There is no blood flow through the cavernous artery at this stage. Phase 5 - In this transitional phase, there is increased sympathetic nervous system activity. This results in increased vascular tone and low level resumption of arterial blood flow. Blood outflow is still restricted. Phase 6 - This is the initial detumescence phase.
Intercavernous pressure declines and the outflow restriction decreases.
Phase 7 - This is known as the fast detumescence phase. Intercavernous pressures decline rapidly The outflow restriction is inactivated, and arterial blood flow returns to normal levels. The penis returns to the flaccid state. Of the three phases of normal male sexual function, erectile rigidity plays the biggest role in male erectile dysfunction. Many patients feel that erectile dysfunction is a normal consequence of aging.