Female Body Concerns / Question
Published: May 7, 2003
Dear TeenHealthFX,
What happens to a girl when she gets turned on?
Signed: Female's Sexual Response
Dear Female's Sexual Response,
When some sort of physical or sensory (sight, smell, taste, touch, sound) excites a woman, there are four stages that occur.
Stage 1- Excitement
This stage can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. Sexual activity during this stage is often called foreplay. Extending foreplay can sometimes make the other stages more intense. During this stage:
- the blood flow to the genitals increases
- the clitoris swells
- the vagina begins to lubricate (get wet and slippery)
- blood flow to a woman's breasts increases and her nipples may get hard
- heart rate and blood pressure increase
- breathing may speed up
Stage 2- Plateau
- due to increased blood flow, the outer third of the vagina swells and the genitals appear
- darker the clitoris is very sensitive and retracts beneath its hood
- heart rate, blood pressure and breathing continue to increase muscle tension increases and spasms may occur in the feet, face and hands
Stage 3- Orgasm (also called climax)
- muscles in the outer third of the vagina contract in a rapid series of pulses
- the first contractions are the most intense and the closest together
- the muscles in the uterus also contract
- heart rate, blood pressure and breathing are at their highest rate
- the skin may appear red or flushed (this may begin in earlier stages)
Stage Four - Resolution
- a woman's clitoris and nipples get soft
- the vagina and genitals return to their normal size and color
- breathing, heart rate and blood pressure decreases
These stages may occur quickly or slowly, close together, or farther apart. They are individualized not only for the person, but the situation as well.
Please remember that an important part of female (and male) sexual behavior should include the use of birth control and protection (condom use) against sexually transmitted disease. This can make all parties involved more relaxed and able to enjoy the experience without worrying about negative consequences.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Girls are more likely to intentionally abuse prescription drugs than boys.
