Chapter 4 Human Sexual Response

Summer Ibarra, M.A. Spring 2009

Models of Human Sexual Response

 Masters & Johnson Four-Phase Model  Excitement    Plateau Orgasm or climax Resolution  Kaplan Three-Phase Model   Sexual desire – psychological component Vasocongestion  Orgasmic release

Sexual Desire

• Women tend to “romanticize” the goals of sexual desire (love, emotional intimacy, commitment), while men are more likely to “sexualize” it (goal is sexual activity).

• No difference in cognitive processing of sexual info. between men and women, but there are distinct differences in emotional processing

Activating the Response: Components of Sexual Arousal

 Internal Stimuli Central Arousal System   Emotional & pleasure centers of the brain When the mind ascribes sexual meaning, genital physiological arousal can be automatic  External Stimuli Peripheral Arousal System  Cues from skin, genitals, nervous system, and senses Research suggests women are less likely to pick up on the physiological cues of their own sexual arousal, though their genitals tends to show response just as quickly as men’s.

Female Sexual Response

(Masters and Johnson’s Model)     Excitement Phase   Vasocongestion and other changes in the genital region Vagina becomes lubricated with an alkaline fluid Plateau Phase   Increased changes in the vagina “Orgasmic platform” is created   Breasts may become swollen and nipples may become erect Increase heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure Orgasm    Heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure reach peak Several muscle contractions of vagina and anal area Pleasurable feelings throughout the body Resolution  Body returns to unexcited state  Drowsiness may occur as muscles relax

Female Sexual Response

Copyright (c) 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

Female Orgasm and G-Spot

     Tend to reach orgasm slower than men during intercourse Reach orgasm more quickly through masturbation Two types of orgasm:    clitoral Vaginal – “uterine orgasm” Some have a “blended orgasm” G-spot – area on the inner front wall of the vagina that is very sexually sensitive (though not found in all women) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKupxneQDB8&featur e=related  Start video at 3:30 in

Male Sexual Response

    Excitement Phase   Vasocongestion leads to erection of the penis Muscular tension increases throughout the body Plateau Phase     Testes may increase in size by 50 percent Cowper’s glands often secrete fluid Glans of the penis becomes swollen Increased heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure Orgasm  “Ejaculatory inevitability” – distinct inner sensation that orgasm is imminent and sense that ejaculation cannot be stopped    Strong muscle contractions at base of penis and anal area Semen is expelled Pleasurable feelings throughout the body Resolution  Body returns to unexcited state, process may take two hours  Drowsiness and relaxation (Refractory period begins)

Male Sexual Response

Copyright (c) 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

Male Sexual Response

 “Male orgasm and ejaculation should be viewed as two essentially separate sexual responses that most often happen at the same time.”  Some research suggest a small number of men (about 5%) experience multiple orgasms, but this is not typical due to the refractory period  During the refractory period, men often cannot be restimulated to orgasm for some time (about 30 minutes for men in their late thirties)

Organizing & Activating Effects of Hormones

 Organizing Effects – ways in which hormones control patterns of early development in the body  Control development of sex glands, external genitals, and nervous system in the fetus  Activating Effects – the direct influence some hormones can have on activating or deactivating sexual behavior   May activate or deactivate sexual behavior Central arousal system is more influenced by hormones than the peripheral arousal system  Testosterone acts as an activator for sexual desire in both men and women   Male hormone (androgen) produced by the ovaries in females and by the testes in males Males have higher levels of testosterone than females, but females are more sensitive to testosterone

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Effects of Aging on Sexual Response

 Females       Thinning of vaginal lining Reduced lubrication Cramping with orgasm Longer time for arousal to occur Longer time to reach orgasm Fewer muscular contractions with orgasm Males      Takes longer to achieve a full erection Reduction in amount of semen Longer time to reach orgasm Reduced strength of orgasmic contractions Lengthening of refractory period  While the frequency of sexual activity decreases, men and women remain sexually responsive and continue to experience sexual pleasure as they age.

Sexual Response Quiz Game

Objective: To test students’ knowledge on female and male sexual response as per Table 4-1 (Female and Male Sexual Response) in the main text Method:  Divide students into groups of four to five per group.

 Instructor establishes an order of which group answers first to last.

 Instructor reads a sexual response from Table 4.1.

 The first group tries to answer which phase the statement comes from; if they answer incorrectly, the instructor may choose to read the same statement to the next group or read a new statement.

 For each correct answer, the group will receive 1 point.

 The group with the most points wins.

  This activity might be best served as a review for the test.

Upon completion: Students will have a gauge of their knowledge on the sexual response cycle

Orgasm Description Activity

Objective: Students will gain a better understanding of the descriptive similarities of male and female orgasms.

Method:  Have students write an anonymous, gender-free description of their orgasmic experiences.

 Besides describing the physical sensations, encourage students to include the psychological and emotional aspects.

 Be aware that some students may not have had an orgasm. They would write on their anonymous paper “Do not know yet.” State that this paper is not for a grade.

 Have students write an M or F at the top of the paper so that you, the instructor, will know if a male or female wrote the paper.

 Collect the papers, then read several out loud and let the students vote as to whether they think a male or female wrote it.

 What usually occurs is that most students pick a paper that they think is written by a male; however, it turns out that it was written by a female and vice versa.

 Upon completion: Students will become aware that how they describe orgasm is quite similar compared to the stereotypical view.