There are four stages of sexual arousal in a woman: arousal, “plateau”, orgasm and relaxation. There is also an essential, preceding one that biology leaves out – desire, but now biology is the center of attention. 1. Arousal stage In this stage, the blood vessels of the genitals expand, which increases the blood flow to the vaginal walls. This helps release droplets of secretion from the vagina that keep its walls moist. The process is known as lubrication. The secretion plays the role of a lubricant, protects the mucous membrane, promotes easy penetration and movement of the penis. The external genitalia gradually enlarge. Their color becomes dark red. The labia majora lengthens, becomes thinner and dissolves. In women giving birth, they can change their size up to 2-3 times. The swollen labia minora are revealed. The clitoris also grows and becomes very sensitive. Its glans, like the penis, separates. A discharge is emitted. During this time, the vagina lengthens, usually 7 to 10 cm, which moves the cervix deeper. The uterus rises towards the pelvis and takes a more vertical position. The woman’s pulse and breathing speed up. Her blood pressure rises. 2. “Plateau” stage The breasts increase in size by a quarter. Because of the blood flow, the areolas grow, which is why the nipples no longer look so prominent. Blood flow has reached the lower third of the vagina. It is now more voluminous and dense, narrower. The opening of the vagina is clearly outlined. The tissues and muscles at its entrance form the orgasmic cuff. The swelling of this part of the vaginal tissues ensures the rhythmic contraction of the muscles during orgasm and a tight “grip” on the penis. The sensation itself is a peak for the woman and represents a kind of climax, even if she does not reach orgasm. The rhythmicity and range of this peculiar ring also contributes to achieving the peak in the man. As the orgasm approaches, the clitoris of the woman “retracts”. Bartholin’s glands continue to secrete a lubricating secretion. At this stage, the woman needs constant stimulation to be able to climax. At the same time, prolonging the phase without achieving an escalation of sensations delays the orgasm and even fails it. NEWS_MORE_BOX 3. Orgasm An orgasm is an intense release of the tension achieved by the stages of intercourse earlier. Vaginal muscles contract rhythmically every 0.8 seconds. The uterus also contracts. Women do not always achieve orgasm during sex. For that to happen, foreplay is essential. It is necessary to find the strong erogenous zones, which are individual for each one, and apply clitoral stimulation. A subsequent orgasm in women can be achieved after relaxing and going through the stages all over again. Orgasm also has its importance for conception – the contraction of the vaginal muscles helps the sperm to move along them to the uterus. 4.Relaxation Breathing and heart rate gradually return to normal. Blood flow calms down. The clitoris occupies its normal state in seconds. Gradually, within minutes, the vagina regains its usual size. More time is needed for the contraction of the labia majora, which is why the woman experiences strong sensitivity and even pain when they are mechanically irritated.