Chapter Ten

Sexual Expression: Arousal and

Response
 Agenda

Discuss Influences on Sexuality

Review Sexual Response
Discuss Solitary Sexual Behavior
Discuss Sexual Behavior with Others
Discuss Sexual Behavior Later in Life
Discuss Safer-Sex Behaviors
 Class Discussion: Sexual Compatibility

How would you define sexual compatibility?

What could a couple do to assess it?
Should a couple try to have an orgasm at the
same time?
What are the benefits?
What are the disadvantages?
Influences on Sexuality

Hormones
Ethnicity
Religion
 Hormones
Both sexes produce estrogen & testosterone,
though in different amounts that decrease in
age
Estrogen decline in older women slows
growth of vaginal cells, which thins the wall,
increases dryness, & decreases vaginal
sensitivity
Testosterone levels remain constant in aging
women, which may increase sexual desire
Aging men experience decreases in
testosterone, which can decrease sexual
desire and quality & quantity of erections
 Ethnicity
In male dominant cultures, women tend to be
less knowledgeable & less likely to discuss
sex
Ethnicity can affect our sexual behaviors,
frequency, attitudes, communications
African American men & women have the
most partners
White & Hispanic women are more likely
than black women to be involved in a
variety of sexual behaviors
White women are more likely than black or
Hispanic women to give & receive oral sex
 Religion

In general, the more religious a person is:

the more conservative their sexual
attitudes and behavior
the less they have premarital intercourse
the less they engage in risky sexual
behavior
the less they approve of oral sex
the more guilt they experience about
sexual behavior
 Sexual Response

Masters & Johnsons Four-Phase Sexual

Response Cycle
The Sexual Response Cycle in Women
The Sexual Response Cycle in Men
 Studying Sexual Response

Sexual response series of physiological &

psychological changes during sexual
behavior
 Masters & Johnsons Four-Phase
Sexual Response Cycle

Four-phase model of physiological changes

that occur during sexual behavior, regardless
of sexual orientation
Four phases:
Excitement
Plateau
Orgasm
Resolution
The Sexual Response Cycle
in Women
Sexual response varies in time spent in
each phase among women, & with
menstrual cycle
 Women: Excitement Phase

Excitement: Many stimuli induce excitement

This phase may last minutes to hours
Vasocongestion increased blood flow to the
genitals and/or breasts
Transudation (vaginal lubrication) occurs
within 30 seconds, longer if lying down
Tenting effect vaginal walls expand

Continued
 Women: Excitement Phase

Breasts & areolas enlarge, nipples erect

For childless women:
Labia majora thin & flatten out
Labia minora turn bright pink & swell
For women with children:
Quick vasocongestion & enlargement of
labia majora & minora, clitoris may erect
Sex flush on chest first, then spreads
 Women: Plateu Phase
May last between 30 seconds & 3 minutes
Breast size continues to increase
Clitoris retracts behind hood shortly before
orgasm
Clitoral hood rubbing & pulling causes the
orgasm during sexual intercourse
For childless women:
Flattened labia majora & red labia minora
For women with children
Labia majora engorge & turn dark red
Orgasm can release the pressure from
increased vasocongestion
 Women: Orgasm Phase

Orgasmic platform due to vasocongestion in

pelvic area
When the vasocongestive pressure reaches a
threshold, a reflex of surrounding muscles is
triggered
These contractions (primarily uterine
muscles) expel the pooled blood & causes
pleasurable orgasmic sensations
 Women: Orgasm Phase

Orgasmic contractions occur every 0.8

seconds
There are 8-15 contractions in women, the
first 5-6 are felt most strongly
This phase has the peak blood pressure and
respiration rates
May reduce menstrual cramps by expelling
blood from the region
 Women: Resolution Phase

Takes about 5-10 minutes

Body returns to preexcitement conditions
Blood leaves the genitals, erections dissipate,
muscles relax, heart & breathing rates
decrease
Some women can experience multiple
orgasms with further stimulation
Clitoris may still be sensitive
The Sexual Response Cycle
in Men
The four-phases are less defined in
men
 Men: Excitement Phase

