PLATEAU

Following erection, most men reach a plateau. During the plateau phase, which may last from thirty seconds to two minutes, a rapid series of events occurs. Men experience a flushing of the face and an increase in heart rate up to 150 to 175 beats per minute. At the same time, distinct rises in both systolic (pressure when heart contracts) and diastolic (pressure in between heart contractions) blood pressure are evident. Testicular size increases by 50 percent. Then, fluid from the accessory sexual organs, the prostate and seminal vesicles, begins to discharge. This preclimactic stage is under neural control and prepares the man for ejaculation. Signals from the nervous system facilitate the movement of sperm-rich fluid from the seminal vesicles and prostate into the urethra in anticipation of ejaculation. The urethra is a hollow tube in the center of the penis that allows urine to be eliminated from the bladder.

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