Plateau Phase

Older men do not typically experience as much myotonia (muscle tension) during the plateau phase as when they were younger. Complete penile erection is frequently not obtained until late in the plateau phase, just before orgasm. One result of these changes is that an older man is often able to sustain the plateau phase much longer than he did when he was younger, which can significantly enhance his pleasure. Many men and their partners appreciate this prolonged opportunity to enjoy other sensations of sexual response besides ejaculation. When a man engages in intercourse, his partner also may appreciate his greater ejaculatory control.