The physical stimulation of an erogenous zone or acts of foreplay can result in arousal, especially if it is accompanied with the anticipation of imminent sexual activity. A person may be sexually aroused by another person or by particular aspects of that person, or by a non-human object. Main articles: Sexual stimulation and Erogenous zoneĭepending on the situation, a person can be sexually aroused by a variety of factors, both physical and mental. It may also be pursued for its own sake, even in the absence of an orgasm. Given sufficient sexual stimulation, sexual arousal reaches its climax during an orgasm. Sexual arousal has several stages and may not lead to any actual sexual activity beyond a mental arousal and the physiological changes that accompany it. Mental stimuli and physical stimuli such as touch, and the internal fluctuation of hormones, can influence sexual arousal. Male arousal will lead to an erection, and in female arousal, the body's response is engorged sexual tissues such as nipples, vulva, clitoris, vaginal walls, and vaginal lubrication.
A number of physiological responses occur in the body and mind as preparation for sexual intercourse, and continue during intercourse. Sexual arousal (also known as sexual excitement) describes the physiological and psychological responses in preparation for sexual intercourse or when exposed to sexual stimuli. For the 2013 documentary film, see Aroused (film).
