SEXUAL FEELINGS
Sexual ‘arousal’ is a sense of excitement (physical and psychological), also called being ‘turned on’, which is a pretty good description. It may happen in response to a variety of things (but rarely buying a Joaf of bread). You may feel aroused by a person, a situation, a smell, a picture, a fantasy, a dream, touching, kissing, lots of things. It is a bit like an enjoyable hunger.
There are physical responses which happen when a person is sexually aroused. Women may notice that their vaginas get a bit wetter. This is lubrication made by the vaginal skin in response to the increased blood flow in the pelvis. It is very handy if intercourse takes place, because moist intercourse is more comfortable than dry intercourse (more of that later). The increased blood flow also acts to slightly swell the clitoris and labia, which makes them more easily stimulated. The vagina tends to lengthen a bit. The nipples and the skin around them (the areola) may become harder and more sensitive.
Men tend to get erections, again because the blood flow to the pelvis has increased. This fills up some of the soft tissues of the penis and makes it firmer, bigger and more sensitive. Penises are made in all shapes and sizes, just like every other part of our anatomies. But unlike the female genitals (which are just as varied), penises are always on view, so to speak, and not surprisingly, men and women are often concerned with size. The fact is that when erect, most penises are about the same size, regardless of what size they are when they are floppy. Anyway, the size is not an important factor in sexual performance or potency, despite what may be said in the footy changing rooms.
Other less noticeable changes are also happening to the man. The testes (balls) will be drawn up and rotated slightly, and a little swollen compared to normal. The glands which store and make the ingredients of semen will be working. (There may be a few drops of fluid at the opening of the penis before ejaculation, which can also contain sperm, and presumably bugs, if there are any around. Contact with this fluid therefore has the potential to lead to pregnancy or infection.)
Sexual arousal tends to be associated with increased muscle tension, heart rate, and a ‘sexual flush’ which is a reddening of the skin on the front of the neck and chest.
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