Sensory Focus III

Moving toward orgasm and gradual intercourse.

The last stage, Sensory Focusing III (sometimes broken down into further steps), gradually introduces more intense sexual activity and, eventually, intercourse.

Initially, manual or oral stimulation may be allowed until orgasm, if mutual desire arises and anxiety remains low.

Once confidence in the non-penetrative sexual response is established, intercourse is introduced.

The transition to intercourse is not made as a leap into the void, but as a fluid extension of sensory play.

The instruction is usually to initiate penetration in a slow and controlled manner, keeping the focus on the sensation of connection and physical pleasure, rather than on the mechanical performance of friction.

Positions for control and anxiety reduction.

For this phase of reintroduction of intercourse, Masters and Johnson therapy often recommends the woman-on-top (andromeda) position.

This position offers significant technical and psychological advantages: it allows the woman to control the depth, pace and angle of penetration, which is vital if there is pain or fear, and it frees the man from the pressure of having to actively "perform," allowing him to concentrate on his receptive sensations.

In this position, the woman can guide the penis into the vagina and perform insertion at her own pace.

This is especially useful in cases of premature ejaculation (where the man needs less muscle tension and more passivity) or vaginismus/dyspareunia (where the woman needs total control to avoid pain).

Managing anxiety during penetration

A crucial technique during this phase is strategic stopping. The couple is instructed to remain still after the initial penetration.

The motto is to simply "be inside," feeling the contact and union, without initiating thrusting movements immediately.

This allows the initial anxiety of penetration to dissipate and both partners to become accustomed to the sensation.

If anxiety arises or arousal wanes, the couple can separate or return to non-genital sensory focus.

If all goes well, slow, exploratory movements (circles, gentle back and forth) are initiated.

Only when comfort is complete is it allowed to progress to more vigorous movements and, eventually, to coital orgasm.

This gradual