MALE SEXUAL FUNCTION

MALE SEXUAL FUNCTION

Stage One - Excitement
• Vasocongestion, or the accumulation of blood in the pelvic area during early sexual arousal contributes to
erection of the penis. The degree of erection during this phase depends on the intensity of sexual stimuli. 
• Routing of blood to the penis requires a working nervous system and the body to be relaxed enough and free
from anxiety. Constriction of blood vessels, due to stress or anxiety, does not allow enough blood to enter
the penis to cause an erection. 
• During an erection, the inner diameter of the urethra doubles and the scrotum pulls toward the body. 
Muscular tension increases in the body. Heart rate and blood pressure both increase. 
• It is normal for men to experience periods when the erection is lost during sex play, but then regained. 
• Distraction can lead to loss of excitement and erection. 
• Emotional or mental well-being can affect desire, excitement/arousal and therefore, erectile functioning. For 
example, depression is associated with increased sexual problems.
Stage Two - Plateau Phase 
• The penis increases in size slightly during second stage of sexual response, particularly toward the glans or
“head.” 
• It is less likely for a man to lose his erection if distracted during plateau phase than during excitement. 
• The testes increase in size by 50 percent or more and become elevated toward the body. 
• Muscular tension heightens considerably and involuntary body movements increase as orgasm approaches.
Heart rate increases to between 100-175 beats per minute. 
• Usually during the plateau phase, a man will notice a small amount of clear fluid at the opening of the urethra
that is released from the Cowper’s gland. This is known as “pre-cum” and serves to change the Ph balance
of the urethra so that sperm may survive. This pre-ejaculatory fluid may be released during the excitement 
phase, may vary with each man and each sexual act. The pre-ejaculatory fluid may contain Sexually 
Transmissible Infections (STI’s) or, sometimes, sperm that has remained in the urethra from previous 
ejaculations. 
Stage Three - Orgasm 
• Actual climax and ejaculation are preceded by a distinct inner sensation that orgasm is imminent. This is 
called ejaculatory inevitability. Almost immediately after that feeling is reached, the male senses that
ejaculation cannot be stopped. 
• The most noticeable change in the penis during orgasm is the ejaculation of semen. The muscles at the
base of the penis and around the anus contract rhythmically, with intervals of about 0.8 second between the 
first three or four contractions. 
• Physiologically, the sensations of orgasm and the response of ejaculation are two separate functions. As 
such, a man can experience orgasm without ejaculation, or vice versa. However, these two functions most 
often occur at about the same time. 
• Males often have strong involuntary muscle contractions through the body during orgasm and can exhibit 
involuntary pelvic thrusting. The hands and feet show spastic contractions and the entire body may arch
backward or contract in a clutching manner. 
Stage Four - Resolution 
• Immediately following ejaculation, the male body begins to return to its unexcited state. About 50% of the
penile erection is lost right away, and the remainder of the erection is lost over a longer period of time. 
• Muscular tension usually is fully dissipated within five minutes after orgasm, and the male feels relaxed and 
drowsy. 
• Resolution is a gradual process that may take as long as two hours.

Refractory Period

• During resolution, most males experience a period of time in which they cannot be re-stimulated to 
ejaculation. 
• On average, men in their late thirties cannot be re-stimulated for 30 minutes or more. 
• Very few men beyond their teenage years are capable of more than one orgasm during sexual encounters. 
• Most men feel sexually satiated with one orgasm