A woman's sexual response cycle begins with either physical or psychological stimulation, or both. This excitement phase can last from minutes to hours, depending on the woman and the particular stimulation.

Physical stimulation can be anything from kissing and caressing to direct stimulation of the genitals. Psychological stimulation may include thoughts of past sexual encounters or other erotic thoughts or fantasies.

When a woman gets excited, the blood rushes to her genitals and other parts of her body. She develops a "sex flush" upon her chest, her nipples become erect, her breasts enlarge, her labia swells, her clitoris gets bigger, her uterus elevates and her vagina becomes wet with lubrication. At the same time, her heart rate and blood pressure increase, and her muscles become more tense.

Next phase:
plateau