What are the Stages of Male Sexual Response – Learn The Phases of Sex

by Cheryl Powers

The male sexual response can be referred to the sequence of emotional and physical changes that occur in a man when one becomes sexually aroused and participates in a sexual activity. It is important for every man to know how their body responds to this changes because this will improve the relationship with their partner. It will also be easier for the man to note in case of any changes in the sexual activity that may lead to a sexual dysfunction.

Parts Of The Male Sexual Organs

Stages Of Male Sexual Response

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To understand the male sexual response, it is important to understand the different parts of the male sexual organs and their functions.
Penis: The sex organ is located on the external part of the male anatomy. The semen and urine pass through the penis as they exit from the body. It is a sensitive part of the body because it has many nerves that are concentrated together. It has an erectile tissue that allows it to become firm when stimulated and allows it to increase in size.

Urethra: This tube is located inside the penis and helps to transport semen from the testes to the external part of the body. It also assists in the transportation of the urine from the storage site in the bladder to the external part of the body.

Testes: It is also called testicles and they occur in pairs, with one located on the right and the other one on the left. It is used for the production of semen.

Scrotum: This external pouch hangs below the penis and helps to hold the testicles in place.

Phases Of Male Sexual Response

There are four stages of the male sexual response.

Excitement: This is the first stage of the male sexual response and it can be stimulated by images, touch, thoughts, scents or any stimuli. The characteristics of this stage includes increased heart rate, increase muscle tension, increased blood flow to the penis, penis becomes hardened, swelling of the testicles, tightening of the scrotum and there is a secretion of a lubricating fluid from the penis. There may also be flushing of the skin where red blotches appear on the back and chest. The factors that can influence arousal and erection include stress, depression, distraction and anxiety. A man can shift from lowered or increased excitement depending on the level of distraction and stimulation. This stage can last for minutes or hours depending on the circumstances or the person.

Plateau: This is the second phase of the male sexual response and it is an intensified mode of the excitement stage. The blood flow to the penis and testes continue to increase and they increase more in size. There is also increased heart rate, muscle tension and involuntary movements of the face, hands and feet. It is possible for the man to have pre-ejaculation at this phase and the semen may be visible at the urethra. This helps to balance the PH of the urethra to allow the survival of the sperms during ejaculation.

Ejaculation and Orgasm: This is the third phase of the male sexual response and it is where the man gets an orgasm and ejaculates. Orgasm is a response of the brain to ejaculate and this includes the instances where the man does not ejaculate. This phase may vary from one person to another, lasting for a few minutes in some people and hours in others. In ejaculation, the semen is produced and exits the body at the opening of the urethra. One may have rhythmic contractions at the penile head, anus and the pelvic area. The contractions help to propel semen from the penis through the urethra to the external opening of the body. This phase is usually marked by pelvic thrusts and elevated involuntary movements of the muscles.

Resolution: This is the last phase where the body returns to its normal unexcited state. There is reduced blood flow to the penis and erection subsides gradually. The muscles relax and the flushing on the skin reduces. This stage can be manifested by feelings of elevated relaxation, intimacy, contentment and drowsiness. Some people experience refractory stage in this phase where sexual stimulation may be painful or too sensitive. This length of this stage can vary from one person to another. The four stages may also vary from one individual to another where some will have all the stages simultaneously. Some people may not have one or more stages. This does not mean that the person is abnormal because there are many factors that can have an effect on the sexual activity. This includes relationship issues, culture and sexual drive.


The male sexual response is made up of four stages. The stages may vary from one person to another and some may not have all the stages. The other factor that may influence the sexual activity and have an effect on the stages of sexual response includes the sexual strain in a relationship and cultural factors among others.