Relationships and Human Sexuality Flashcards
Keys to developing and maintaining a relationship
Effective communication
- verbal communication
- non-verbal communication (67%) (eye contact, facial expression)
- Feedback and listening
Intimacy
Open trust, sharing confidential thoughts, often (not always) sexual
Sternberg’s Love Triangle
- Commitment
- Passion
- Intimacy
Fatuous love = Passion and commitment
Romantic love = Intimacy and passion
Companion love = Intimacy and commitment
Mature Love (consumant) = All 3 elements
Crucial ingredients for Commitment
- Love, sex, intimacy
- Mutual trust
- Effective communication
- Willingness to change for each other
- Shared morals and values
Life expectancy of married people vs. single
Married people are healthier and live longer compared to single people
Selection theory: Healthy people are more attractive so more likely to get married
Protection theory: Married people look after each and support each other, leading to longer life
Unhealthy relationships
Warning signs:
- Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
- Attempting to control the other person
- Showing crticism often
- Jealous, angry, overprotective
Factors contributing to divorce
- Age difference (6+ years)
- Age of marriage
- Lower level of education at start of marriage
- Absence of a child
Same-sex marriage
Legalized in 2004
~16.5% married
~ 54% male
~ 16% have children
Sex
Bioloigcal categorization based on physical features
XX chromosome: Female
XY chromosome: Male
Gender
Includes roles and identity. It is a social categorization based on physiological characteristics and roles assigned by society.
Sexual orientation
the pattern of a person’s romantic or sexual attraction to others, typically defined by the genders to which one is attracted.
- Can be same sex or different
Kinsley Scale
Determines whether you are heterosexual or homosexual based on a 6 point scale.
Heterosexual = 0
Bisexual = 3
Homosexual = 6
Cisgender vs. Transgender
Cisgender: Same gender and sex
Transgender: Not the same gender and sex
Female Reproductive Anatomy Terminology
Egg (ovum): Unites with sperm
Ovaries: Production of eggs; released during ovulation
Uterine tube: cite of fertilization
Uterus: region where fetus develops
Vulva: External part of the female genitalia
Male Reproductive Anatomy Terminology
Testes: Produce sperm and testosterone
Scrotum: Encloses and protects testes
Epididymis: Stores sperm
Vans deferens: Connects epididymis with urethra
Urethra: Transports both semen and urine through the penis and out of the body
Egg (Ovum)
Unites with sperm
Ovaries
Production of eggs; released during ovulation
Uterine Tube
cite of fertilization
Uterus
region where fetus develops
Vulva
External part of the female genitalia
Contains:
- Mons Pubis (Pubes)
- Labia (Minor/Major) - Inner and outer folds of skin thta cover vagina
- Clittoris - Pleasure center
Testes
Produce sperm and testosterone
Scrotum
Encloses and protects testes
Epididymis
Stores sperm
Vas deferens
Connects epididymis with urethra
Urethra
Transports both semen and urine through the penis and out of the body
External Male Genitalia
- Penis
- Scrotum
Sperm production optimal at ~34 degree C
Circumcision
Surgical removal of the foreskin
Does size matter?
Penis size can shrink due to cold temperature or nervousness
Average: 5-6 inches erect
Average aroused vagina length: 4.25-4.75 inches
80% or more of women are satisfied with partner’s size, while 55% are men are satisfied with their size
“Master’s of Sex”
Observed, measured, and videotaped human volunteers having intercourse or masturbating.
- 10,000 female cycles, 2,500 male sexual cycles
Concluded 4 stages of human sexual response:
- Excitement phase - Erection (males), Engorgement (females)
- Plateau phase - Extension of excitement phase, erection and engorgement continue
- Orgasmic phase - Rhythmic contractions of muscle, ejaculation (males), muscle contractions in Uterus and Vagina (females)
- Resolution phase - Physiological parameters return to normal
Female vs. Male Sexual Response
- Males experience a refractory period (another orgasm cannot be achieved), females do not
- Females experience a prolonged orgasm compared to males
- Females are able to achieve multiple orgasms in a row
- Female response is much more varied than males
Normal variations
- Oral sex
- Vaginal intercourse
- Anal intercourse
- highest transmission of STDs because anal tissues tear easily
Male sexual performance concerns
- Erectile Dysfunction
Physiological:
Risk factors: alcohol, obesity, nerve damage, high blood pressure and cholesterol
Psychological:
Risk factors: anxiety, stress, mental disorders
- Premature Ejaculation
Treatment: Practicing control, non-sexual thoughts
Female Performance Concern
Female Sexual Dysfunction:
Persistent and recurring issues with arousal, desire, sexual response, pain, achieving orgasm
- May be physiological, psychological, hormonal, psychosocial
