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B8W1 > THE PHYSIOLOGY OF SEX AND THE SEXUAL RESPONSE > Flashcards

THE PHYSIOLOGY OF SEX AND THE SEXUAL RESPONSE Flashcards

1
Q

what is a libido?

A

a desire for sexual activity

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2
Q

what can desire for sexual activity be affected by?

A 
social and cultural values
thoughts
feelings
experiences
value judgements
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3
Q

what is arousal?

A

the body’s physical response to desire

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4
Q

what can affect arousal? why?

A

gender

age- blood flow slows down as you get older

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5
Q

whats the physiology for both males and females when aroused?

A 
raised blood pressure, pulse and respiratory rate
flushing
nipple erection
genital and pelvic vascular engorgement 
muscle contraction
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6
Q

what does engorgement mean?

A

swelling with fluid e.g. blood

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7
Q

what is the physiology of the state of arousal in females?

A 
enlargement of breasts
nipple erection
vasocongestion of vaginal walls
vaginal lubrication
erection of clitoris and labia
elevation of the cervix and uterus
vagina becomes longer and wider
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8
Q

what is the physiology of the state of arousal in males?

A

penis erection
scrotum thickens
testes rise

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9
Q

what is the plateua phase of the sexual response?

what is the physiological response?

A

the period of sexual excitement prior to the orgasm

increased HR,BP, RR, flushing, muscle tension, sense of impending orgasm

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10
Q

what is the males physiological response in the plateau phase?

A

urethral sphincter contracts
Pre-ejaculatory fluid
Testes rise here

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11
Q

why does the urethral sphincter contract in the plateau phase?

A

to prevent urine mixing with semen (retrograde ejaculation)

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12
Q

where does pre-ejaculatory fluid come from?

A

Cowper’s gland

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13
Q

what is the females physiological response in the plateau phase?

A

Bartholin’s gland secretions increase
Uterus, labia, areola and nipples become more sensitive
Clitoris is sensitive and withdrawals.

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14
Q

what does the bartholins gland secrete?

A

fluids to lubricate the vagina

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15
Q

what is an orgasm?

A

the conclusion of the plateau phase- releasing of sexual tension and endorphins
quick cycles of muscle contractions with euphoric sensations

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16
Q

describe the physiology of a male orgasm?

A

associated usually with ejaculation

3-6 contractions of the urethra, pelvic floor and anus

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17
Q

describe the physiology of a female orgasm?

A

5-12 contractions of the uterus, vagina, anus and pelvic floor
increased vaginal secretions

18
Q

what is the resolution stage of the sex response?

A

relaxation and drowsiness
PR and BP falls
nipples soften
men have a compulsory refractory period

19
Q

describe the male physiological response to the resolution stage?

A

penis softens
scrotum relaxes
testes drop

20
Q

describe the female physiological response to the resolution stage?

A

blood vessels dilate, pelvic organs drain, cervix opens and drops into vagina (closes after 30 mins)

21
Q

what are the stages of the sex response?

A 
desire
arousal
plateau
orgasm
resolution
22
Q

what are the effects of aging on the men’s sex response?

A

delayed erections; less firm
longer excitement stage and interval to ejaculation
more direct stimulation needed to achieve erection
shorter plateau to ejaculation with smaller volume
longer refractory period

23
Q

what are the effects of aging on the women’s sex response?

A

reduced lubrication
reduced vascular engorgement
reduced muscle tension
reduced libido.

24
Q

what can be given to help men and women with sexual function?

A

sildenafil (aka viagra)

hormone replacement therapy

25
Q

what is NATSAL 3?

A

The National Surveys of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles

26
Q

what is hypoactive sexual desire disorder?

A

an absence of sexual desire that could be caused by many things e.g. partners, cultures, medical or physical factors

27
Q

what is sexual aversion disorder?

A

persistent extreme aversion to, all or almost all, genital sexual contact with a sexual partner

28
Q

what is male erectile disorder?

A

an inability to retain an erection until completion of sexual activity
cause is multifactorial e.g. HIV, alcohol, spinal cord lesions etc

29
Q

how can male erectile disorder be treated?

A 
injections
pellets
prostheses
pumps
psychological therapy
30
Q

what is orgasmic disorder? what could be the cause?

A

persistent absence of an orgasm

anger, fear, poor technique etc

31
Q

what is dyspareunia?

A

painful sex

32
Q

what is vaginismus?

A

involuntary contractions so you cannot carry out intercourse.
could be triggered by trauma=phobia

33
Q

how could vaginismus be treated?

A

with vaginal trainers or vibrators

34
Q

what is female genital mutilation?

A

cutting or removing some or all of the external female genitalia

35
Q

what are some reasons for FGM?

A 
tradition
religions
cleanliness
preservation of virginity
better marriage prospects
enhancement of male sexual pleasure
prevention of adultery
36
Q

what are some consequences short and long term for FGM?

A 
pain
bleeding
urinary retention
infections
death
mental health disorders
cysts
ulcers
scarring
sexual dysfunction
poor birth conditions
still births
37
Q

what is the law around FGM?

A

“A person is guilty of an offence if s/he excises, infibulates or otherwise mutilates the whole or any part of a girl’s labia majora, labia minora or clitoris.
It is an offence for a UK national or permanent UK resident to aid, abet, counsel or procure this procedure for another person”
Duty to notify the police if FGM discovered (in any girl under 18yrs) in course of work (disclosure and/or physical signs).

38
Q

what is type 1 FGM?

A

clitoridectomy

partial or total removal of the clitoris

39
Q

what is type 2 FGM?

A

excision

partial or total removal of the clitoris and labia minora

40
Q

what is a type 3 FGM?

A

infibulation

narrowing of the vaginal oriifice by cutting and positioning the labia minora

41
Q

what is type 4 FGM?

A

all other harmful procedures to female genitalia for non medical purposes e.g. piercing, incising

B8W1 (9 decks)

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