Sexual response cycle: orgasm and resolution phases and differences in sexual response
(3) Climax
The orgasm is the peak of the sexual response and the shortest moment in the process of sexual tension, generally lasting only a few seconds. Orgasm releases the previously formed high level of muscle tension through involuntary muscle spasms, bringing waves of wonderful pleasure.
In men, orgasm is composed of a series of rhythmic contractions of the pelvic organs, with intervals of 0.8 seconds. Male orgasm can actually be divided into two separate phases: the first phase involves the discharge of semen from the seminal vesicles, prostate gland, epididymis, and other accessory glands into the prostatic urethra. At this point, the man experiences a feeling that ejaculation is inevitable; that is, once the sexual response reaches this stage, it cannot be interrupted. The second phase involves the discharge of semen from the prostatic urethra through the membranous urethra and penile urethra. During orgasm, the thrusting becomes increasingly rapid and intense, followed by a sensation of pushing the penis deeper into the vagina, then a sudden relaxation of the body and mind, and ejaculation occurs. Under the powerful pressure of the rhythmic contractions of the ischiocavernosus muscle, bulbospongiosus muscle, urethral sphincter, and superficial and deep perineal muscles, the semen is forcefully ejected, potentially traveling 40-60 cm or more without obstruction. Orgasm and ejaculation occur simultaneously. Sometimes, ejaculation without orgasm can occur, which is caused by inflammation, such as prostatitis, seminal vesiculitis, or seminal colliculitis.
The female orgasm response is largely similar to that of the male. The main physiological response is a series of rhythmic contractions during the orgasmic plateau. Initially, these are strong contractions, about 3-6 times, with intervals of 0.8 seconds, followed by several contractions of decreasing intensity and longer intervals. Sometimes, a prolonged orgasm with up to ten or more contractions can occur. During orgasm, the contractions of the rectal sphincter become more regular, and the rectal pressure increases significantly compared to the vaginal pressure. Uterine contractions begin at the base and extend in a wave-like pattern towards the cervix. Women may experience involuntary groans or cries, a result of spasmodic contractions of the laryngeal muscles. Women may also exhibit opisthotonus and other forms of tonic-clonic muscle contractions.
During a woman's orgasm, she primarily experiences a wave-like sensation radiating outwards from the clitoris, a feeling of downward pull or opening, or a warm, electric shock-like intense sensation. She may also feel contractions of the muscles around the vaginal opening. Like love, female orgasm possesses a beautiful feeling that defies description, or rather, an indescribable, enigmatic sensation, often interpreted in various ways. Because female orgasm doesn't leave the obvious evidence of male ejaculation, men often cannot determine whether a woman has truly experienced an orgasm, leading to the phenomenon of women faking orgasms to please their partners. This also reflects the influence of modern culture's emphasis on women's right to experience orgasm.
The intensity of orgasm depends on the method and effectiveness of sexual stimulation, as well as physical strength, psychological endurance, and the intimacy of the relationship between the partners. During orgasm, both partners' heart rates further increase, reaching 110–180 beats/min, and respiratory rate reaches 40 breaths/min. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure can increase to 26.7 and 14.7 kPa (200 and 110 mmHg), respectively. Both partners may experience temporary altered consciousness and loss of awareness.
(4) Regression period
The resolution phase refers to the gradual relaxation of muscle tension, the full release of sexual energy, and the gradual dissipation of vascular congestion. It typically takes about 5 to 10 minutes. If a woman does not reach orgasm, it may sometimes take several hours, half a day, or even longer for complete resolution. From an anatomical and physiological perspective, the physiological changes during resolution are precisely the reverse of the excitement phase.
The male process of resolution is faster, especially during erection. The biggest difference between the male and female resolution periods is that men have a refractory period, during which they do not respond to further sexual stimulation. This is because men conserve sexual energy and replenish sperm count and seminal fluid to prepare for future sexual activity. Since men often expend more energy during sexual activity than women, the refractory period helps them avoid excessive fatigue. The length of the refractory period varies from person to person and with age; some young men can regain an erection in just a few minutes, while others may not regain a normal sexual response even after several hours. In older men, the refractory period can last for several days.
During the resolution phase, women often request continued caresses and tenderness to achieve full relaxation and maximum physical and mental satisfaction. Without post-coital caresses, the resolution of pelvic congestion in women is slower. Men, due to their physiological characteristics, often fall asleep immediately after orgasm, unaware of or ignoring the woman's desire for continued tenderness. This abrupt interruption of the sexual response process can cause the woman feelings of melancholy and unease. When women receive new sexual stimulation while their sexual tension has not yet subsided from the plateau phase, they can experience multiple orgasms in succession.
The first physiological change during the resolution phase in women is the reduction of breast swelling. As the areola quickly returns to its normal, unstimulated state, the nipples "reappear" erect, which can be considered a sign that a woman has experienced orgasm. The flush also fades quickly. The clitoris returns to its original position about 10 seconds after orgasm, but is still slightly larger than usual. The vagina and uterus also gradually return to their original size or position.
Both men and women's pulse, respiration, and blood pressure returned to normal.
Differences in male and female sexual response processes
Men are more easily aroused than women: due to factors such as women's instinctive shyness.
Differences in sexual desire: Men's sexual desire is strong and vigorous, manifesting as impatience, while women's is weaker. Men's sexual desire is mostly focused on intercourse, while women value romance, and their desire is more broadly expressed, including kissing, touching, and even talking and laughing, all of which are considered sexual enjoyment. Only after these processes have been completed and a certain level of sexual arousal has been achieved will women have the desire for intercourse. Secondly, this difference in women also shows a significant age difference. For example, in the initial period after marriage, men's sexual desire is higher than women's, but after middle age, women's sexual desire is often higher than men's.
Differences in Orgasm Development: Some scholars point out that the development of male and female libido is opposite. Men's libido gradually transitions from genital sensations to a broader range of bodily sensations, with sexual arousal accumulating more quickly, often reaching orgasm within minutes, and subsiding more rapidly afterward. Women's libido, however, develops from a broader range of sensations to a focus on the genitals. This manifests in slower arousal accumulation beyond genital contact, typically taking over 10 minutes to reach orgasm, with a longer duration and slower subsidence. After puberty, men's libido is concentrated on a strong desire for orgasm in the genitals, with 6-8 penile erections daily being common. It's not until after age 50 that libido shifts from the genitals to a broader range of sensory organs, at which point twice-weekly intercourse is generally sufficient. Women, on the other hand, experience a period after puberty where libido becomes more generalized, not focused on the genitals, and orgasm is less emphasized. Women in their 30s and 40s typically reach peak libido, experiencing more frequent and intense orgasms compared to women in their 20s. During orgasm, men typically experience 3-5 muscle spasms, with some experiencing 8-10. Women, on the other hand, experience more muscle spasms that last longer. The difference in orgasms also lies in the "refractory period" in men, which is why they often experience a "one-time orgasm." Women, however, can achieve multiple orgasms in a short period, with the second and third orgasms often being more pleasurable and providing greater sexual satisfaction than the first.