Arousal

Arousal (also called excitation or qooq) is a physical and mental state that occurs when a person encounters erotic stimuli. It consists of measurable bodily changes—such as increased heart rate, increased blood flow to the genitals, and rapid breathing—as well as changes in emotion and cognition, including focused attention on the stimulus.

Arousal is distinct from sexual desire (libido) or sexual satisfaction. Desire is a psychological drive or feeling; arousal is the actual physical response of the body. The two sometimes occur separately: a person with desire may not show a physical response, or a physical response may occur without desire or willingness. Researchers studying this distinction call it 'arousal non-concordance.'

Physiological mechanisms

The autonomic nervous system governs most of the changes. When arousal occurs, blood vessels in the genitals dilate and blood flow increases. In men, this produces erection; in women, it produces lubrication and swelling of the vagina and clitoris. The skin may also become flushed, pupils may dilate, and certain muscles may tense. Hormones—particularly testosterone and estrogen—influence the overall level of response, though neither is a sole determinant.

Sources of arousal

Arousal can result from physical touch (particularly on sensitive areas) or from mental stimuli such as images, words, memories, or fantasy. There is also physical arousal that originates outside conscious awareness—for example, erection during sleep or genital arousal without conscious triggering. Psychological state, confidence, and the relationship between two people significantly influence the degree of arousal that occurs.

Stages of response

An earlier model of sexual response research divided the response into stages: arousal, plateau, orgasm, and resolution. Later research proposed an alternative model in which arousal and desire are intertwined—showing that many people, particularly women, experience desire after arousal has already begun, rather than beforehand.

Health and dysfunction

Chronically low arousal may be associated with depression, cardiovascular disease and hypertension, diabetes, depression, or certain medications—particularly some antidepressants. Heavy smoking and alcohol use also reduce blood flow. Because low arousal is sometimes an early sign of vascular disease, clinicians consider a general health evaluation, not only sexual concerns, in such cases.