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Understanding The Human Sexual Response
Understanding The Human Sexual Response
(https://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Human+sexual+response)
A biochemical and physiological response to sexual stimulation that occurs in men and women in
and after Puberty stage- maturation of the sexual apparatus occurs and reproductive capacity as
is attained. (https://www.slideshare.net/amydelivios/gender-and-sexhuman-sexual-
responsediversity-of-sexual-behavior)
The biology of human sexuality includes the reproductive system and the sexual
response cycle, as well as the factors that affect them.
Different sexes are anatomically very similar; however, they each have different
physical mechanisms that enable them to perform sexual acts and procreate
(https://www.webmd.com/sex-relationships/guide/your-guide-female-reproductive-system#4)
https://www.webmd.com/sex-relationships/guide/male-reproductive-system#1
Sexual Behavior
Like food, sex is an important part of our lives. From an evolutionary perspective, the
reason is obvious—perpetuation of the species. Sexual behavior in humans, however,
involves much more than reproduction. This section provides an overview of research
that has been conducted on human sexual behavior and motivation. This section will
close with a discussion of issues related to gender and sexual orientation.
MALES
The testes begin to secrete androgen - male sex hormones.
Not only do androgens produce secondary sex characteristics, such as the growth of body
hair and a deepening of the voice, they also increase the sex drive.
Men are capable of (and interested in) sexual activities without any regard to biological
cycles.
FEMALES
When they reach maturity and puberty, the two ovaries begin to produce estrogens and
progesterone – female hormones.
The greatest output occurs during ovulation- egg is released from the ovary.
MEN THINKABOUT SEX MORE THAN WOMEN: 54 % OF MEN REPORT THINKING ABOUT
SEX EVERY DAY, ONLY 19% OF WOMEN REPORT THINKING ABOUT IT ON A DAILY BASIS.
2. Plateau - The period in which the maximum level of arousal is attained, women
experience further swelling of the vagina and increased blood flow to the labia
minora, and men experience full erection and often exhibit pre-ejaculatory fluid.
Both men and women experience increases in muscle tone during this time.
3. Orgasm - The peak of sexual excitement, during which rhythmic muscular contractions occur
in the genitals. Orgasm is marked in women by rhythmic contractions of the pelvis
and uterus along with increased muscle tension. In men, pelvic contractions are
accompanied by a buildup of seminal fluid near the urethra that is ultimately
forced out by contractions of genital muscles, (i.e., ejaculation)
4. Resolution- the interval after orgasm in which the body returns to its unaroused state,
reversing the changes brought about arousal. While many women can quickly repeat
the sexual response cycle, men must pass through a longer refractory period as
part of resolution. Refractory - temporary period that follows the resolution stage and
during which the male cannot develop an erection again.
https://sexologyinternational.com/lust-love-and-attachment/
Depending on the person, love may start out with any of these feelings. Each drive instructs
sexual desire and mating differently. Each involves different neurochemicals in your brain.
Figure A: The testes and ovaries secrete the sex hormones testosterone and estrogen,
driving sexual desire. B and C: Dopamine, oxytocin, and vasopressin are all made in the
hypothalamus, a region of the brain that controls many vital functions as well as
emotion. D: Several of the regions of the brain that affect love. Lust and attraction shut
off the prefrontal cortex of the brain, which includes rational behavior.
LUST- is animal attraction, your desire to have sex with any semi- appropriate partner.
Driven by the sex hormones testosterone and estrogen (sex hormones) in both males and
females, lust involves cravings for sexual gratification and biological horniness.
ROMANTIC ATTRACTION- makes you focus on a particular partner and occurs
when you are truly love-struck and can think of little else. The three main
neurotransmitters involved in this stage, backed by science, are;
https://thebrain.mcgill.ca/flash/i/i_01/i_01_m/i_01_m_ana/i_01_m_ana.html
Norepinephrine (released during attraction, important for attentiveness,
emotions, sleeping, dreaming, and learning), Dopamine ( produced by the
hypothalamus, is a particularly well-publicized player in the
brain’s reward pathway – it’s released when we do things that
feel good to us. In this case, these things include spending time
with loved ones and having sex. High levels of dopamine and a
related hormone, plays a central role in positive reinforcement- SEEKING
PLEASURE AND AVOIDING PAIN (Pleasure is the mechanism that evolution has
developed to encourage us to eat, find a sexual partner, take refuge from the cold, etc. When
action is possible, pleasure is very often the goal, through the desire-action-satisfaction
cycle.) https://thebrain.mcgill.ca/flash/i/i_03/i_03_p/i_03_p_que/i_03_p_que.html and
serotonin (a
hormone that’s known to be involved in appetite and
mood. Interestingly, people who suffer from obsessive-
compulsive disorder also have low levels of serotonin, leading
scientists to speculate that this is what underlies the
overpowering infatuation that characterizes the beginning stages
of love.).
Attachment - is the bond that keeps partners together long enough for them to have and
raise children. The two major hormones involved in this feeling of attachment are
empathy, trust,
vasopressin (arousal phase) and oxytocin (love hormone -
So, in short, there is sort of a “formula” for love. However, it’s a work in
progress, and there are many questions left unanswered. And, as
we’ve realized by now, it’s not just the hormone side of the equation
that’s complicated. Love can be both the best and worst thing for you
– it can be the thing that gets us up in the morning, or what makes us
never want to wake up again. I’m not sure I could define “love” for you
if I kept you here for another ten thousand pages.