Stages of Arousal

There are a few stages to our sexual response.

Understanding them can increase pleasure, intimacy, and creativity.

graphic depicting tumescence, orgasmic plateau, climax, and refractory period

Stage 1: Tumescense

  • Tissue engorgement & arousal

  • Begins within seconds

  • Slow burn that increases with stimulation

  • Heart rate, blood pressure, & breathing increases

  • The limbic system starts a cascade of chemicals including nitric oxide which engorge the labia & clitoris

clitoris in the flaccid position, not engorged
clitoris depicted while aroused in erect position

Stage 2: Orgasmic Plateau

  • Increased blood flow causes full body flush, including changing the color of your labia

  • The upper vagina expands while the vaginal opening narrows

  • Sexual arousal fluid is released from the vestibular glands around the vaginal opening

  • Epinephrine and dopamine rise.

  • The clitoris starts to retract under the clitoral hood.

  • Pleasure increases.

  • You will maximize your pleasure to elongate this phase of arousal instead of speeding toward climax.

  • Another reason to elongate the orgasmic plateau is that you receive health benefits of orgasm from generating more oxytocin & nitric oxide, which flush cortisol.

  • Orgasms provide positive effects on your menstruation, fertility, and mental wellness.

  • To elongate the orgasmic plateau, either playing by yourself or have a partner pull back on direct stimulation or heavy pressure once you are fully aroused (edging)

cross section of clitoris during engorgement and compression of subtunical venous plexus
interior clitoral and vaginal structures including vestibular and paraurethral glands

Stage 3: Climax

  • Climax only lasts a few seconds

  • Oxytocin, serotonin, DHEA spike and suspend cortisol release, resulting in you feeling blissful

  • Includes rhythmic muscle contractions, and sometimes ejaculation (squirting) from the paraurethral glands and urethra

climax contractions of the interior female reproductive system
paraurethral glands close up interior reproductive system and vulva

Stage 4: Refractory Period

  • This is the come down from orgasm

  • Heart rate and breathing goes back to normal

  • Muscles relax

  • Good time for aftercare and bonding

two people kissing intimating the refractory period of aftercare


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