Sexual arousal and response Flashcards
What is the typical testosterone level difference between males and females?
Testosterone is 20-40 times higher in males than in females
Where is testosterone primarily produced in males and females?
produced in the testes in males and in the adrenal glands (located above the kidneys) in both males and females
What is hypogonadism?
testes unable to produce usual amount of testosterone
How does testosterone replacement therapy benefit individuals with low levels of testosterone?
improves desire and functioning in both males and females with low levels
not helpful for individuals with normal levels
How does estrogen replacement therapy typically affect sexual symptoms caused by low levels?
can relieve sexual symptoms caused by low levels, but research is mixed
What are the effects of castration on desire and sexual activity?
removal of testes
usually causes markedly reduced desire and sexual activity
Where is estrogen primarily produced in females and to what extent in males?
produced in ovaries in females
in testes in males to a much lesser extent
What role does estrogen play in the sexual response of the vagina?
involved in sexual response of vagina
lubrication
elasticity
thickness of walls
What is oxytocin commonly referred to as, and when is it released?
- neuropeptide hormone “snuggle chemical”
- released during breastfeeding, enhancing mother-child bonding by increasing skin sensitivity
- similarly causes bonding during other forms of physical contact
Serotonin (role in sexual response)
inhibits sexual behavior and oxytocin
Dopamine (role in sexual response)
causes feelings of euphoria and enhances sexual response
Frontal Lobe (role in sexual response)
directs decision making and impulse control
Spinal Cord (role in sexual response)
controls various aspects of sexual response including vaginal lubrication and erection
Primary erogenous zones
dense concentration of nerve endings are there and are the genitals, nipples, perineum, breasts, inner thighs, armpits, navel, neck, ears, and mouth
secondary erogenous zones
any part of the body that have become erotically sensitive based on experience
What are pheromones, and how do they affect behavior?
Chemical signals released by an animal that communicate information and affect the behavior of other animals of the same species
Masters and Johnson’s Four-Stage Model of Sexual Response (components of each stage)
- Excitement
- Plateau
- Orgasm
- Resolution
Excitement - Masters and Johnson’s
physical signs of sexual
females:
- Vasocongestion (engorgement of blood vessels as inflow outpaces outflow) of clitoris, labia minora, and vagina
- Labia majora pulls away from introitus
- Beginning of vaginal lubrication
- Uterus elevates
- Breasts enlarge, veins become more prominent
Males: vasocongestion of penis and testes, triggered by nitric oxide and dopamine
- Beginning of penile erection
- Testes begin to elevate
Both genders:
- Sex flush (redness on chest) appears
- Nipples become erect
- Myotonia (muscle tension) increases, causing grimaces and spasms in hands and feet
- Heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing increase
Plateau - Masters and Johnson’s
Females:
Vagina:
Outer third forms orgasmic platform (area of increased engorgement)
Inner two thirds ballrooms
Clitoris retreats under clitoral hood
Uterus fully elevated
Breasts:
Enlargement continues
Areolas swell
Males:
Testes elevate further and increase in size (50-100%)
Appearance of pre-ejaculatory fluid from Cowper’s glands
Pelvic thrusting becomes involuntary
Both genders:
Carpopedal spasms: contractions of hands and feet, making them appear claw-like
Orgasm - Masters and Johnson’s
contractions causing intense, very pleasurable feelings
Females: contractions in vagina, uterus, and anus
Orgasmic platform contracts 3-15 times
Multiple orgasms reported by about 15% of women
19-68% of women report faking orgasms
Males: contractions in urethra bulb, penis, and anus
Emission phase: seminal fluid builds up in urethral bulb, causing feeling of ejaculatory inevitability
Expulsion phase: semen expelled from penis by strong contractions
Both genders: subjective descriptions of orgasms are similar
Involuntary muscle spasms occur throughout body
Rectal sphincter contracts
HR, BP, and breathing at very high rates
Simultaneous orgasms: occurs in some couples, but uncommon as partners often orgasm from different kinds of stimulation
Resolution - Masters and Johnson’s
deep relaxation as body returns to normal
Females:
Sex organs return to normal positions
Vasocongestion subsides
Takes longer if orgasm hasn’t occurred
Males: usually proceeds rapidly
Sex organs return to normal positions
Vasocongestion subsides
Refractory period: most men are unable to orgasm again for a period lasting couple minutes to days
“Blue balls”: slang term for uncomfortable, persistent pelvic vasocongestion if orgasm isn’t achieved
Vasocongestion
engorgement of blood vessels as inflow outpaces outflow
females: clitoris, labia minora, vagina
males: penis and testes
What are carpopedal spasms, and when are they experienced?
contractions of hands and feet, making them appear claw-like
experienced by both genders in plateau phase
Define ejaculatory inevitability and its significance
in males, the sensation produced during the emission phase of ejaculation that expulsion of semen is imminent, reflexive, and cannot be stopped
often referred to as the “point of no return”
