Choices in Relationships Chapter Five: Sexuality in Relationships

Sexual Values Definition of Sexual Values –Sexual values are moral guidelines for making sexual choices in nonmarital, marital, heterosexual, and homosexual relationships.

Sexual Values Functions of Sexual Values –Solidifying Self-Identity –Scripting of Sexual Behavior –Selecting Dating/Marriage Partners –Reducing STD/HIV Risk

Sexual Values Sexual Values and Risk of Contracting an STI

Alternative Sexual Values Absolutism –Absolutism refers to a belief system based on unconditional allegiance to the authority of science, law, tradition, or religion. Relativism –In contrast to absolutism is relativism—a value system emphasizing that decisions should be made in the context of a particular situation (hence, values are relative).

Alternative Sexual Values Hedonism –Hedonism is the belief that the ultimate value and motivation for human actions lie in the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain. Hooking Up –Meeting someone and becoming sexually involved that same evening with no commitment or expectation beyond the encounter.

Alternative Sexual Values

Sexual Double Standard –The view that encourages and accepts sexual expression of men more than women. Sources of Sexual Values –School –Family –Religion –Peers Technolo gy Television Social movements Internet

Sexual Behaviors Masturbation –Masturbation involves stimulating one’s own body with the goal of experiencing pleasurable sexual sensations. Oral Sex –Fellatio is oral stimulation of the man’s genitals by his partner. –Cunnilingus is oral stimulation of the woman’s genitals by her partner.

Sexual Behaviors Vaginal Intercourse –Vaginal intercourse, or coitus, refers to the sexual union of a man and woman by insertion of the penis into the vagina. First Intercourse –Those who reported the highest level of satisfaction expected the event to occur (they were not drunk and just “let it happen”), were in love with the partner, discussed the use of condoms and birth control ahead of time, actually used birth control and/or condoms, and experienced an orgasm.

Sexual Behaviors Anal Sex –Anal (not vaginal) intercourse is the sexual behavior associated with the highest risk of HIV infection. Gender Differences in Sexual Behavior –Women reported thinking about sex less often than men, reported having fewer sexual partners than men, and reported having orgasm during intercourse less often.

Sexual Behaviors Should You Have Intercourse with a New Partner? Consider the following first: Personal consequences Partner consequences Relationship consequences Contraception HIV and other sexually transmissible infections Influence of Alcohol and Other Drugs

Sexuality in Relationships Sexual Relationships among the Never- Married –The never-married and not living together report more sexual partners than those who are married or living together. Sexual Relationships among the Divorced –Of the almost 2 million people getting divorced, most will have intercourse within one year of being separated from their spouses.

Sexuality in Relationships Sexual Relationships among the Married –Marital sex is distinctive for its social legitimacy, declining frequency, and satisfaction (both physical and emotional).

Sexual Fulfillment: Some Prerequisites There are several prerequisites for having a good sexual relationship: 1.Self-Knowledge, Self-Esteem, Health 2.A Good Relationship 3.Open Sexual Communication 4.Addressing Safer Sex Issues

Sexual Fulfillment: Some Prerequisites There are several prerequisites for having a good sexual relationship: 5. Having Realistic Expectations 6. Avoiding Spectatoring 7. Debunking Sexual Myths

Sexual Fulfillment: Some Prerequisites

Sexual Dysfunctions of Women A primary sexual dysfunction is one that a person has always had. A secondary sexual dysfunction is one that a person is currently experiencing, after a period of satisfactory sexual functioning. A situational dysfunction occurs in one context or setting and not in another, while a total dysfunction occurs in all contexts or settings.

Sexual Dysfunctions of Women Arousal Problems –The following are some of the ways in which lack of sexual desire can be treated: Improve relationship satisfaction Practice sensate focus Be open to reeducation Consider other treatments

Sexual Dysfunctions of Women Unpleasurable Sex –Pain during intercourse, or dyspareunia, occurs in about 10 percent of gynecological patients and may be caused by vaginal infection, lack of lubrication, a rigid hymen, or an improperly positioned uterus or ovary. Inability to Achieve Orgasm –Orgasmic difficulty, also referred to as inhibited female orgasm, or orgasmic dysfunction, occurs when a woman is unable to achieve orgasm after a period of continuous stimulation.

Sexual Dysfunctions of Men Erectile Dysfunction –Also referred to as erectile dysfunction, loss of erection involves the man’s inability to get and maintain an erection. Rapid Ejaculation –Also referred to as premature ejaculation, rapid ejaculation is defined as recurrent ejaculation with minimal sexual stimulation before, upon, or shortly after penetration and before the person wishes it.