Sexual

Questions to Ponder

  • Why do sexual topics create discomfort when discussed in public?

  • Why do people fall in and out of love?

  • After all the information campaigns on HIV/AIDS, why is there still a rise in HIV cases?

  • Why is there a need for birth control and family planning?

The Sexual Self

  • Human sexuality is influenced by multiple factors:

    • Physical: Biological aspects such as anatomy and physiological responses.

    • Psychological: Personal feelings, thoughts, and emotional responses related to sexuality.

    • Spiritual: Beliefs and values regarding sexual expression.

    • Cultural: Norms and practices surrounding sexuality in specific societal contexts.

  • Individuals identify their sexual self by:

    • Gender: The social and biological characteristics of being male, female, or other.

    • Role: The expected behaviors and duties associated with one's gender.

    • Assignment: The designation of gender at birth based on physical characteristics.

    • Perception: How one views themselves and their identity in terms of sexuality.

Perspective of Human Sexuality

Definition of Sexual Selfhood

  • Sexual selfhood: Refers to how an individual perceives themselves as a sexual being. Acknowledging that human sexuality varies across cultures, akin to perceptions of beauty.

Historical Perspectives

  1. Historical Influences:

    • Ancient Greece: Men held dominant roles; the penis symbolized fertility, and male anatomy was revered.

    • Middle Ages (476 - 1450): The church deemed non-procreative sexual acts as evil.

    • Protestant Formation (16th Century): Sexual intimacy aimed to strengthen emotional and physical bonds between spouses, not just for reproduction.

    • 17th and 18th Century: Puritans held favorable views toward marital sex but condemned extramarital relations.

    • Victorian Era (1873 – 1901): Women were discouraged from enjoying sex; masturbation was associated with severe health and moral consequences.

  2. Biological Perspective:

    • Brain Function: The brain is essential in organizing and initiating sexual behaviors.

    • Reproductive Biology: The fusion of egg and sperm is necessary for the continuation of human life.

    • Secondary Sex Characteristics: Developments during puberty include:

      • For Females: Breast enlargement, hip widening, oily skin, increased hair growth in specified areas.

      • For Males: Lowering voice, increased muscle size, and similar skin changes.

    • Primary Sex Characteristics: Include anatomical structures that differentiate sexes:

      • Male: Testes, penis, scrotum, seminal vesicles.

      • Female: Ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus.

    • Gestation: Internal and external genitalia of fetuses initially appear the same; gender becomes clear around 16-18 weeks of pregnancy.

    • Chromosomes: Threadlike structures in cell nuclei containing genes as basic units of heredity.

  3. Sociological/Evolutionary Perspective:

  • Natural Selection: A mechanism where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and reproduce.

  • Human sexual behavior starts with physical attraction—preferences for physical traits are instinctive and serve genetic survival purposes.

  1. Psychological Perspective:

  • Rosenthal (2013) posits that sexuality involves more than mere physical responses; it encompasses emotions, thoughts, and beliefs. Freud's analysis introduces two facing drives:

    • Sex Instinct (Libido): The pleasure-seeking aspect of human behavior.

    • Aggressive Instinct: The drive for harm towards oneself or others.

  • Freud’s Five Stages of Psychosexual Development:

    • Oral Stage: Focus on oral pleasures.

    • Anal Stage: Focus on controlling bladder and bowel movements.

    • Phallic Stage: Exploration of anatomical differences.

    • Latency Stage: Non-sexual stage where sexual impulses are repressed.

    • Genital Stage: Mature sexual intimacy develops.

  1. Religious Perspectives:

  • Judaism: Views marital sex positively, considering it a blessing.

  • Islam: Emphasizes the importance of family and prohibits celibacy in marriage.

  • Taoism: Holds that sex is natural and necessary for holistic human wellbeing.

  • Hinduism: Sees sexuality as a spiritual force, with ritual lovemaking being a sacred act.

  • Roman Catholicism: Considers marriage primarily for procreation.

Clarifying Sexual Terminologies

  • Sex: Derived from Latin "secare", meaning 'to divide'.

  • Sexuality: Refers to the unification aspect of sexual identity.

  • Sexual Arousal: An emerging phenomenon during adolescence, viewed as a normal part of growth.

  • Gender: Characteristics distinguishing males from females.

  • Gender Role: Expectations around behaviors and attitudes traditionally assigned to a given gender.

  • DSM V Terms:

    • Sex: Biological indicators of male and female capacities for reproduction.

    • Gender Assignment: Initial gender categorization at birth.

    • Gender Reassignment: Legal change of one’s gender identity.

    • Gender Identity: Personal identification as male, female, or other.

Types of Gendered and Sexual Behaviors

  • Masculine: Cultural behaviors and attributes deemed appropriate for men.

  • Feminine: Cultural behaviors and attributes deemed appropriate for women.

  • Androgyny: Combination of masculine and feminine traits.

  • Asexuals: Individuals lacking sexual attraction towards any gender.

  • Hypersexual: Individuals with excessive sexual interests causing life issues.

Phases of the Human Sexual Response Cycle (HSRC)

  1. Excitement Phase:

    • Initial physical reaction involving increased heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tone.

  2. Plateau Phase:

    • Intensification of physical changes preceding orgasm.

  3. Orgasm Phase:

    • Defined by intense pleasure, often accompanied by physiological responses:

      • Females: Vaginal contractions.

