UNDERSTANDING HUMAN

SEXUAL RESPONSE: THE FACTS

OF LIFE
BY ROBERT S. FELDMAN
The Basic Biology of Sexual Behavior
• A number of genetically controlled factors influence the sexual
behavior of nonhuman animals.
• Animal behavior is affected by the presence of certain hormones in
the blood. Moreover, female animals are receptive to sexual advances
only during certain relatively limited periods of the year.
• Human sexual behavior, by comparison is more complicated, although
underlying biology is not all that different from that of related
species.
• Androgens- male sex hormones secreted by the testes.
• Genitals- the male and female sex organs
• Not only do androgens produce secondary sex characteristics, such as
the growth of body hair and a deepening of the voice, they also
increase the sex drive. Because the level of androgen production by
the testes is fairly constant, men are capable of (and interested in )
sexual activities without any regard to biological cycles. Given the
proper stimuli leading to arousal, male sexual behavior can occur at
any time.
Women show a different pattern
• When they reach maturity at puberty, the two ovaries begin to
produce estrogens.
• Estrogens- female sex hormones.
• These hormones are not produced consistently, instead their production
follows a cyclical pattern.
• Ovulation- the point at which an egg is released from the ovaries.
• -the greatest output occurs during ovulation, when an egg is released from the ovaries,
making the chances of fertilization by a sperm cell highest.
• While in nonhumans the period around ovulation is the only time the
female is receptive to sex, people are different. Although there are
variations in reported sex drive, women are receptive to sex
throughout their cycles.
• In addition, some evidence suggests that males have a stronger sex
drive than females do, although the difference may be the result of
society’s discouragement of overt displays of female sexuality rather
than of born differences between men and women.
• 54% of men report thinking about sex every day
• 19% of women report thinking about it on a daily basis
• Though biological factors “prime” people for sex, it takes more than
hormones to motivate and produce sexual behavior.
• Humans are considerably more versatile; not only other people but
nearly any object, sight, smell, sound, or other stimulus can lead to
sexual excitement.
• Because of prior association, then, people may be turned on sexually
by the smell of perfume or the sound of a favorite song hummed
softly in their ears. The reaction to a specific, potentially arousing
stimulus, as we shall see, is highly individual- what turns one person
on may do just the opposite for another.
Psychological Aspects of Sexual Excitement:
What Turns People On?
• If you were to argue that the major human sex organ is the brain, in a
sense you would be right. Much of what is considered sexually
arousing in our society has little or nothing to do with our genitals;
instead, it is related to external stimuli that, through a process of
learning, have come to be labeled as erotic, or sexually stimulating.
• Men and women’s fantasies differ little from each other in terms of
content or quantity, although men seem to fantasize about the sex
more than women do. But both men and women wish they kissed
more, engaged in more oral sex, and had vaginal intercourse more
frequently than they actually do.
The Phases of Sexual Response: The Ups and
Downs of Sex
• According to William Masters and Virginia Johnson (1966), who
studied sexual behavior in carefully controlled laboratory settings,
sexual responses follow a regular pattern consisting of four phases:
Excitement, plateau, orgasm and resolution.
• Excitement phase- the period in which an arousing stimulus begins a
sequence that prepares the genitals for sexual intercourse.
- Increase in pulse and blood pressure; a sudden rise in blood supply
to the surface of the body resulting in increased in skim temperature,
flushing, and swelling of all distensible body parts, more rapid breathing, the
secretion of genital fluids, vaginal expansion, and a general increase in
muscle tension.
• Plateau phase- the period in which the maximum level of arousal is
attained, the penis and clitoris swell with blood, and the body prepares for
orgasm. It is generally of brief duration.
• Orgasm- the peak of sexual excitement, during which rhythmic muscular
contractions occur in the genitals.
- It is marked by a feeling of abrupt, intense pleasure, a rapid increase
in pulse rate and blood pressure, and spasms of the pelvic muscles causing
contractions of the female reproductive organ and ejaculation by the male. It
is also characterized by involuntary vocalizations. May last for a few seconds
(normally not over ten)
• Resolution stage- the interval after orgasm in which the body returns
to its unaroused state, reversing the changes brought about by
arousal. The last stage that refers to the return to a normal or
subnormal physiologic state. Males and females are similar in their
response sequence. Whereas males return to normal even if
stimulation continues, but continued stimulation can produce
additional orgasms in females. Females are physically capable of
repeated orgasms without the intervening “rest period” required by
males.
• Refractory Period- A temporary period that follows the resolution
stage and during which the male cannot develop an erection again.
Sexual Difficulties and Issues
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
• STDs infections transmitted from an infected person to an uninfected
person through social contact. STDs can be caused by bacteria,
viruses, or parasites.
• Lead to long-term health problems, usually in women and infants.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, tubal or ectopic pregnancy,
cervical cancer, and perinatal or congenital infections in infants born
to infected mothers.
