There are four stages of sexual response: arousal, plateau, orgasm, and resolution. The arousal stage lasts the longest. In males, it starts with the erection. Plateau is the feeling that one will orgasm and/or ejaculate if stimulation continues. It lasts anywhere from seconds to one minute. Orgasm only lasts for about eight seconds. Resolution is the period from when the orgasm ends until the body returns to equilibrium, which is the state of not being aroused.
The stages of physical and psychological changes that men and women go through in relation to sexual stimulation. These are: desire, arousal, plateau, orgasm, and resolution.