Often very short phase

Tumescence vasocongestive swelling of the
penis
Erection is unstable
Testicles increase by about 50% in size
Testicles are pulled closer to the body
 Men: Plateu Phase

May develop a sex flush

Nipple erections
Glans penis engorges with blood
Erection is more stable
Preejaculatory fluid may appear on the head
of the penis
 Men: Orgasm Phase

Ejaculation does not always accompany orgasm;

men can learn to control it
If ejaculation occurs with orgasm, there are 2 stages:
In a few seconds, the vas deferens, seminal
vesicles, & prostate gland contract
These contractions will to ejaculatory
inevitability
These initial contractions, though, can be
controlled.
semen is forced out of the urethra by muscle
contractions that occur every 0.8 seconds, the first
3-4 are felt most strongly
 Men: Resolution Phase

Resolution
Glans penis decreases in size
Refractory stage period in which men
cannot be re-stimulated to orgasm
Time period increases as men age
Other Models of Sexual
Response
 Class Discussion: Controversy about
Masters and Johnson Response Cycle
Some disagree with Masters & Johnsons
model because it focuses on orgasm
It lacks relational and emotional qualities
It is based on a male model of sexuality
How do relational/emotional qualities
influence satisfaction?
How can couples be encouraged to enjoy all
phases of the sexual response cycle?
 Kaplans Triphasic Model

Helen Singer Kaplans three-stage model of

sexual response includes the psychological
phase of sexual desire and two physiological
stages of excitement and orgasm.
Sexual desire was of paramount importance
to Kaplan because, without it, the other two
physiological functions would not occur.
Helen Singer Kaplans Three Phase Model
 Other Models of Sexual Response

Reeds Erotic Stimulus Pathway (ESP)

4 phases:
Seduction & sensation phases are
psychosocial, surrender (orgasm),
reflection (reflect on the experience)
David Reeds Erotic Stimulus Pathway (ESP) model blends features of Masters and Johnsons and
Kaplans models using four phases: seduction, sensation, surrender, and reflection.
 Other Models of Sexual Response

Tiefers New View model

Many important aspects of sexuality:
pleasure, emotionality, sensuality, cultural
differences, power issues, communication
Womens sexual experiences dont neatly
coincide with Masters & Johnsons model
Solitary Sexual Behavior

Sexual Fantasy
Masturbation
 Sexual Fantasy Enhancement or
Unfaithfulness?

Sexual fantasies are normal and healthy

They may be a driving force in human
sexuality
Men tend to have sexual fantasies and
cognitions more often than women
Similar fantasies regardless of sexual
orientation, with the exception of the gender
of the fantasized partner
Most people have a select few fantasies
 College Students and Sexual Fantasy

The majority use sexual fantasy and feel little

guilt
Some experience a lot of guilt and this may
decrease their engagement in intimate
behaviors
Some college student reported jealousy over
their partners fantasies and equated it with
unfaithfulness in a relationship
 Womens Sexual Fantasies

Sexual fantasy is used to increase arousal,

self-esteem, & sexual interest, as well as
cope with past hurts and relieve stress
Age is unrelated to types of sexual fantasies
Compared to mens fantasies, womens
fantasies tend to:
be more passive, submissive, romantic
include more touching, feeling, partner
response, and ambiance
 Womens Sexual Fantasies

5 most common:
sex with current partner
reliving a past sexual experience
engaging in different positions
having sex in rooms other than the
bedroom
sex on a carpeted floor
 Womens Sexual Fantasies

Many report using sexual force fantasies

May reduce guilt for having desires
May indicate openness to experiences
May be from past sexual abuse
Women are in control in their fantasies
 Mens Sexual Fantasies

Compared to womens fantasies, mens

fantasies tend to:
Be more active and aggressive
Are more frequent, impersonal, and visual
Involve explicit sex acts and focus on
partner as a sex object
Involve someone other than the current
partner
 Mens Sexual Fantasies

5 most common:
different positions
having an aggressive partner
receiving oral sex
having sex with a new partner
having sex on the beach
Video: Seinfelds The Contest
 Class Discussion: Masturbation

