Arousal (sexual)
Hear this word Arousal (sexual)
Also known as: Horny, turned on
Image description: Flushed, warm checks are one example of sexual arousal
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What Is It?
Sexual arousal happens in people’s bodies and thoughts. When sexual arousal happens in the body, a person’s body may experience changes like feeling warm, sweating, hardened nipples, an erect penis, a firmer clitoris, or lubrication from the vagina. Sexy thoughts and feelings may also be part of sexual arousal.
Sometimes these changes in the body and sexy thoughts and feelings happen even if a person does not actually want to have sex or do any sexual activities.
Sexual arousal is not consent and does not mean that a person wants to experience sex or sexual activities.
An Example
When Lanie and Tai kiss, their bodies become more aroused and start to change. Their nipples get harder. They both feel their face and bodies getting warmer. Tai’s penis becomes erect. Lanie starts to feel wetness in her underwear from lubrication in and around the opening of her vagina. They communicate with each other and consent (agree) to keep kissing and touching each other’s bodies in ways that feel good to each other.
Some physical signs of arousal include flushed cheeks, hardened nipples, or an erect penis
What to Know
Every glossary word connects to different parts of the Sexuality Wheel. Explore the information below to learn more.
- Arousal is a natural response, and it can feel very good. We can say the person is experiencing sexual arousal or that the person is “aroused.”
- Sometimes people enjoy sexual activities when they are aroused, and sometimes people choose not to do any sexual activities when they are aroused.
- Sometimes a person’s body shows signs of sexual arousal. Signs include feeling warm, sweating, hardened nipples, an erect penis or lubrication from the vagina. Sometimes these changes in the body happen even if a person does not want to have sex or do any sexual activities.
- Sexual arousal is not a sign of consent.
- Sometimes, when people are aroused, they do sexual activities with partners or by themselves. Remember: Sexual activities should be done in private places.
- Sexual arousal is not a form of consent.
- Consent must be communicated between partners before and during sexual activities. We cannot assume that someone is giving permission for sexual activity based on a physical sexual response.
- There must be consent before having sex or doing sexual activities with another person. There must be consent even if one or all the people feel aroused.
Think about
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How might the body change when it is sexually aroused?
- Faster breathing
- The body feels warmer.
- Body parts become more sensitive, such as the vulva and nipples and other erogenous zones
- The vagina lubricates and becomes bigger.
- The penis becomes firm and stands up. This is called an erection.
What should a person do if their body has a sexual response, but the person does not want to have sex or to do sexual activities?
- Share a different activity that they would like to do instead, like cuddling or talking to each other.
- If people are by themselves or with partners, it’s okay to enjoy the feeling of sexual arousal or “being turned on” without masturbating or doing sexual activities.
- Focus on breathing more slowly.
- Drink a cool beverage like cold water.
- Do an activity or think about a topic that is not related to anything sexy or sexual.