      • Males: Ejaculation.

  4. Resolution Phase:

    • Body returns to a non-aroused state.

  • Acknowledgment of Desire Stage: Precedes excitement, intending to seek sexual engagement.

  • Differentiated models:

    1. Triaphasic Model: Highlights sexual desire, excitement, and orgasm.

    2. Erotic Stimulus Pathway Theory: Stages include seduction, sensation, surrender, and reflection.

Chemistry of Lust, Love, and Attachment

  • Attraction: Tied to pleasure and driven by individual preferences; influenced by cultural standards of beauty.

  • Love Defined: Involves care for another's wellbeing, desire for presence, and emotional support, with a significant survey revealing that a majority do not equate love primarily with sex.

The Three Phases of Romantic Love

  1. Attraction Phase:

    • Characterized by infatuation and hormonal involvement (high dopamine and norepinephrine, low serotonin).

  2. Lust Phase:

    • An intense craving for sexual contact, driven by androgens and pheromones.

  3. What is Love?:

    • Encompasses deep emotional connection, wellbeing concern, and social support desires.

John Lee’s Love Styles

  1. Eros: Focused on deep emotional and sexual connection, often characterized by idealism and quick relationship developments.

  2. Agape: Selfless love with no expectation of reciprocity.

  3. Storge: A friendship-based love that emphasizes comfort and stability.

  4. Ludus: Perceives love as a game focused on fun, often devoid of jealousy or commitment.

  5. Mania: A possessive and obsessive love characterized by jealousy and control over partners.

  6. Pragma: A practical approach to love, planning for future goals and compatibility.

The Triangular Theory of Love (Robert Sternberg, 1986)

  • Three Key Components:

    • Intimacy: Emotional closeness and mutual support.

    • Passion: Sexual and romantic desires.

    • Commitment: Decision to maintain the relationship through challenges.

  • Types of Love Include:

    • Liking: Pure intimacy without passion or commitment.

    • Infatuation: Passion without commitment or intimacy.

    • Empty Love: Commitment without intimacy or passion.

    • Fatuous Love: A fast commitment often paired with passion.

    • Consummate Love: The ideal balance of intimacy, passion, and commitment.

The Chemistry of Love

  • Neurotransmitters:

    • Dopamine (DA): Linked to feelings of pleasure and motivation; elevated during romantic interactions.

    • Norepinephrine (NE): Associated with excitement and increased heart rate.

    • Serotonin: Levels fluctuate during恋愛, impacting mood and reflection on relationships.

    • Phenylethylamine (PEA): Involved in sexual arousal and is termed 'love drug'. High levels can be inspired by chocolate.

    • Endorphins: Contribute to feelings of safety, peace, and joy, typically rising during long-term paired relationships.

Theories on Falling in Love

  1. Behavior Reinforcement Theory: Positive feelings arise from rewards in relationships.

  2. Physiological Arousal Theory: Physical changes spur emotion identification.

  3. Evolutionary Theories: Love activities respond to biological sociobiological needs.

Factors Influencing Love Decisions

  • Physical Attractiveness: Subjectively perceived physical beauty.

  • Reciprocity: Preference for individuals who show mutual interest.

  • Proximity: Favoring others who are physically nearby.

  • Similarity: Preference for people with shared characteristics (age, religion, etc.).

Diversity of Sexual Behavior

  1. Sociosexual Behavior: Involves multiple participants, irrespective of sexual orientation.

  2. Solitary Behavior: Self-stimulation leading to sexual arousal and often orgasm, with historical beliefs attaching moral implications.

  3. Erotic Dreams: Involuntary experiences during sleep, often resulting in physical sexual responses.

Sexual Orientation

  • Homosexuality: Emotional and sexual attraction towards the same sex.

    • Lesbian: Women attracted to women.

    • Gay: Men attracted to men.

  • Heterosexuality: Attraction to the opposite sex.

  • Bisexuality: Attraction to both genders.

  • Pansexuality: Attraction irrespective of sex or gender identity.

  • Transgender: Identification with a gender different from assigned at birth.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

  • Named STIs include:

    • HIV/AIDS

    • Genital Herpes

    • Genital Warts

    • Gonorrhea

    • Syphilis

    • Chlamydia

Methods of Contraception

1. Hormonal Methods

  • Oral Contraceptive Pills: Prevent ovulation.

  • Patch: Releases hormones through skin.

  • Ring: Inserted monthly to stop ovulation.

  • Implants: Flexible rod under skin preventing ovulation.

  • Injectable: Long-lasting contraception over 99% effective.

2. Barrier Methods

  • Diaphragm: Used with spermicide.

  • Cervical Caps: Cover cervix, 92% to 96% effective when used correctly.

  • Condoms: Male and female varieties.

3. Behavioral Methods

  • Rhythm Method: Charting cycle to pinpoint fertile days.

  • Abstinence: Complete avoidance of sex.

  • Outercourse: Engaging in non-penetrative sexual activities.

  • Withdrawal: Removing penis before ejaculation.

4. Sterilization Methods

  • Tubal Ligation: Tying fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy.

  • Vasectomy: Cutting and blocking vas deferens for males.

5. Intrauterine Device (IUD)

  • Small device placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy.

6. Emergency Contraception (EC)

  • Used after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy.