Chapter 12 Section 3: Sexual Motivation

Alfred Kinsey and Wardell Pomeroy

18K interviews

-many surprising findings

-pre-marital sex, masturbation, sexual practices

William Masters and Virginia Johnson

monitored and filmed couples having sex

sexual response cycle

1. excitement phase- initial engorgement, lubrication

2. plateau phase- pre-orgasm, heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rise;

full engorgement- conception possible!

3. orgasm- bodily muscle contractions, rates increase; physical reactions

facilitate procreation; gender experience similar for orgasm

4. resolution- return to normal

refractory period

time when orgasm isn’t possible

Sexual Disorders

sexual disorders

premature ejaculation

erectile dysfunction

impotence

orgasmic disorder

impotence

1 in 10 men

fertility

orgasmic disorder

1 in 4 women; infrequently or never experiencing orgasm

estrogen

female hormone, peaks at ovulation

testosterone

male hormone, circumstances affect level; diminishes w/ age; may also affect female sex drive

habituation

decreases response; requires more sexiness; negative affect

nocturnal emissions

(“wet dreams”)

Sexual Orientation

enduring sexual attraction

asexual

no sexual attraction to others