Sexuality: Choices in Sexual Behavior Chapter 6 Sexuality: Choices in Sexual Behavior

Objectives Define sexual identity and discuss the major components of sexual identity, including biology, gender identity, gender roles, and sexual orientation. Identify major features and functions of sexual anatomy and physiology. Discuss the options available to express one’s sexuality. Classify sexual dysfunctions and describe major disorders.

Your Sexual Identity Sexual identity – the recognition and acknowledgement of oneself as a sexual being, is determined by a complex interaction of genetic, physiological, environmental, and social factors.

Circles of Sexuality Figure 6.1

Gender Socialization Gender identity Gender role Androgyny Transgendered

Sexual Orientation Heterosexual Homosexual Bisexual Transsexual

Analyzing Sexual Preferences Table 6.1

Sexual Anatomy Female sexual anatomy and physiology External genitals Mons pubis Labia minor Labia major Clitoris Urethral opening Hymen Perineum

ABC News: Love and Sexuality Play Video | Love and Sexuality

ABC News: Love and Sexuality Discussion Questions: Are you surprised by the high percentage of women who say that they are sexually unsatisfied? Why or why not? Why do you think so many women have difficulty expressing their needs and desires during sexual intercourse? Discuss some of the statements that women shared as to what they thought the opposite sex should know about them.

Sexual Anatomy Female sexual anatomy and physiology Internal genitals Vagina Uterus Fallopian tubes Ovaries

External Female Genital Structures Figure 6.2

Side View Of Female Reproductive Organs Figure 6.3

The Onset Of Puberty And The Menstrual Cycle Puberty: when the female reproductive system matures and a female begins to menstruate. Hypothalamus and the pituitary gland secrete chemicals to begin the process. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) signals the pituitary gland to release gonadotropin hormones, especially follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) FSH and LH signal ovaries to start producing estrogen and progesterone. These hormones also cause menarche, or the first menstrual cycle

FSH and LH stimulate maturation of the ovarian follicle – the part of the ovary where eggs develop While follicles mature, they begin to produce estrogen, which in turn signals the lining of the uterus, the endometrium, to grow and develop, or proliferate On or around the 14th day of the cycle an ovum is released into the fallopian tube – this is called ovulation After ovulation the ovarian follicle (part of the ovary where the eggs develop) is turned into corpus luteum If fertilization occurs, the endometrial tissue will become a nesting place for the developing embryo w/o fertilization, the egg disintegrates after 72 hours

Phases of the Menstrual Cycle Menstrual Cycle: approximately 28 days long. Consists of 3 phases: Proliferative phase: first phase; begins with the end of menstruation, when the egg is released into the fallopian tube (ovulation – approx day 14) Secretory phase: second phase; after ovulation, endometrium continues to prepare for a fertilized egg Menstrual phase: final phase; endometrium sloughs off and estrogen and progesterone levels decline in response to no fertilization taking place

The Four Phases of the Menstrual Cycle Figure 6.4

Hormonal Control Phases of the Menstrual Cycle Figure 6.5

Menstrual Problems Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) – characterized by mood changes and physical symptoms in some women during 1 or 2 weeks prior to menstruation Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) – more severe symptoms of PMS Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) – the result of bacterial infection facilitated by tampon and diaphragm use Dysmenorrhea – condition that causes discomfort in the lower abdominal just before or after menstruation

Menopause Menopause is the permanent cessation of menstruation generally occurring between the ages of 40-60. Average age is 51 years old Results from declining estrogen levels and can cause vaginal dryness, hot flashes, headaches and joint pain Menopausal women may see an increase in risk of heart disease and osteoporosis Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has long been prescribed to reduce menopausal symptoms and risk of heart disease and osteoporosis. Recent findings suggest the HRT may increase risk of breast cancer, stroke, heart attack and blood clots.

Male Sexual Anatomy and Physiology External male genitals Penis Scrotum Internal male genitals Testes Epididymis Vas deferens Urethra Seminal vesicles Prostate gland Cowper’s gland

Side View Of The Male Reproductive Organs Figure 6.6

Human Sexual Response Stages of sexual response Excitement/arousal Plateau Orgasm Resolution

Comparison of Male And Female Sexual Response Figure 6.7a

Comparison of Male And Female Sexual Response (continued) Figure 6.7b

Sexual Response Among Older Adults Women Post menopause changes include: Less elastic skin Internal organs shrink Vaginal walls become thinner Decreased vaginal lubrication Men Require more direct and prolonged stimulation to achieve erection Erection is less firm Decrease intensity of ejaculation

Sexual Behavior: What Is Normal? Common sociocultural standards in Western culture: The heterosexual standard The coital standard The orgasmic standard The two-person standard The romantic standard The safer sex standard

Options For Sexual Expression Celibacy Autoerotic behaviors Sexual fantasies Masturbation Kissing and erotic touching Manual stimulation Oral-genital stimulation Cunnilingus Fellatio Vaginal intercourse Anal intercourse

Variant Sexual Behavior Group Sex: more than 2 people Transvestism: wearing clothes of opposite sex Fetishism: arousal looking/touching inanimate objects Exhibitionism: exposure of one’s genitals to strangers Voyeurism: observing other people for sexual gratification Sadomasochism: sexual gratification inflicting pain Pedophilia: illegal sexual activity btwn adult and child Autoerotic asphyxiation: practice of reducing oxygen to the brain while masturbating to orgasm.

Sexual Dysfunction Sexual desire disorders Inhibited Sexual Desire (ISD) - lack of sexual appetite or lack of interest and pleasure in sexual activity Sexual Aversion Disorder – sexual phobias and anxiety over any sexual contact Sexual arousal disorders - erectile dysfunction Causes of impotence are varied Impotence becomes more a problem in men over 65 Orgasm disorders – premature ejaculation men, inability of woman to reach orgasm

Sexual Dysfunction Sexual Pain Disorders: Dyspareunia – pain experienced by female during intercourse – can by physical or psychological Vaginismus – state where vaginal muscles contract so forcefully that penile insertion is painful or impossible

Drugs And Sex Alcohol reduces inhibitions but inhibits sexual response – the mind is willing but the body is not “Date rape” drugs like rohypnol, “roofies”, GHB, “liquid X” and ketamine “K” are used to facilitate rape. When combined with alcohol, they greatly increase drunkenness and are used on unsuspecting females who generally do not remember what happened. Use caution when accepting a “free” drink from a stranger at a bar.