Sexual Arousal And Response:

Human sexual arousal is the course of action and status of being prepared for

sexual intercourse or other sexual activities. Humans, unlike inferior members of the animal kingdom, are competent in sexual arousal throughout the year, which dictates there is no human mating season. In becoming aroused, the term "turn-ons" is given to the tangible and intangible items causing such a reaction (Wikipedia, 2005). However, recent research is demonstrating that sexual arousal is dependent upon excitement and inhibition (Hrovat, 2005).

According to Masters and Johnson's (1966) four-stage sexual response cycle, the first stage that humans undergo is known as the excitement phase. This phase can last a mere few minutes or even several hours dependent upon time of climax (Huffman, 2005) There are several turn-ons that activate the excitement phase in humans such as: eye contact, smell and touch of a potential mate, ego, thought, foreplay, etc (Wikipedia, 2005). However, there are inhibitory elements that hinder the body's ability to become aroused, with anxiety being the number one culprit. Men, often become overrun with the anxiety of being able to satisfy their mate. Thus, their attention is being directed towards not failing rather than succeeding with their efforts, yielding a lessening of sexual arousal (Hrovat, 2005).

Still, within this phase, there are distinct characteristics of arousal displayed in both sexes. There will be visible effects of the sympathetic nervous system such as: an

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increase in respiratory regulation, heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tone. Also, the pupils may become dilated, an erection of the nipples might be apparent, and the skin may become reddened, a conditioned known as "sex flush."

Directly in the male, the penis will become erect to facilitate entry into the woman's vagina. Relevant to the female, there will be an increase in breast size and vaginal lubrication. A clitoral erection, reddening of the vagina, and swelling of the labia will also be apparent. These emphasized characteristics occur in order to better attract a potential mate (Wikipedia, 2005).

The second stage that humans enter is known as the plateau phase. It is within this stage that the male's scrotum will undergo a "fisting" (tightening) effect in order to draw the testes closer to the body, and there might be a presence of ejaculatory fluid prior to orgasm. This fluid is secreted by the Cowper's gland in order to neutralize the pH of any urinary residue within the urethra. The female's vagina will contract allowing the uterus to lengthen (Huffman, 2005). These processes occur in order to prime the bodies for optimal success in the fertilization of the woman's ova (Wikipedia, 2005)

During the third stage, the orgasmic phase, pleasurable sensations peak and orgasm is achieved. An orgasm is an emotional and physical experience that occurs during a sexual response cycle. The male will experience contractions at the base of the penis resulting in ejaculation, the expulsion of semen and/or seminal fluid. For women, the vaginal muscles contract in and out causing the uterus to pulsate, possibly directing the male's sperm higher within.

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The fourth and final stage is known as the resolution phase. Its function is to allow the parasympathetic system to override the sympathetic system. During this phase, the satisfied bodies will relax in order to re-establish homeostasis. The majority of men will enter a refractory period where additional excitement to orgasm is regarded as impossible. However, there are many women and some men that are competent in achieving multiple orgasms in quick succession (Huffman, 2005).

There are various disorders that inhibit sexual arousal. One of these is known as sexual arousal disorder (SAD), a general term mostly used in order to diagnose women, rather than men. SAD is the failure to achieve and uphold emblematic sexual arousal. Symptoms of this disorder may include lack of vaginal lubrication and decreased sexual stimulation. The cause of SAD can vary from depression, anxiety, stress, and/or low estrogen levels. This disorder can be treated by lifestyle changes in combination with blood flow medications, if necessary ("Sexual Arousal Disorder," 2002).

In men, the most common sexual disorder is Erectile Dysfunction (ED), also referred to as impotence. This condition is the inability to maintain an erection for sexual intercourse even though ejaculation can still occur. The treatment for ED varies with the underlying cause. Viagra, the most common treatment today, has proven beneficial to those with ED caused by the inability of the arteries leading to the penis to relax allowing blood flow to enter (Wikipedia, 2005).

Alcohol and other drugs can also hinder sexual arousal. The consumption of alcohol can inhibit sexual arousal and cause damage to the testes, ovaries, and the

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circulatory and nervous systems. Tobacco can decrease blood flow to the genitals resulting in Erectile Dysfunction in men and sexual arousal disorder in women. Amphetamines are known to prevent orgasm and contribute to Erectile Dysfunction. Barbiturates also cause