Inm-3: Concept of Sexual Satisfaction: A New Look

The process of sexual response is defined in four phases: Desire, Excitement or arousal, Orgasm and Resolution. This model was introduced by Mr. Masters and Mrs. Johnsons for the first time and then completed by Mrs. Kaplan. At that time, this classification was so practical and valuable for understanding sexual response and thereupon defining sexual dysfunctions, even being still used as a criterion for classification of sexual dysfunctions. After some decades this model was criticized by experts. This model being somehow determined as a linear model, has limited sexual function to physiological phases, whereas in practice sexual response and behavior is extremely related to mental aspects in human. Even in physiologic changes, linear model is mostly focused on responses of sexual organs. Another critical issue in this model is lack of attention to the concept of sexual relationship and limiting it to intercourse and also disregard for the difference of sexual relationship concept between some men and women. Different studies have shown that sexual demands and considerations in females can be totally different from males. Intimacy, emotions, relation and appropriate dialogue, commitment and pregnancy are some examples for those considerations that have been ignored in physiological models whilst all of mentioned factors are somehow involved in sexual satisfaction concept. Specially the difference between male and female is more prominent in sexual desire and this should not be misinterpreted as more desire in male or female as it is wrongly mentioned in some writings. The nature of sexual desire in women and even some men is different from the current stereotype or even modified expression of DSM classification. For the mentioned reasons, in the recent years other different models have been presented and the most prominent of them is Mrs. Basson’s suggested model. This model has a non-linear nature and in many aspects answers to some of the criticisms to the linear models. The Non-linear Basson model provides this possibility to remove the label of disorder from the people only slightly different from others, and also making it possible to find definitions for some subgroups of dysfunctions like arousal disorders. Due to this model many women may have Neutral sexual desire in normal conditions. These conditions may change when an emotional factor like love expression from partner or even non-sexual motive trigger the desire in that person. Therefore, despite the former models considering sexual desire a spontaneous and permanent feeling, Basson model defines it as a responsive feeling towards environmental stimulants and motivations. In other words, sexual desire could be achieved following and in response to arousal.