HDE 12: Midterm 1

Sexual literacy: Explain (understand) what sexual literacy is and how it relates to sexual well-being and emotional literacy

The knowledge and skills needed to promote and protect sexual well-being. Sexual well-being is having health, pleasure, and satisfaction in intimate relationships and emotional literacy is being able to communicate feelings in relationships. Literacy includes healthy relationships, communication, prevention of disease, and understanding of sexual diversity.

Human Sexual Rights: Explain (understand) what makes sexuality a human right, not a privilege

Human sexual rights are a relatively new topic; the AIDS epidemic opened up a broader discussion. Issues include forcing people to have sex, abortions, sterilizations, access to contraceptives, laws about sexuality, and genital alteration. Rights include learning/teaching about sex, respecting people's bodies, choosing to be sexually active or not, whether or not to reproduce, and the right to pursue pleasure in a safe way.

Explain what sexual culture means and how it organizes sexual behavior.

Built in roles and institutions/expectations sexual behavior. They are a way to help people adapt to their environments and control their behavior and social relationships, including regulation of gender power, sexual practices, and sexual well-being.

Recognize how sexual norms influence group acceptance of individuals.

Standard of sexual behavior that determines who has the power to control sex; different roles for genders, age, and sexualities.

monogamy vs. polygamy.

Polygamy is the practice that allows men to have multiple wives.

cultural relativism

Placing sexual behavior in context; kissing can mean either a symbol of parental love or sex depending on the type.

cultural chauvinism

When one group judges another's behaviors against its own standards and finds them inferior

sexual chauvinism

The belief that one's sexual culture is superior to others

encouraging sexual culture

all human development related to sexual well-being, childhood sexual exploration encouraged, masturbation seen as normal behavior, premarital sex common/accepted, same-sex seen as normal, accepts extramarital relations in some contexts, and marriage based on mutual respect/joy/rights.

approving sexual culture

sex accepted as normal most of the time, child exploration generally allowed, masturbation accepted, sexual pleasure approved in premarital relationships, acceptance of same-sex relationships in adolescence with same-aged peers, extra-marital relations may be tolerated, marriage choices given to both genders.

disapproving sexual culture

child exploration disapproved but not condemned, warnings against masturbation, virginity expected before marriage, denies existence of homosexuality, does not allow extra-marital relationships, assigns marriage without choice

oppressive sexual culture

sex is risky and dangerous, child exploration and masturbation sinful/diseased, premarital sex and extra-marital is condemned, same-sex is abnormal, single people are abnormal

sexual unlearning

Sexual socialization; behaviors children learn as acceptable, like being nude in public, are taboo when they are older and they must unlearn them.

why it is important to know about the sexual body?

For sexual health and functioning

external female structures (6)

1.mons pubis

2. labia majora

3. labia minora

4. vestibule

5.anus

6. perineum

internal female structures

1. vagina

2. grafenberg spot

3. cervix

4. uterus

5. fallopian tubes

6. ovaries

Why do people have certain attitudes about different structures? (example: shaving pubic hair - what influenced this in U.S. culture).

Social norms- shaving is the norm in US culture, some cultures celebrate menstruation while others think it is dirty.

Clitoromegaly

enlargement of clitoris that can either occur at birth (congenital) or occurs from steroid abuse.

smegma

sexual debris in the folds of the skin

douching/dry sex

puts female at higher risk for infection

What 3 structures are associated with orgasms for females?

Clitoris, Grafenberg (G-Spot), Cervix

Discuss the variability in appearance of female genital structures.

Differs widely from woman to woman.

Understand what female genital mutilation (circumscision) is and why it is performed in certain cultures. How is this a concern regarding female sexual rights?

Removal or shortening of the clitoris because some cultures believe it enhances the beauty of the female body and without it, women will not become promiscuous or unfaithful. Often performed without anesthesia between the ages of 4-12. They often do not get to choose and it is a painful procedure/human rights issue.

Understand the endocrine system (overview for both sexes) - both lecture and textbook. What role does the endocrine system have in sexual physiology?

Glands release hormones that are important for puberty, metabolism, and mood.

testosterone

sexual energy in both sexes/women are more sensitive to it and have less

estrogen

can be interrupted by low body weight in women. Promotes maturation of reproductive organs, puberty, menstrual cycle, pregnancy

Neuropeptide hormones//oxytocin

facilitates the flow of milk during breastfeeding, elevates feelings of love and attraction while we cuddle, helps form emotional bonds with those to whom we're close

Follicle Stimulating hormone (FSH)

stimulates ovaries and ova/ production of sperm, ovarian function.

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

stimulates development of corpus luteum

GnRH

released by hypothalamus to stimulate pituitary gland which produces FSH and LH, maturation of gonads, regulates menstrual cycle

progesterone

promotes breast development, maintains uterine lining, regulates menstrual cycle, sustains pregnancy

Discuss the process of menstruation and how it is influenced

Shedding of endometrium/uterine lining.

1.Proliferative: thickening on endometrium, follicle maturation, end of phase is ovulation/release of egg

2.Secretory: corpus luteum development/progesterone helps thicken it and thickens endometrium

3.Menstrual: shedding of endometrium

when does ovulation occur?

14 days before menstruation

Describe the role pheromones may play in sexual behavior and menstrual synchrony.

Odorless chemical that sends signals and regulates cycle- can lead to menstrual synchrony (when women who live together have cycles that line up) and sexual attraction.

menopause

Menstruation stops and body can no longer get pregnant. Amounts of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone begin to diminish, ovaries stop releasing ova and FSH and LH increase, leading to hot flashes, depression, and other side effects.

external male structures (9)

1. foreskin

2. penile glans

3.penile shaft

4. root

5. 3 cylinders-corpus cavernosa, corpus spongiosum

6. corona

7. frenulum

8. penis

9. scrotum

internal male structures (5)

1. testes

2. vas deferens

3. seminal vesicle

4. prostate gland

5. cowper's gland

erection

Arteries expand, tumescence (engorgement/outflow of blood cannot keep up with inflow), capacity is present at birth. Psychogenic (mental arousal) vs. physiogenic (physiological response)

Ejaculation/ Emission

Spinal reflex triggers two phases:

1. Emission: fluid enters urethral bulb

2. Expulsion: semen expelled

Discuss variability in appearance of male genital structures.

Lots of variation: erect penises show less variation than flaccid.

Why are testis external structures rather than internal structures?

Underlying structure in scrotum- production of sperm occur in them.

Does penis size matter? What is the view of the majority of women and gay men regarding this issue?

More about technique than size (but people still get penile augmentation)

flaccid vs. erect

Erect penises show less variation- can decrease in size by a few inches

What does the penis and testicle represent for males?

Virility/masculinity.

What is the Koro syndrome?

Anxiety of the penis getting smaller/disappearing

Understand penile enhancement techniques

Penile enhancements: objects/substances inserted into penis to make it appear larger

Process of circumcision and how it affects the physical structure of the penis and male sexual experience

Removal of foreskin- pull it back to show penis head. Increases sensitivity.

Why some individuals circumcise their own or their children's genitals?

Cultural reasons, hygienic value (reduces bacteria/smegma and lowers risk for STDs)

Why do some consider circumcision to be a form of male genital mutilation?

Often done as a baby so men are not given a choice in the matter.

phimosis

extremely tight foreskin that does not retract

peyronie's disease

curvature of penis that can cause problems with urination/ejaculation

diphallia

two penises

what causes penile fractures?

Sexual activity (but you cannot "break" a penis)

Compare the hormonal cycle of male to the female menstrual cycle and menopause. (also see Table 4.1 in textbook)

During adolescence, the testes begin to produce greater amounts of testosterone, which promotes the maturation of the male sex organs and secondary sex characteristics, like the growth of body hair.

andropause

decrease levels of testosterone slow the desire for sex and reduce the depth of sensation in the genitals- can lead to erectile dysfunction.

What role does follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) play for males?

FSH: Stimulates spermatogenic cells in the seminiferous tubules to produce sperm

LH: Stimulates cells in the testes to produce testosterone

Apply the concept of bodily integrity rights to female genital mutilation and circumcision.

Personal autonomy and self-determination over one's own body. Females should be old enough to choose whether or not they undergo genital mutilation

Understand the parts of the sexual anatomy that is analogous / homologous (similar) to each other for both biological sexes

1.Gonad: start from the same body part in fetal development and change in the presence of different hormones. Testes in the male and ovaries in the female.

2. Estrogen and Testosterone: both sexes have it, just in different amounts

3. Clitoris and Penis: clitoris is smaller version

Why was the question about males breastfeeding asked in class?

Men have mammary glands in lower amounts and can produce breast tissue/milk.

Understand the side effects of anabolic steroids abuse on the sexual anatomy for both sexes.

Feminizes men: decrease testicle size and takes away testosterone which can lead to infertility.

Masculinizes women: enlarged clitoris

Why are genital and breast exams important for both sexes

Increases sexual comfort, monitor for changes related to health concerns.

What is a common condition during adolescence for males regarding the chest / breast?

Gynecomastia: men have mammary glands and produce breast tissues but usually outgrow during puberty.

Why / how are Kegel exercises beneficial for both sexes?

Strengthens genital muscles, helps with sex and childbirth.

Describe what is distinctive about human sex and love.

People can connect through sexual pleasure in ways other animals cannot since we enjoy sex for pleasure and not exclusively reproduction. We also combine it with love, which can increase sexual pleasure.

Understand how personal sexual needs influence sexual well-being.

It is important to understand what you need to be comfortable in relationships so you can enjoy your own sexuality, since people experience feelings differently based on sexual motivation, background, culture, and gender roles.

Understand how to create a sexual journal and the benefits of keeping one.

Can help people explore their sexual fantasies and sexual needs, since it changes and helps us reflect on our attractions/sources of pleasure.

Understand the importance of testosterone for both sexes

Too much testosterone for males can lead to a feminizing effect (testicles shrink, breast tissue) while it has a masculinizing effect for women (enlargement of clitoris, loss of mammary glands). Role as a major libido in both men and women.

Which form of testosterone is associated with libido

Free testosterone: linked to sexual desire and genital sensitivity

What is testosterone deficiency?

Leads to decrease in sexual desire, sensitivity of genitals, energy loss/depression, weight gain, reduced body hair, decreased bone mineral/muscles.

Understand some of the evidence that was presented to show importance of testosterone.

1.Men who are castrated- castrati (to preserve boy voice in choir) and eunuchs (guarded prostitutes)

2.Antiandrogen drug- prevents hormone from binding/decreases sexual desire

3.Hypogonadism- testes don't produce enough testosterone

touch and sexuality

erogenous zones, most important sexual sense

vision and sexuality

second-most important, visual stimuli can create arousal. More accepted/reported by men.

smell and sexuality

genital secretions, pheromones

taste and sexuality

taste influenced by smell, diet

hearing and sexuality

more individually based- music, sounds during sex, silence

understand differences between primary and secondary erogenous zones.

Primary: highest concentration of nerve endings: genitals, earlobes, lips, behind ear

Secondary: zones you train/associated to be aroused.

What smells did studies find were more attractive to men and women?

Men: lavender, pumpkin pie, doughnuts

Women: licorice, cucumbers, banana nut bread

With regards to taste, why was "you are what you eat" discussed in lecture?

Tastes of secretions are based on diet.

What is the connection between pheromones and sexual attraction and arousal?

Odorless chemical signals our bodies pick up that are thought to increase attraction. Adrostadienone (male semen and sweat) and estratetraenol (female urine) increase attraction in both.

Understand how sexual fantasy shapes sexual motivation and behavior.

Private mental imagery associated with erotic feelings/arousal. Mediated by individual and culture experiences.

Understand the brain's role in sexual arousal (e.g. neurotransmitters).

Fantasy is a mental event-involves cerebral cortex. Oxytocin is an important neuropeptide hormone for bonding/orgasmic release/increased skin sensitivity.

Understand Masters and Johnson's EPOR model of sexual response cycle (including "phases" and terminology).

1. Excitement: vasocongestion

2. Plateau: sex flush

3. Orgasm: increased muscle tension throughout body, then relaxation, endorphins

4. Resolution: refractory period

How is the EPOR model different for each gender?

Male: one response- orgasm and resolution period/retfractory period.

Female: single orgasm, multiple orgasms, extended plateau with no orgasm

How is the EPOR model different from the one proposed by Kaplan?

Includes desire- can come before physical response.

Can both men and women have multiple orgasms?

Only women- men have a refractory period.

female excitement phase

clitoris swells, labia majora separate form opening, labia minora swell and darken, lubrication begins, uterus elevates, breasts enlarge, nipple erection, sex flush, increase in heart rate and blood pressure.

female plateau phase

upper part of vagina expands, orgasmic platform forms, clitoris retracts under hood, areola becomes more swollen

female orgasm phase

uterus contracts, anal sphincter contracts, orgasmic platform contracts 3-15 times

female resolution phase

uterus descends, orgasmic platform relaxes, labia engorgement declines, clitoris descends and shrinks

male excitement phase

erection begins, testicles rise, scrotal skin tenses

male plateau phase

penis fully erect, scrotal skin thickens, testicles engorge and elevate, bulborethral secretion/glands contract

male orgasm phase

vasa deferentia contract, seminal vesicles contract, prostate gland contracts, anal sphitncer contracts, urehtra contracts, semen expelled

male resolution phase

loss of erection, testicles descend

why would someone fake an orgasm?

1. To keep partners

2. Prevent partners from cheating

3. Lack of attraction to partner

4. Want sex to end

5. Lack of sexual experience

coital

penile-vaginal intercourse

noncoital

sexual behaviors that do not involve penetration

coital positions

placement of bodies during sexual intercourse involving penile-vaginal penetration

masturbation

can either be solitary for self-discovery or as a part of relationships

kissing

variety of meanings depending on context, triggers nervous system

oral sex

either fellatio (on male) or cunnilingus (on female)