Chapter Three The Physiology of Human Sexual Responding

Historical Perspectives Sexual Pioneers Alfred Kinsey –Opened the door for the study of human sexuality, but only told us what people say they do William Masters and Virginia Johnson –The role of the sexual revolution –Observed an estimated 10,000 complete sexual response cycles –Foundation for our current understanding of human sexual responding

Biology, Psychology, and Human Sexual Responding Nonhuman Mammals and Estrus Humans and Estrus The Role of Psychology

Masters and Johnson’s Four- Phase Model (The EPOR Model) Three Important Points NOT Four Separate and Distinct Events Responses Occur In Reaction to ALL Forms of Sexual Stimulation Responses Occur In Men and Women

The “E” in the EPOR Model Excitement Sexuality and Culture: Tantric Sexual Techniques What’s Happening? Sex Flush Myotonia

The “P” in the EPOR Model Plateau What’s Happening? Tenting Self-Discovery: Clitoral Erection and the Myth of Female Orgasms During Heterosexual Intercourse

The “O” in the EPOR Model Orgasm What’s Happening? Emission Ejaculatory Inevitability Expulsion Afterglow Women’s and Men’s Descriptions of Orgasm In Touch with Your Sexual Health: The Health Benefits of Orgasm

The “R” in the EPOR Model Resolution What’s Happening? Multiple Orgasms Refractory Period

More on Human Sexual Responding Variations in Orgasm Men and Multiple Orgasms The G-Spot Location Ejaculation Skene’s Glands

Alternatives to Masters and Johnson Kaplan’s Three-Stage Model of Sexual Response Desire Excitement Orgasm Hypoactive Sexual Desire Addresses both the Physiological as well as the Psychological

Alternatives to Masters and Johnson Reed’s Erotic Stimulus Pathway Theory Seduction Sensation Surrender Reflection Addresses the Cognitive and the Psychological

A “New View” of Women’s Sexual Response Reverse the Current Trend to “Medicalize” Sexual Problems Three Major Flaws when Applying the Masters and Johnson model to women: Assuming Male and Female Sexuality are Fundamentally the Same Exaggerated Focus on Physiology While Excluding the Relationship Context Minimization of Individual Differences in the Sexual Response of Women

A “New View” of Women’s Sexual Response (cont.)