attractions, related behaviors, and membership in a
community of others who share those attractions.
  Homosexuality is romantic attraction, sexual attraction or sexual behavior between members of
the same sex or gender. As a sexual orientation homosexuality is "an enduring pattern of
emotional, romantic, and/or sexual attractions" to people of the same sex. It "also refers to a
person's sense of identity based on those attractions, related behaviors, and membership in a
community of other who share those attractions.
 Bisexuality is romantic attraction, sexual attraction, or sexual behavior toward both males and
females, or to more than one sex or gender It may also be defined as romantic or sexual
attraction to people of any sex or gender identity, which is also known as pan-sexuality.

Sexually Transmitted diseases or STD

 Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that pass from one person to another
through sexual contact. They are also known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or venereal
diseases (VD).Some STDs can spread through the use of unsterilized drug needles, from mother
to infant during childbirth or breast-feeding, and blood transfusions. The genital areas are
generally moist and warm environments, ideal for the growth of yeasts, viruses, and bacteria
.People can transmit microorganisms that inhabit the skin or mucous membranes of the
genitals. Infectious organisms can also move between people in semen, vaginal secretions, or
blood during sexual intercourse. Individuals pass on STDs more easily when they are not using
contraceptive devices, such as condoms, dams, and sanitizing sex toys. Some infections can
transmit through sexual contact but are not classed as STDs. For example, meningitis can be
passed on during sexual contact, but people can acquire a meningitis infection for other
reasons. It is therefore not classed as an STD .The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates
that there are more than 1 million new STD acquired each day globally. People between the
ages of 15 and 24 years acquire half of all new STDs and 1 in 4 sexually active adolescent
females has an STD. However, STD rates among seniors are increasing.

Methods of Contraception (Natural and Artificial)