9 Personal Sexuality

Sexual Health Human sexuality is as rich, varied, and complex as life itself Sexual intimacy can be rewarding but also risky Sexual health is a state of optimal well-being related to sexuality College students are at greater risk of sexual health issues

Sexuality and the Dimensions of Health Safe sex reduces chances of transmitting sexually transmitted infections Physical Responsible sexuality builds trust and commitment Emotional Sexuality can uplift soul, allowing for connection with something greater Spiritual Strong relationships allow safe sexual exploration Social Meeting of minds as well as bodies Intellectual Responsible sexuality increases awareness of our impact on others Environmental

Becoming Male or Female Hypothalamus GnRH Gonadotropins Pituitary Gland Sex Hormones Gonads Hormones are chemical messengers that arouse cells and organs Hormones influence how we look, feel, develop and behave

How Hormones Work Figure 9.1. Puberty

Women’s Sexual Health Figure 9.2. The Female Sex Organs and Reproductive Structures (a) External structure

Women’s Sexual Health (cont’d.) Figure 9.2. The Female Sex Organs and Reproductive Structures (b) Internal structure

Menstrual Cycle Figure 9.3. Menstrual Cycle

Menstrual Cycle (cont’d.) Hypothalamus triggers pituitary to release FSH and LH FSH stimulates follicle development Follicle produces estrogen that triggers ovulation Estrogen and progesterone stimulate uterus to prepare for egg If egg is fertilized, pregnancy begins If egg is not fertilized, menstruation occurs

Women’s Sexual Health (cont’d.) Premenstrual Syndrome Toxic Shock Syndrome Menstrual Cramps Amenorrhea Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Premenstrual Syndrome Causes Hormone deficiency or imbalance Thyroid hormone abnormalities Stress Symptoms Mood changes Anxiety Irritability Forgetfulness Digestive symptoms Hot flashes Insomnia Water retention Treatment Exercise Diuretics SSRI Calcium & vitamin D Less caffeine

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder PMDD is not related to PMS Symptoms Depression during last week of menstrual cycle Cannot function at work, school or home Treatment SSRIs Birth control pill that stops ovulation

Menstrual Cramps Caused by overproduction of prostaglandins; Symptoms include: Abdominal cramps and pain Leg and back pain Diarrhea Tension Water retention

Amenorrhea Absence of menstruation for 3 or more consecutive months Defined Absence of menstruation for 3 or more consecutive months Health Effects Loss of bone density Osteoporosis Stress fractures

Toxic Shock Syndrome Bacterial infection in women who use tampons What Symptoms High fever Rash – peeling of skin Dizziness Very low blood pressure Treatment Antibiotics IV Immunoglobulin

Men’s Sexual Health Figure 9.4. Male Sex Organs and Reproductive Structures

Circumcision Removal of foreskin – skin covering the penis Why? Religious tradition Reduces risk of HIV, herpes, and HPV in men and trichomonas in women Lower risk of penis cancer Less risk of urinary tract infection in babies Easier genital hygiene Prevention of foreskin infections and retraction

Responsible Sexuality Sexually Healthy Relationship Consensual Non-exploitative Honest Mutually pleasurable Protected against STI and pregnancy

College Adult Sexual Behavior Adolescent Sexual exploration, erections, wet dreams, masturbation Kissing, petting, touching, oral sex College See sex as normal peer behavior One-third report using condoms Drinking increases sexual risk Adult Average frequency of sex is once weekly Frequency of sex decreases with education level

Sexual Diversity Sexual or romantic attraction between opposite sexes Heterosexual Sexual or romantic attraction between opposite sexes Homosexual Sexual, emotional, social attraction to member of same sex Bisexual Sexual attraction to both males and females May vary across life-span

Sexual Diversity (cont’d.) Transgender Identify with the opposite gender than their birth gender Behavior as opposite gender for social pleasure rather than sexual gratification Transsexual Feel trapped in body of wrong gender May undergo gender reassignment surgery

Sexual Activity Fantasy Celibacy Masturbation Oral Sex Intercourse Anal Stimulation Outercourse Anal Intercourse Abstinence

Plateau Orgasm Resolution Sexual Response Excitement Stimulation causes male erection and female lubrication Plateau Excitement intensifies – penis increases in length, vagina swells Orgasm 3-12 muscular contractions 4/5 second apart for up to 60 seconds Return to non-excited state Heart rate, blood pressure and breathing return to normal Resolution

Sexual Concerns Safer sex Sexual difficulties and dysfunctions Erectile dysfunction Orgasm problems in men Female sexual dysfunction Sex therapy Drugs and sex

Atypical Behavior Sexual addiction Sexual deviations Business of sex

Chapter Summary Explain Identify List Define Describe Role of hormones in sexual development Identify Anatomy and physiology of male and female reproductive systems Sexual health conditions of women and men List Sexually responsible behaviors Define Sexual diversity Describe Phases of sexual response