Chlamydia
• The most widespread STI
• A disease that in women initially produces no symptoms and in men cause
a burning sensation during urination and a discharge from the penis
• If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammation, urethral
damage, arthritis, and even sterility
• It usually produces no symptoms in female, thus it is recommended that
sexually active women under age 26 should be tested for the disease every
year
• Once diagnosed, chlamydia can be cured with antibiotics, most often
azithromycin or deoxycyline
Gonorrhea
• Often has no symptoms but can produce a burning sensation during
urination or a discharge from the penis or vagina
• The infection can lead to fertility problems and, in women, pelvic
inflammatory disease
• Antibiotics usually can cure gonorrhea, a number of drug-resistant
strains of the disease are growing, making treatment more difficult.
Syphilis
• If untreated, syphilis may affect the brain, the heart, and a developing
fetus.
• Syphilis first reveals itself through a small sore at the point of sexual
contact
• In its secondary stage, it may include a rash
• Syphilis can be treated successfully with antibiotics if it is diagnosed
early enough
Genital Herpes
• Is a virus related to the cold sores that sometimes appear around the
mouth,
• Herpes first appears as small blisters or sores around the genitals that later
break open, causing severe pain.
• These sores heal after a few weeks, but the disease usually reappears
typically four or five times in the year following infection.
• Later outbreaks are less frequent, but the infection, which cannot be cured,
often causes psychological distress for those who know they are infected.
• During the active phases of the disease, it can be transmitted to sexual
partners
• Genital herpes is common among college-age students
Trichomoniasis Vaginalis
• Is an infection in the vagina or penis.
• Caused by a parasite, it is often without symptoms, especially in men.
• Eventually it can cause painful urination and intercourse, a discharge
from the vagina, itching and an unpleasant odor
• The 5 million cases reported each year can be treated with antibiotics
Genital Warts
• Caused by human papilloma virus
• Genital warts are small, lumpy warts that form on or near the penis or
vagina.
• The warts are easy to diagnose because of their distinctive
appearance: They look like small cauliflower bulbs
• HPV vaccine are now available for males and females to protect
against the types of HPV that most commonly cause health problems
Other STDs
• Chancroid
• Human Papillomavirus
• Herpes Simplex Virus
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
• A sexually transmitted infection caused by a virus that destroys the
body’s immune system.
• Although AIDS at first was found primarily in gay men, it has spread to
other populations, such as intravenous drug users and heterosexuals.
• AIDS is the sixth leading cause of death among men 25-44 years of
age, and 1.1 million people are living with the disease.
• The spread of AIDS is particularly among women, who now
compromise almost half the cases worldwide
• younger women and women of color are particularly vulnerable.
• The extent of the AIDS epidemic has led to significant changes in
sexual behavior
• People are less likely to engage in “casual” sex with new
acquaintances, and the use of condoms during sexual intercourse has
increased.
• Nonetheless, the only foolproof method of avoiding AIDS is total
abstinence and alternative that many people find unrealistic.
• However, there are several ways to reduce the risk of contracting AIDS
as well as other sexually transmitted infections; these methods have
come to be called “safer sex” practices
SAFER SEX PRACTICES
• Know your sexual partner-well.
• Before having sex with someone, learn about his or her sexual history.
• Use Condoms.
• For those in sexual relationships, condoms are the most reliable means of preventing
transmission of the AIDS virus
• Avoid the exchange of bodily fluids, particularly semen.
• In particular, avoid anal intercourse. The AIDS virus can spread through small tears in the
rectum, making anal intercourse without condoms particularly dangerous. Oral sex, once
thought relatively safe, is now viewed as potentially dangerous.
• Stay sober.
• Using alcohol and drug impairs judgement and can lead to poor decisions- and it makes using
condom correctly more difficult.
• Consider the benefits of monogamy.
• People in long-term, monogamous relationships with partners who have been faithful are at
a lower risk of contracting AIDS
Natural and Artificial Methods of
Contraception
• Natural Method
• The natural family planning methods do not involve any chemical or foreign
body introduction into the human body.
• People who are very conscious of their religious beliefs are more inclined to
use the natural way of birth control and others follow such natural methods
because they are more cost-effective.
Natural Method
• Abstinence
• This natural method involves refraining from sexual intercourse and is the
most effective natural birth control method with ideally 0% fail rate.
• It is considered to be the most effective way to avoid STIs.
• However, most people find it difficult to comply with abstinence, so only a
few use this method.
Natural Method
• Calendar Method/ Rhythm Method
• It entails a withholding from coitus during the days that the woman is fertile.
• According to the menstrual cycle, the woman is likely to conceive three or
four days before and three or four days after ovulation.
• The woman needs to record her menstrual cycle for six months in order to
calculate the women’s safe days to prevent conception.
Natural Method
• Basal Body Temperature
• The BBT indicates the woman’s temperature at rest.
• Before the ovulation and during ovulation, BBT falls at 0.5 degree Fahrenheit;
it increases to full degree because of progesterone and maintains its level
throughout the menstrual cycle.
• This serves as the basis for the method.
• The woman must record her temperature every morning before any activity.
• A slight decrease in the basal body temperature followed by a gradual
increase in the basal body temperature can be a sign that a woman has
ovulated.
Natural Method
• Cervical Mucus Method
• The change in the cervical mucus during ovulation is the basis for this
method.
• During ovulation, the cervical mucus I copious, thin, and watery.
• It also exhibits the property of spinnbarkeit, wherein it can be stretched up
until at least 1 inch and is slipper.
• The woman is said to be fertile as long as the cervical mucus is copious and
watery.
• Therefore, she must avoid coitus during those days to prevent conception.
Natural Method
• Symptothermal Method
• Is basically a combination of the BBT method and the cervical mucus method.
• The woman records her temperature every morning and also takes note of
changes in her cervical mucus.
• She should abstain from coitus three days after a rise in her temperature or
on the fourth day after the peak of a mucus change.
Natural Method
• Ovulation Detection
• Uses an over-the-counter kit that require the urine sample of the woman. The
kit can predict ovulation through the surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) that
happens 12 to 24 hours before ovulation.
Natural Method
• Coitus Interruptus
• Is one of the oldest methods that prevents conception
• A couple still goes on with coitus, but the man withdraws the moment he
ejaculates to emit the spermatozoa outside of the female reproductive organ.
• A disadvantage of this method is the pre-ejaculation fluid that contains a few
spermatozoa that may cause fertilization
Artificial Method
• Oral Contraceptives
• Also known as the pill, oral contraceptives contain synthetic estrogen and
progesterone.
• Estrogen suppresses the Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and LH to prevent
ovulation.
• Moreover, progesterone decreases the permeability of the cervical mucus to
limit the sperm’s access to the ova.
• It is suggested that the woman takes the pill on the first Sunday after the
beginning of a menstrual flow, or as soon as it is prescribed by the doctor.
• Transdermal Patch
• Contains both estrogen and progesterone.
• The woman should apply one patch every week for three weeks on the
following areas: upper outer arm, upper torso, abdomen, or buttocks.
• At the fourth week, no patch is applied because the menstrual flow would
then occur.
• The area where the patch is applied should be clean, dry and free of irritation.
• Vaginal ring
• Releases a combination of Estrogen and progesterone and it surrounds the
cervix.
• The silicon ring is inserted into the female reproductive organ and it remains
there for three weeks and then removed on the fourth week ,as menstrual
flow would occur.
• The woman becomes fertile as soon as the ring is removed.
• Subdermal Implants
• Are two rod-like implants inserted under the skin of the female during her
menses or on the seventh day of her menstruation to make sure that she will
not get pregnant.
• The implants are made with etonogestrel, desogestrel, and progestin and can
be helpful for three to five years.
• Hormonal Injections
• Contains medroxyprogesterone, a progesterone, and is usually given every 12
weeks intramuscularly.
• The injection causes changes in the endometrium and cervical mucus and can
help prevent ovulation.
• Intrauterine Device
• And IUD is a small, t-shaped object containing progesterone that is inserted
into the uterus via the female reproductive organ.
• It prevents fertilizing by creating a local sterile inflammatory condition to
prevent implantation of the zygote.
• The IUD is fitted only by the physician and inserted after the woman’s
menstrual flow
• The device can be effective for five to seven years.
• Chemical Barriers
• Chemical Barriers such as spermicides, vaginal gels and creams, and glycerin
films are used to cause the death of sperms before they can enter the cervix
and to lower the pH level of the female reproductive organ so it will not
become conducive for the sperm.
• On the other had, these chemical barriers cannot prevent sexually
transmitted infections.
• Diaphragm
• Is a circular, rubber disk that fits the cervix and should be placed before
coitus.
• Diaphragm works by inhibiting the entrance of the sperm into the female
reproductive organ and it works better when used together with a
spermicide.
• The diaphragm should be fitted only by the physician, and should remain in
place after six hours after coitus.
• Cervical Cap
• The cervical is made out of sot rubber and fitted on the rim of the cervix.
• It is shaped like a thimble with a thin rim, and could stay in place for not more
than 48 hours.
• Male condoms
• The male condom is a latex or synthetic rubber sheath that is placed on the
erect male reproductive organ before penetration into the female
reproductive organ to trap the sperm during ejaculation.
• It can prevent STIs and can be bought over-the-counter.
• Male condoms have an ideal fail rate of 2% and a typical fail rate of 15 % due
to a break in the sheath’s integrity or spilling semen.
• Female Condoms
• Are made up of latex rubber sheaths that are pre-lubricated with spermicide.
• They are usually bound by two rings
• The outer ring is first inserted against the opening of the female reproductive
organ and the inner ring covers the cervix.
• It is used to prevent fertilization of the egg by the sperm cells.
• Surgical Methods
• During Vasectomy, a small incision is made on each side of the scrotum
• The vas deferens is then tied, cauterized, cut or plugged to block the passage of the
sperm
• The patient is advised to use a backup contraceptive method until two negative sperm
count results are recorded because the sperm could remain viable in the vas deferens for
six months
• In women, tubal ligation is performed after menstruation and before
ovulation.
• The procedure is done through a small incision under the woman’s umbilicus that targets
the fallopian tube for cutting, cauterizing, or blocking to inhibit the passage of both the
sperm and the ova.