Comprehensive Sexual Behavior and Contraception: Key Concepts and Cultural Perspectives

Sexual attraction

Not required for sex; people can have sex for many reasons beyond attraction (e.g., reproduction, social bonding, power).

Attractiveness

Generally found in symmetry, clear skin, youth, and traits signaling health; varies by culture.

Cultural differences in attractiveness

Cultures value different body types, skin tones, and signs of fertility or status.

Choice blindness

When people fail to notice a change in the option they chose and justify a choice they didn't actually make.

Coolidge effect

Renewed sexual interest after being introduced to a new partner.

Sexual fantasies by gender

Men's fantasies are more visual and varied; women's often focus on emotional connection and context.

Testosterone and sexual behavior

Increases sexual desire in all genders; low testosterone lowers libido.

Orgasm and the brain

Activates reward and pleasure centers, reduces fear and stress responses.

Phases of the sexual response cycle

Excitement → Plateau → Orgasm → Resolution.

Masturbation demographics

Most likely to occur among young, educated, non-religious individuals; more common alone.

Orgasm frequency

Men orgasm more frequently in both masturbation and partnered sex; women more during masturbation than sex.

Reasons for kissing sexually

To test compatibility, exchange pheromones, and bond; cultural variation exists.

Tribadism

Genital-to-genital rubbing between women; differs from petting or fondling (manual/touching acts).

Coitus

Penile-vaginal intercourse.

Foreplay

Sexual activity before intercourse; men prefer ~10 mins, women prefer ~20 mins.

Sex toys

Fleshlights (male masturbation), ***** (penetration), ********* (anal), vibrators (clitoral or full-body).

Cultural prioritization of pleasure

Men's pleasure tends to be prioritized in many cultures.

Cognitive impairment and sexuality

Can affect consent understanding, sexual behavior regulation, and vulnerability.

Anti-miscegenation statutes

Prohibit marriage or sex between people of different races.

Successful flirting strategies

Humor, eye contact, smiling, and confidence; context matters (e.g., social vs. professional).

Brain activity in romantic love

Romantic love and drug addiction both activate reward pathways.

Anxious-preoccupied attachment

Leads to clinginess.

Predictors of relationship satisfaction

Communication, trust, sexual satisfaction, and equity.

Infidelity prevalence

is fairly common but hard to measure exactly because people often underreport it. Surveys generally find that about 20–25% of men and 10–15% of women in long-term relationships have cheated at least once

Cheating

Roughly 20-25% of people report cheating at some point.

Pregnancy Test Accuracy

About 99% when used correctly; best after a missed period.

Artificial Insemination

Sperm inserted directly into uterus; increases conception chances.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

Eggs and sperm combined outside the body; embryo implanted into uterus.

Gestational Age Counting

From the first day of the last menstrual period.

First-Trimester Symptoms

Morning sickness, fatigue, breast tenderness, frequent urination.

Second Trimester Activities

Most daily activities and sex are safe; avoid risky physical strain.

Birthing Centers

Midwife-run facilities offering home-like births; less medical than hospitals.

Abortion Rates Change

Declined over decades; most abortions occur in the first trimester.

Unintended Pregnancies and Abortions

~45% unintended; ~40% of those end in abortion.

Condom Failure Reasons

Incorrect use, oil-based lube, or breakage; failure ~13% typical use.

Low-Estrogen Pills Pros/Cons

Fewer side effects but slightly higher risk of breakthrough bleeding.

Hormonal Contraceptives Accessibility

Cost, prescription requirements, and cultural/religious restrictions.

Periodic Abstinence Methods

Standard days/calendar = counting; fertility awareness = tracking signs; cervical mucus/sympto-thermal = bodily changes.

Vasectomy vs. Tubal Ligation

Vasectomy: male sterilization that blocks sperm.
Tubal ligation: female sterilization that blocks eggs.
Vasectomy is simpler and less invasive.

Plan B vs. ella

Plan B (levonorgestrel) within 3 days; ella (ulipristal) within 5 days and more effective close to ovulation.

Menstrual Cycles Without Ovulation

Irregular bleeding, infertility, or hormone imbalance.

Sexual Orientation Statistics

Most are heterosexual; smaller percentages identify as gay or bi.

Genetic Component to Sexual Orientation

Twin studies and family patterns; social factors = environment and culture.

Childhood Patterns in Gay Adults

Nonconforming play or interests common on average.

Female-Majority Jobs with Lesbians

Truck drivers, mechanics, athletes, and military roles.

Top and Bottom in Sexual Roles

Preferred sexual roles — giving vs. receiving/active vs. receptive partner.

Outcomes of Conversion Therapy

Ineffective and harmful; linked to depression and trauma.

Heterosexism

Belief that heterosexuality is superior or the norm.

Homophobia

Fear or hatred of gay people.

Biphobia

Prejudice toward bisexuals; reasons not to date include stereotypes about promiscuity or indecision.