The Sexual Response cycle The excitement phase is what happens when someone first gets aroused. This can start as quickly as three to eight seconds after the first stimulation begins, lasting anywhere from seconds to hours. This starts the blood flow to the genitals, which causes an erection in men and the swelling of the clitoris and inner lips in women. This stage also causes flushed skin, heightened heart rate and blood pressure, nipples becoming hard, and lubrication in both females and males. The man’s testicles will swell as well as the skin around them thickening, and the women’s breasts will become fuller. The next stage is the plateau stage, where the characteristics from the excitement stage are intensified. The vagina continues to swell and the vaginal opening constricts, getting ready to grasp the penis. The clitoris becomes very sensitive and draws under the hood. The man’s penis shows an increase of circumference at the head and the testes become higher and in position for ejaculation. This stage brings people to the brink of orgasm. Sexual Dysfunctions There are many different reasons why someone may have trouble performing sexually. Sexual dysfunctions occur in both male and females and are common. People may fear the inability to be intimate, but there are ways to overcome these dysfunctions if treated. When women find it difficult to become lubricated, this is known as female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD). The causes of FSAD may be from any neurological, vascular, or hormonal problem. As women grow older estrogen levels decrease, which contributes to FSAD. There are also a variety of psychological issues that may trigger this dysfunction. The most common are anger or resentment towards a sexual partner, sexual experiences that have led to trauma, or childhood sexual abuse. An additional sexual dysfunction that is more common in women is orgasmic disorder. This happens when someone has problems attaining an orgasm, once they are sexually...