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The Human Sexual Response Cycle

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The Textbook of Clinical Sexual Medicine

Abstract

This chapter reviews the development of the human sexual response cycle. Initial attempts to characterise the cycle focussed on the phases of the arousal process now referred to as “modelling”. The usefulness of such models is assessed by asking “what kind of models can be used to describe sexual responses” and “what properties should a good model possess?” While a number have been developed from earlier forms, others have been conceptualised de novo. Some have become more popular than others; the notable is the four-phase “excitation, plateau, orgasm, resolution” model now modified to include desire phases. Little or no controversy exists over models for males, but the empirical testing of those for females has been disputatious. A number of models are promoted by their authors as being useful contributors to clinical practice. All are simplifications of reality; no one model is perfect.

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Abbreviations

EPOR model:

Excitation, plateau, orgasm, resolution

DEOR model:

Desire, excitation, orgasm, resolution

STP model:

Sexual tipping point

PERT:

Post-ejaculation refractory time

SIS:

Sexual inhibition scale

SES:

Sexual excitation scale

DSM:

Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders

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  1. Independent Research Investigator, 145 Dobcroft Road, Sheffield, Yorkshire, S7 2LT, UK

    Roy J. Levin

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  1. Cedars-Sinai Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA

    Waguih William IsHak

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Levin, R.J. (2017). The Human Sexual Response Cycle. In: IsHak, W. (eds) The Textbook of Clinical Sexual Medicine. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-52539-6_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-52539-6_4

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