BIO307 lecture 10

What makes human sexual motivation unusual compared to other animals?

Referred to as ‘drive’ in lower animals, is an inferred state influenced by multiple factors, and determines engagement in sexual activity

What factors influence human sexual motivation?

Physiological correlates (hormones, odour, visual stimuli), sexual orientation, pleasure, cognitions, attraction (proximity, familiarity, similarity, appearance), learning, culture and attitudes

What occurs during excitement in sexual response?

Men: penile erection begins, testes elevate, hr and bp increase. Women: vaginal lubrication begins, clitoris swells, breasts enlarge, hr and bp increase

What occurs during the Plateau phase of sexual response?

Men: Penis fully erect, testes fully elevated, pre-ejaculatory fluid may be released, breathing rate increases. Women: Vaginal lubrication increases, outer vagina swells, clitoris retracts under hood, breathing rate increases

What occurs in the orgasm phase of sexual response?

Men: rhythmic contractions of penis, ejaculation occurs, intense pleasurable sensations, loss of voluntary muscle control. Women: rhythmic contractions of uterus and vagina, intense pleasurable sensations, loss of voluntary muscle control, no refractory period (can experience multiple orgasms)

What occurs during the Resolution Phase of sexual response?

Men: Rapid loss of erection, testes descend, refractory period begins, body returns to pre-arousal state. Women: Gradual return to pre-arousal state, no refractory period, capable of returning to orgasm with continued stimulation, body relaxes

Why is Helen Kaplan’s three phase model and why is it useful?

It is based on the body’s neurophysiological mechanisms and allows sexual dysfunctions to be easily classified into which phase they occur (lack of desire, erectile dysfunction, painful intercourse)

What are the controversies surrounding female sexual response?

Orgasms (clitoral vs vaginal), G spot (sensitive area in inner front wall of vagina that swells during arousal), ejaculation (semen-like substance from urethra, liked to skene glands and intensity of sexual experience)

Can women experience multiple orgasms?

yes, can be restimulated to orgasm during resolution phase. type of stimulation is linked to frequency, and there is variation between individuals

can men experience multiple orgasms?

Most experience a refractory period without orgasm, few cases suggest multi-orgasm without refractory period. Younger men more likely than older. may involve uncoupling of ejaculation from muscle contractions - without ejaculation, no refractory period

How do hormones regulate arousal and response in women?

There is a variation over the menstrual cycle, but no apparent link to circulating hormone levels. There may be a correlation in adolescent females. Relatively little evidence for “hormonal sex drive”

How do hormones regulate arousal and response in men?

Testosterone level linked to adolescent sexual activity. Testosterone supplements may help sexual dysfunction. Testosterone levels rise after sexual intercourse and watching sports. Testosterone generally linked to physiological arousal

What is the difference between organising and activating hormonal levels?

Organising events: patterning of reproductive organs in development, prenatal determination, postnatal adolescence and maturation (occurring early in life). Activating events: influencing sexual desire, with mixed evidence for androgens playing a role

What role does testosterone play in sexual desire?

It may play a key role in sexual desire. Males produce 10-15 times more. It acts as an “activating switch” but levels don’t parallel desire. Females are much more sensitive to testosterone levels

What effect do oestrogens have on sexual desire?

Seem to have little effect in females but decrease sexual desire in males