FIGURE 11.3 • An Alternative Female Sexual Response Cycle An alternative model of the female sexual response cycle (Basson, 2001)—in the context of relationships—is analogous to a circle. The cycle starts with sexual neutrality: not feeling very sexual, but with an openness to seek or be receptive to sexual stimuli. In turn, such sexual stimuli may, depending on neurological (and other biological), psychological, and social factors operating at that moment, lead to sexual arousal, which in turn leads to a sense of desire and further arousal. The desire creates positive feedback loops (++) that lead to heightened arousal, which then leads to emotional and physical satisfaction. This satisfaction in turn produces a sense of emotional intimacy with her partner, making her more likely to be receptive to or seek out sexual stimuli in the future. She may also feel spontaneous sexual desire, which leads to positive feedback loops among the first three phases. Orgasm is not necessary for satisfaction.
Source: Adapted from Basson, 2001.