© 2007 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. Chapter Fifteen Sexual Health: Biology, Society, and Culture Sexual Health: Biology, Society, and Culture

© 2007 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. What is Sexuality? Sexuality is a vital aspect of physical and psychological wellness Sexual activity is a source of pleasure, excitement, and connection with other people Studies show that an active sex life does the following: Reduces the risk of heart disease Decreases the risk of depression Provides temporary relief from chronic pain Boosts the immune system An active sex life has also shown that it can be associated with negative health issues and social problems

© 2007 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. Sexual Pleasure Sexual pleasure: positively valued feelings induced by sexual stimuli This pleasurable interpretation from the brain is influenced by the following: Personal experiences within society Culture Expectations Attitudes Values The experience of sexual pleasure is profoundly impacted by context and culture

© 2007 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. Sexual Anatomy Male and female sex organs originate from the same undifferentiated tissue during the prenatal period The presence of hormones influence the development of male or female organs The sex organs of males and females are similar although their purpose and functions are complementary

© 2007 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved.

Sex Drive Sex drive, also known as sexual desire or libido, is a biological urge for sexual activity Testosterone is the principle hormone responsible for the sex drive in both men and women Testosterone is produced by the testes in males and by the adrenal glands in both sexes People typically seek to satisfy the sex drive though physical stimulation and release, either with a partner or through self-stimulation

© 2007 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. Sexual Arousal Erogenous zones: parts of the body that are sensitive to sexual stimulation Vasocongestion: the inflow of blood to tissues in the erogenous areas Voluntary or involuntary muscle tension occur in response to sexual stimulation called myotonia

© 2007 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. Master & Johnson’s Human Sexual Response Pattern Excitement stage – arousal stage Plateau stage – leveling off of arousal immediately before climax Orgasm stage – neuromuscular tension is released Resolution stage – return the body back to pre-excitement stage Men enter a refractory period, lasting from minutes to hours Women do not experience a refractory period, experiencing multiple orgasms during a single sexual experience

© 2007 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. The Human Sexual Response Model (fig 15.3)

© 2007 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. The Experience of Orgasm Orgasm is experienced physically in the genitals, however it can be influenced by physical, emotional, psychological, interpersonal, and environmental factors It is usually felt as waves of intense pleasure accompanied by contractions in the penis, vagina, or uterus –Can be localized or generalized throughout the body 1/3 of women reach orgasm via intercourse but many women need direct stimulation of the clitoris to reach orgasm

© 2007 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. Sexual Development Across the Lifespan Sex hormones impact sexual and reproductive changes that occur throughout life Androgens (male sex hormones secreted by testes) Estrogen and Progestins (produced by ovaries) Stages of sexual development: Prenatal development (reproductive structures are formed) Puberty (secondary sex characteristics and reproductive system matures) »Nocturnal emissions (boys) »Menstruation (girls) Menopause (cessation of the menstrual cycle in women) Viropause (androgen decline in men)

© 2007 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. Common Forms of Sexual Expression Normal sexual behavior refers to social and cultural acceptance The following are typically considered acceptable forms of sexual expression: Celibacy Kissing Erotic touch (foreplay) Self-stimulation (masturbation) Oral-Genital stimulation (cunnilingus/fellatio) Anal Intercourse (sodomy) Sexual Intercourse (coitus)

© 2007 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. What are Paraphilias? Culturally unaccepted sexual practices do exist in our society Paraphilias are mental disorders characterized by recurrent, intense sexual urges, fantasies, or behaviors involving: Objects Humiliation or suffering of self or others Involvement with children or non-consenting adults –Examples include: Bondage Voyerusim Exhibitionsim

© 2007 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. Female Sexual Dysfunction A disturbance in sexual drive, performance, or satisfaction that may occur at any point in the sexual response cycle Examples for women include: Vaginismus (painful intercourse) Sexual desire disorder Female sexual arousal disorder Orgasmic dysfunction New forms of medication can restore these problems through a consultation with your primary physician

© 2007 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. Male Sexual Dysfunctions A disturbance in sexual drive, performance, or satisfaction in men that may occur at any point in the sexual response cycle Examples include: Pain during intercourse Sexual desire disorder Erectile dysfunction (ED) Ejaculation dysfunction Treatment often relies on testosterone, other forms of medication, and sex therapy

© 2007 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. Protecting Your Sexual Health One of the biggest threats to one’s sexual health is sexually transmitted infections The behaviors listed below can help reduce your risk of contracting an infection Using condoms Practicing Abstinence Avoiding Alcohol Proper communication about Sex

© 2007 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. Sex and Culture in the 21 st Century Three phenomena that are issues today are: Cybersex Pornography Prostitution The Internet offers people immediate, anonymous, and solitary sex without the complexities of having a relationship

© 2007 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. Chapter Fifteen Sexual Health: Biology, Society, and Culture Sexual Health: Biology, Society, and Culture