Exam 2 CHAPTER 12

• Chapter 12 explores female anatomy, maturation, the sexual response cycle, gender differences in sexuality, and female sexual disorders.

Gender Identity vs. Sexual Identity

• Gender identity is an individual's internal sense of being male, female, both, or neither.
• Sexual identity is how one identifies in terms of sexual attraction and behaviors.

Female Sexual Anatomy

• Uterus: A pear-shaped organ where a fetus develops.
• Cervix: The lower, narrow part of the uterus that forms a canal leading into the vagina.
• Vagina: A muscular canal extending from the cervix to the outside of the body.
• Urethra: The tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body.
• G-spot (Skene’s gland): An area on the anterior vaginal wall that some women report as sensitive and erogenous when stimulated.
• Clitoris: A highly sensitive organ located at the top of the vulva, responsible for sexual pleasure.
• Corpora cavernosa of clitoris: Two columns of erectile tissue that form the body of the clitoris.
• Glans of clitoris: The sensitive tip of the clitoris.
• Crura of clitoris: The two branches of the clitoris that attach to the pubic bones.

Definitions Related to Female Sexuality

• Vasocongestion: The swelling of bodily tissues caused by increased blood flow.
• Myotonia: Muscle tension.
• Orgasmic platform: The swelling of the outer third of the vagina during sexual arousal.
• Orgasm: The peak of sexual arousal, characterized by intense pleasure and release of tension.

Female Sexual Response Cycle (Masters & Johnson)

• Excitement: Initial arousal, marked by increased heart rate, blood pressure, and vasocongestion.
• Plateau: Arousal intensifies; the orgasmic platform forms.
• Orgasm: Rhythmic contractions of the vaginal and uterine muscles.
• Resolution: Body returns to pre-aroused state.
• Differences between males and females include that females do not have a refractory period, and can have multiple orgasms.

Triphasic Model of Sexual Response

• Sexual response consists of three independent phases: desire, excitement, and orgasm.

Dual Control Model of Sexual Response

• Sexual response is influenced by both excitatory and inhibitory processes.
• Sexual excitation system (SES) and sexual inhibition system (SIS) determine sexual response.

Common Fallacies Involving Female Sexuality

• The idea that there are distinct vaginal vs. clitoral orgasms is a misconception; the clitoris is key to female orgasm.
• Sexuality in older women is often overlooked, despite the fact that they can continue to be sexually active and satisfied.
• Female ejaculation does exist and is when fluid is expelled from the Skene's glands during arousal or orgasm.

Gender Differences in Sexuality

• Men and women show differences in sexual response, orgasm, masturbation, pornography use, attitudes toward casual sex, number of sexual partners reported, hooking up, and first intercourse experiences.
• Typically, men report more sexual partners and more positive attitudes towards casual sex.

BOGUS PIPELINE Research

• The bogus pipeline is a research technique used to convince participants that the researchers know the "truth" about their attitudes or beliefs, in order to get them to answer honestly.
• It is investigates attitudes toward sensitive issues, such as sexual behavior.
• It informs researchers more truthful answers are given when participants think the researchers already know the truth.

Measuring Sexual Arousal in Research

• Penile strain gauge: Measures changes in penile circumference to quantify arousal in men.
• Photoplethysmograph: Measures vaginal blood flow to assess arousal in women.

Factors Affecting Female Sexual Development

• Media can send conflicting messages to young girls, like "be sexy, but don't be sexual".
• Masturbation helps individuals learn about their own bodies and sexual preferences.
• Double Standard: Societal expectations that allow men more sexual freedom than women.
• Missing Discourse of Desire: The lack of open and honest conversations about female desire.

Sexual Disorder Definition

• A sexual disorder is a persistent or recurrent problem that causes distress related to sexual functioning.

Female Sexual Disorders

• Orgasmic disorder: Difficulty or inability to achieve orgasm.
• Vaginismus: Involuntary muscle spasms that make intercourse painful or impossible.
• Dyspareunia: Painful intercourse.
• Hypoactive sexual desire: Low or absent sexual desire.
• Asexuality: Lack of sexual attraction to others.

Therapies for Female Sexual Disorders

• Behavioral therapy: Focuses on changing behaviors that contribute to sexual dysfunction.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy: Addresses negative thoughts and beliefs that interfere with sexual functioning.
• Bibliotherapy: Using self-help books and other written materials.
• Kegel exercises: Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles.
• Feminist sex therapy: Includes education, assertiveness training, and reclaiming sexual agency.