The genital stage in psychology is the term used by Sigmund Freud to describe the final stage of human psychosexual development. According to Freud's theories, this stage begins at puberty and constitutes mature adult sexuality.

Female sexuality and criticism of Freud's theories

Freud believed that at this stage, female sexuality shifted from being clitoris-centric to being vagina-centric. There is considerable criticism of this theory, as it portrays adult women who continue to enjoy an orgasm from clitoral stimulation as not having reached full sexual maturity.

See also

• Psychosexual development
  • Oral stage
  • Anal stage
  • Phallic stage
• Vaginal versus clitoral orgasms