Why do you think it is more common for men

than for women to masturbate?
The text suggests that there is a
masturbation taboo for women. What would
contribute to this taboo?
 Masturbation A Very Individual
Choice

In the past, masturbation was feared as a

cause of mental & physical problems
Currently it is viewed as a way to promote
healthy sexuality
It can decrease sexual tension & anxiety
It can be an outlet for sexual fantasy
It allows a person to test their own body
Couples can use it during intercourse
(mutual masturbation)
 Masturbation A Very Individual
Choice

Masturbation is the main sexual outlet in

adolescence
In some cultures it is openly accepted, in
some religions it is forbidden
People with regular sex masturbate more
than those without regular sex
 Female Masturbation

The average women has an orgasm in 95%+

of her masturbatory attempts
Masturbation tends to produce the most
intense orgasms in women
Masturbation taboo for women, based on the
double standard that women are not sexual
May use vibrators or dildos
Some concentrate on the clitoris, vulva,
vagina, or anus
 Male Masturbation

The largest gender difference in sexual

behavior is in masturbation frequency
Masturbatory men do so 3x more than
women
48% of single men & 28% of women
masturbate weekly or more
Not all men feel comfortable masturbating
Sexual Behavior with Others

Foreplay
Manual Sex
Oral Sex
Heterosexual Sexual Intercourse
Same-Sex Sexual Techniques
 Class Discussion: Safer Sex

There are no sexual behaviors that protect a

person 100% of the timewith the exception of
solo masturbation and sexual fantasy.
Safer sex refers to specific sexual behaviors
that are safer to engage in because they protect
against the risk of acquiring sexually transmitted
infections.
Identify as many specific activities as
possible that offer some protection against
STIs.
What factors influence safer sexual
practices?
 Foreplay The Prelude?

Typically defined as everything that happens

before penetration
A male dominated view
Many lesbians do not use the term foreplay
as all sexual behavior is sex
 Manual Sex A Safer-Sex Behavior

Hand jobs
Physical caressing of the genitals in solo or
partner masturbation
Bodily fluids are not exchanged; safer sex
Women differ in clitoral touching preferences
Many men like strong, consistent strokes of
the penis, some light strokes of the scrotum;
do not restrict the urethra (underside of penis)
More nerve endings at the tip of the penis
 Oral Sex Not So Taboo

Cunnilingus oral sex on a woman

Fellatio oral sex on a man
Majority of Americans have oral sex
Many engage in oral sex before they had
their first intercourse experience
Black women engage in less oral sex than
white women
People with higher education levels tend to
engage in more oral sex
 Oral Sex Not So Taboo

Oral sex is often used as part of foreplay, or

instead of other sexual behaviors
69 mutual oral sex
Anilingus (rimming) oral stimulation of the
anus
Hygiene practices are important to reduce
possible spread of infections
Most would rather receive, than give, oral sex
Cold sores can transmit infections in oral sex
 Cunnilingus

Some women have cleanliness concerns

Anxieties may prevent womens enjoyment
Many men find it erotic
Most women prefer it begin slowly, gradually
Some enjoy simultaneous digital stimulation
of the vagina or anus
Air embolisms may form and be fatal if air is
blown into a pregnant womans vagina
Most popular lesbian sexual behavior
 Fellatio

Most popular sexual behavior for gay men

Some men enjoy having one testicle in their
partners mouth with the tongue stroking it
Many enjoy simultaneous hand stimulation of
the penile shaft, while the head is sucked on
Teeth can cause pain if not covered by the
lips
 Fellatio

If the male is not infected, swallowing

ejaculate is fine
Ejaculate is usually larger if a long time has
passed since the last ejaculation
1-2 teaspoons of semen are ejaculated
Ejaculate contains 5 calories of fructose,
enzymes, vitamins
Ejaculate taste can vary depending on the
mans diet & stress level
 Heterosexual Sexual Intercourse

3 American categories
1/3 have intercourse at least 2x/week
1/3 have intercourse a few times a month
1/3 have intercourse a few times a year or
not at all
National average is once a week
 Class Discussion

