Advertisement
Health TopicsMen's Health
question

What is the plateau phase of male sexual response?

Madeleine M. Castellanos, MD
Madeleine M. Castellanos, MD on behalf of Good In Bed
Psychiatry
answer
The four-stage model for understanding male sexual response is excitement, plateau, orgasm, and response.

After the excitement phase, a man's excitement tends to plateau or level off before he gets even more aroused. During this phase, his body approaches orgasm and he usually has a full erection. As he gets ready to come, his abs and thighs tighten, his hands and feet clench, and his breath gets quicker and more uneven.

Continue Learning about Men's Health

Is ‘male menopause’ real?
Is ‘male menopause’ real?
You're tired, gaining weight, and your sex drive isn’t what it used to be. You may even have some issues with erectile dysfunction (ED). Could you be ...
Read More
4 embarrassing men's health questions, answered
4 embarrassing men's health questions, answered
When it comes to staying on top of their health and getting regular check-ups, women win it hands down. It’s no secret that guys are great at passing ...
Read More
6 ways to protect your prostate
6 ways to protect your prostate
Young men might not give a second thought to their prostate, since it rarely causes health problems early on. But by the time middle age rolls around,...
Read More
What are the causes of hair loss—and how can you stop it?
What are the causes of hair loss—and how can you stop it?
It's common and completely natural to lose as many as 100 hairs per day. But if you find yourself looking at the hairs in your shower drain and wonder...
Read More

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.