The four clear-cut stages of sex is referred to as the sequence of emotional changes that occur when a person gets sexually aroused and takes part in a sexually stimulating activity. Getting to know how your body responds at each stage is important since it enhances your relationship and helps you to know the causes of sexual problems if any.

Men and women both experience the stages, the only difference is the timing. For instance, rarely will you find that both partners reach orgasm at the same time. It is not easy to pinpoint who reaches orgasm faster than the other, but the response and the time a person spends in each stage varies from person to person. Here is a look at the four clear-cut stages of sex.

Stage 1: Excitement

This is a stage that can last from a few minutes to several hours. In this stage, the muscle tension increases, breathing and heart rate accelerates. Other reactions include hardened nipples, erection of man’s penis, swelling of the woman’s clitoris and labia.

Stage 2: Plateau

This is a stage which extends to the brink of orgasm. In this stage, the changes experienced in stage 1 intensify. The vagina continues to swell and the vaginal walls turn dark purple. The clitoris becomes sensitive and the testicles are withdrawn up into the scrotum.

Stage 3: Orgasm

The climax of the sexual response cycle is the orgasm. This is the shortest stage and only lasts for a few seconds. In this stage, there is involuntary muscle contractions, high rate of blood pressure, breathing and heart rate. There is also a rapid intake of oxygen. Other reactions include the muscle in the feet spasm, a sudden and forceful release of the sexual tension. For women, the uterus and the muscles of the vagina contract. Men also experience contractions of muscles at the base of the penis.

Stage 4: Resolution

In this stage, the body now slowly returns to its normal level of functioning. The swelled and erect body parts return to their previous size and color. Some women can rapidly return to the orgasm stage when they are stimulated sexually and experience multiple orgasms. Men will have to undergo the refractory period; this is when they have time to recover after the orgasm. This period in men lengthens with age. The older you are, the longer it takes to get back the erection.

Most researchers and clinicians say that the above stages are emotional and physical reactions. This is due to the fact that the desire starts in the mind and this is what triggers all the reactions experienced in the four stages.