If a person cant reach orgasm during a

sexual interaction but doesnt want to hurt
his or her partners feelings, do you think it
would be OK to fake the orgasm just once?
Why or why not?
Number of sexual partners reported by females and males, 18-59 years old. Source: National Health
and Social Life Survey, as reported in Laumann et al., 1994.
 Heterosexual Sexual Intercourse

Pornography reinforces idea that women like

fast & rough thrusting
Longer thrusting does not mean a woman is
closer to an orgasm
Most people do not make eye contact in
intimate situations
 Positions for Sexual Intercourse

There are many positions for intercourse

Each has advantages and disadvantages
Four main positions are:
Male-on-top
Female-on-top
Side-by-side
Rear entry
 Male-on-Top

Missionary male superior

Male controls the thrusting
Advantages: eye contact, kissing, hugging,
most effective for procreation
Disadvantages: uncomfortable if obese or
pregnant, large penis can bump the cervix,
difficult to stimulate the clitoris, man must
support his weight, difficulties in controlling
erection & ejaculation
 Female-on-Top

Female superior
Advantages: woman has greater control,
more clitoral stimulation, her partners hands
are free for further stimulation, eye contact,
kissing, hugging
Disadvantages: intromission (insertion of
penis), some women may be uncomfortable
being in an active role, some men may be
uncomfortable with their partner in control
 Side-by-Side

Advantages: can take it slow & extend

intercourse, hands free for caressing each
other, eye contact, kissing, talking
Disadvantages: difficulties with penetration,
keeping momentum going, and deep
penetration
 Rear-Entry

One variation is doggie-style

Advantages: this can be fast or slow, provide
opportunity for clitoral stimulation by either
partner, may directly stimulate the G-spot,
helps those who are overweight or obese
 Class Discussion

Male-on-top position seems to be the most

common position for heterosexual couples
despite the fact that there are some
significant disadvantages (e.g., muscle strain
may led to earlier ejaculation).
Why do you think it remains so common?
What could help couples try more
positions?
 Anal Intercourse

Practiced by men & women of all sexual

orientations
May lead to orgasm, especially with
simultaneous clitoral or penile stimulation
1/4 of adults have had anal sex at least once
Lubrication is required; the tissue is fragile
and does not self-lubricate
Anal sphincter needs to be relaxed
One of the riskiest sexual behaviors
 Same-Sex Sexual Techniques

Gay men use many sexual techniques

Most common is fellatio, followed by mutual
masturbation, anal sex, & body rubbing
Also enjoy hugging, kissing, caressing
Fisting/Hand-balling - the insertion of the fist
& sometimes part of the forearm into the anus
Interfemoral intercourse thrust penis
between the partners thighs
Buttockry penile rubbing in the buttocks
 Same-Sex Sexual Techniques

Lesbians enjoy many sexual behaviors:

kissing, body contact, caressing
Manual stimulation is the most common
practice for lesbians, followed by cunnilingus
Tribadism women rub their genitals together
May also use fisting, dildos, vibrators
Lesbian erotic role identification butch &
femme; biological & social explanations
Sexual Behavior Later in
Life
Physical Changes
Changes in Sexual Behavior
 Physical Changes

Many decreases in sexual functioning are

exacerbated by sexual inactivity
Good nutrition, physical fitness, adequate rest
& sleep, reduced alcohol intake, & positive
self-esteem can enhance sexuality
throughout life
 Changes in Sexual Behavior

2 most frequent complaints of elderly men:

Decrease in sexual desire
Decreased ability to perform
Therefore, intercourse decreases, but
masturbation increases
Physical problems can interfere with sexual
functioning: arthritis, diabetes, osteoporosis
 Safer-Sex Behaviors

Some sexual behaviors are safer to engage

in because they protects against the risk of
acquiring a STI
Only abstinence, solo masturbation, & fantasy
protect 100% of the time
Some safer practices: decrease number of
partners, know backgrounds of partners,
have protected sex, use barrier
contraception, limit alcohol intake