During arousal, blood flow to the genitals increases, causing them to become more sensitive.

As arousal increases, a person’s heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate may also increase. As orgasm approaches, the muscles may twitch or spasm. Many women experience rhythmic muscle spasms in the vagina during an orgasm.

Orgasms may follow the following stages:

• excitement, during which arousal builds

• plateau, during which arousal increases and levels off

• orgasm, which causes intense feelings of pleasure

• resolution, during which arousal diminishes

Many females can have another orgasm after resolution, whereas males usually require a period of rest before having another orgasm.

A note about sex and gender

Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth.