Lesson 3: Sex and Human Sexuality

Sexuality

• one of the fundamental drives behind everyone’s feelings, thoughts, and actions.

• defined the

  means of biological reproduction

Human Sexuality

a multidimensional a multifaceted expression one’s unique sensuality, intimacy, sexual identity, and sexualization.

Biological, Psychological, Socio-cultural

3 DIMENSIONS of Human Sexuality

Biological

Human Anatomy & Physiology, Genetic Influence, Physical Maturation

Psychological

Sexual Identity, Parenting, Developmental task.

Socio-cultural

Cultural Belief System & Values, Religious/Socioeconomic Influence, Education of Mass Media.

feeding, fighting, fleeing, & sex

According to Pribram, What are the 4 drives behind every thought, feeling, or action.

Sex

refers to biological characteristics differentiating male, female, or intersex; describe means of biological reproduction; includes sexual organs, such as ovaries

Male, Female, Intersex

Types of Sex

Intersex

• people with chromosomes, anatomy, or other sex characteristics that can’t be categorized as male or female

• Klinefelter, Androgen insensitivity syndrome, classical congenital hyperplasia, Ovotestes, etc.

Sex at Birth

often assigned based on external genetalia; anatomical sex and phenotype (composite observable characteristics of an organism)

1. External Genetalia

2. Reproductive System

3. Sex-linked Chromosomes

4. Hormone levels

5. Brain Differences

6. Secondary Sex Characteristics

Biological Differences between male and female:

Penis & Vagina

External Genetalia of Male & Female

Testes & Ovary

Reproductive Organs Male & Female

• XY

• XX

Sex linked Chromosomes

• Male

• Female

• Testosterone

• Estrogen & Progesterone

Hormone levels

• Male

• Female

Testosterone

Regulate bone mass, sex drive, RBCM Sperm production

Estrogen

regulate menstrual cycle

Progesterone

prepares body for pregnancy after ovulation

Bigger Amygdala (emotion)

Brain structure for MALES

• Bigger hippocampus (learning & memorization)

• Bigger corpus callosum (coordination)

Brain structure for FEMALES

Puberty

is the process of physical changes through which a child’s body matures into an adult body capable of sexual reproduction.

Primary Sex Characteristics

anatomical traits essential to reproduction. (Ex. Sex Organs)

Secondary Sex Characteristics

physical traits that are not essential to reproduction but are influenced by male and female hormones

1. Broadening of chest and shoulders

2. Deepening of voice and appearance of facial hair

3. Appearance of body hair and pubic hair

4. Increase in size of genitals

5. Growth spurt

6. Ability to ejaculate

Physical changes during puberty in BOYS

1. Development of breasts

2. Appearance of hair in the armpit

3. Widening of hips and appearance of pubic hair

4. Growth spurt

5. Onset of menstruation

Physical changes during puberty in GIRLS

• Thelarche

• Adrenarche

• Menarche

• Gonadarche

Appearance of SSC

Thelarche

refers to the changes in breast, scrotum and testes.

Adrenarche

where pubic and/or underarm hair appears.

Menarche

first menstrual flow.

Gonadarche

where the growth of ovaries in girls and testes in boys.

Sex Identification of Typical Cases

an infant is either born male or female; sex at birth is often easily identified by examining the external genetalia

Sex Identification of Atypical Cases

an infant is either born with ambiguous sexual characteristics, making categorization to male or female difficult or impossible at the time of birth; further tests and observations may be required

Intersex

a general term used for a variety of conditions in which a person is born with a reproductive or sexual anatomy that doesn't seem to fit the typical definitions of female or male.

Physical Attractiveness

the aesthetic evaluation of physical appearance.

Body-image

the perception that a person has of their physical self and the thoughts and feelings that result from that perception.

Body Shaming

act of discrimination based on physical attributes; expression of mockery or criticism about a person’s body shape or size.

Gender Dysphoria

a profound state of unease or dissatisfaction over one’s ascribed sex

Body dysmorphic disorder

a mental health disorder in which you can't stop thinking about one or more perceived defects or flaws in your appearance

• a flaw that appears minor or can't be seen by others.