Sexxual self

• Chapter Objective


  In this chapter, the students are expected to understand and explore various aspects about themselves: the biological make-up of human sexuality and sexual behavior; understanding the human sexual response; the diversity of sexual behaviour; sexually transmitted diseases; the natural and artificial methods of contraception and the material component of establishing identity
• John Gagnon: 'Sex, they argue, is more than the product of instinctual drives: it is the enactment of complex sets of cultural meanings'
• Sex is a prime motivator and common denominator for all of us
• According to Freud, a notable psychologist, human beings are not only social animal but were sexual beings from the start
• Freud believed that even the most prudent, puritanical-appearing individual may struggle greatly against their sexual appetite and expressions
• Sexual Self


  The totality of oneself as a being, including the positive and negative concepts and feelings
• Sexual Self


  • Described well along three dimensions: sexual self-esteem, sexual depression and sexual preoccupation
• Primary Sex Characteristics


  The gonads, which are the sex gland or reproductive gland that produces sex cells, enable the differentiation of the male and the female in many species
• In humans, primary sexual characteristics determine the sex at birth according to the external genitalia: a penis and testicles located in the scrotum for the boys; and the labia and vagina for girls
• Also included in the differentiation of the primary sexual characteristics between men and women are the inner organs: prostate and seminal vesicles in men and the ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus in women
• Secondary Sexual Characteristics


  Characteristics that are not used in reproduction but are apparent in most sexually dimorphic species
• Hormones


  Secreted through the hypothalamus, they initiate the development of male or female secondary sexual traits
• Estrogen


  Ovaries produce three varieties - estradiol, estrone and estriol. Estrogens play a role in the development of secondary sex characteristics that appear at puberty, breast development, fat distribution, regulating the menstrual cycle, and inducing uterine contractions during delivery
• Progesterone


  Produced by the ovaries, it maintains the health of the uterine lining during pregnancy. If there is no pregnancy, the corpus lutem dies, progesterone level falls and the uterine lining is shed during menstruation
• Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH)


  Secreted in the brain, it locally regulates follicular function in the ovary
• Follicular Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH)


  FSH stimulates the follicles within the ovaries to produce estrogen and progesterone. LH signals the follicle to release its egg for possible fertilization
• Testosterone


  The most important hormone for men, it defines masculinity and is responsible for the development of male secondary sexual characteristics
• Testosterone


  • Stimulates the growth of bones and muscles, increases libido and erections, plays a vital role in men's mental health, and promotes general and sexual health
• The human reproductive system usually involves internal fertilization by sexual intercourse
• Human Reproductive Process


  1. Male inserts penis into female's vagina and ejaculates semen containing sperm

  2. Sperm pass through cervix into uterus and fallopian tube to fertilize ovum

  3. Fertilized ovum (zygote) travels to uterus and implants in uterine wall, marking the beginning of pregnancy

  4. Pregnancy continues for 9 months as fetus develops

  5. Childbirth or labor occurs as uterus contracts and cervix dilates to allow baby to pass through vagina
• Erogenous Zones


  Areas of the human body that have heightened sensitivity and can create sexual response when stimulated
• The genitals undergo vasocongestion, which causes increased blood flow and heightened sensitivity when aroused and touched
• Other areas with less nerve endings can also be erogenous depending on how they are stimulated, such as eyelids, forearm and abdomen
• The Brain


  The largest erogenous zone, as it makes the connection between visual stimulation and touch, and can elicit physical and emotional responses to sensual touch
• Erogenous zones


  Areas of the body that can elicit a sexual response when stimulated
• Erogenous zones can include eyelids, forearm, abdomen
• Brain


  The largest erogenous zone, as it makes the connection between visual stimulation and touch
• Research found the brain reacts strongly when a person is being caressed and also when watching another person being caressed
• Frame of mind


  Affects how sexual stimulations are perceived
• Who is touching you

  Affects whether touch is perceived as pleasurable or aversive
• Unwanted touch can be highly sensitive and unpleasant
• Ticklish feet affect many people and they will not enjoy having their feet kissed, massaged or their toes sucked
• Brain responds differently to touch from a woman versus a man, even if the touch is the same
• Eyes


  Looking at a person in a certain way or being watched can create sexual pleasure and sensations
• Pupils dilate when we are aroused making us appear more attractive to the opposite sex
• Lips


  The most exposed erogenous part of the body, containing many nerve endings
• Kissing triggers a cocktail of hormones and neurotransmitters
• Some women can experience an orgasm from prolonged kissing without genital contact
• Neck, collarbone, back of neck

  Very sensitive areas that can be stimulated by licking, kissing, or light caressing
• People with spinal cord injury can enjoy sexual pleasure and sensation through sensual touch of the body above the injury