What stage immediately follows orgasm in the sexual response cycle?

The stage that immediately follows orgasm in the sexual response cycle is the resolution phase. During this phase, the body gradually returns to its baseline state and physiological arousal decreases significantly. This phase can vary in duration from person to person and is characterized by a feeling of relaxation and a sense of well-being.

In contrast, the excitement phase and plateau phase occur prior to orgasm and represent the initial stages of sexual arousal and heightened excitement, leading up to the peak experience of orgasm. Ejaculation is a specific event that occurs during orgasm in males, but it does not follow orgasm in the broader cycle; rather, it is part of the orgasm itself. Hence, understanding these stages is crucial for grasping the complete sexual response cycle.