Unit 7A Part 5 - Sexual Motivation

The Sexual Response Cycle

Excitement Phase, Plateau Phase, Orgasm Phase, Resolution Phase

Excitement Phase

Genitals swell with blood, vagina expands, breasts and nipples grow

Plateau Phase

Penis enlarges, vagina expands more

Orgasm Phase

Muscle contractions, increased breathing, blood pressure and heart rate elevate, uterus ready to receive sperm

Resolution Phase

Genitals release blood, male has a longer refractory period that female

Testosterone

Male sex hormone, responds to stimulation

Estrogen

Female sex hormone, at highest point during ovulation

Factors in sexuality, teen pregnancy, and STIs

Ignorance, minimal communication about birth control, guilt-related sexual activity, alcohol use, normalization of promiscuity

Sexual Restraint Predictors

High intelligence, religion, present father, community service involvement

What is true about sexual orientation?

It is not willingly chosen or changed

What is the brain chemistry difference between heterosexual men and homosexual men?

Heterosexual men have a larger cell cluster in their hypothalamus then gay men and straight women

Who discovered the brain chemistry differences between gay men and straight men?

LeVay

Can homosexuality be hereditary?

Yes

How can prenatal hormones affect homosexuality?

Abnormal prenatal hormones can change a fetus’ sexual orientation